Thank You for Joining Us at

Voice for Girls 2026

Presented by:

Friday, September 18, 2026 | 8:00 AM | Newport Beach Country Club

About Voice for Girls

Voice for Girls is an interactive think-tank for Orange County’s decision-makers and key influencers, hosted by Girl Scouts of Orange County (GSOC) to align local leaders around a vital mission: to support and champion girls in reaching their full potential. This annual advocacy event provides attendees with valuable opportunities to connect and network with like-minded professionals across Orange County and local Girl Scouts.

2026 Theme & Event Details

CARE AS A CATALYST FOR CHANGE

In today’s dynamic business environment, support alone is no longer enough. The most effective leaders move beyond intention—transforming care into action that drives meaningful, measurable change. When organizations lead with care, they don’t just uplift individuals; they strengthen teams, spark innovation, and build more resilient organizations.

This session explores how care, when activated, becomes a powerful catalyst for individual advancement, organizational success, and broader community impact.

About the Panel

A panel of high school–age Girl Scouts will share their inspiring “Take Action” projects, demonstrating how care becomes action, and action creates change. Panelists will also share their perspectives on what future workplaces can look like when care is not just encouraged, but embedded in how we lead, collaborate, and innovate.

2026 Keynote:

KELLY VLAHAKIS-HANKS

President & CEO, ECOS

As President and CEO of ECOS plant-powered cleaning products, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks is passionate about advancing both human and planetary health through purpose-driven leadership. She leads four manufacturing facilities across the U.S. as well as a European manufacturing platform. Vlahakis-Hanks is widely recognized for her highly effective leadership at ECOS and her influential voice in safer chemistry, regenerative manufacturing, and corporate social responsibility. Under her leadership, ECOS is the #1 selling green laundry detergent in the United States.

Vlahakis-Hanks led ECOS to become a Climate Positive company after achieving carbon neutrality, water neutrality, and TRUE Platinum Zero Waste certification. ECOS is the first manufacturer to receive LEED® Zero certifications in net-zero energy, carbon, and waste. The company has received many awards for its innovations in safer green chemistry, including the U.S. EPA’s Safer Choice Partner of the Year eight times.

Vlahakis-Hanks received her undergraduate degree at UCLA and her MBA at Chapman University. She has been featured on CNN, CBS News, ABC News, FOX News, NBC News, Bloomberg and MarketWatch and in publications such as Fortune and the Los Angeles Times. She has received several awards for her sustainable leadership, including Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Powerful Women, Conscious Company’s World-Changing Women in Conscious Business, the Environmental Media Association’s Corporate Responsibility Award, and Global Green USA’s Corporate Environmental Leadership Award. Vlahakis-Hanks was played by iconic actress Shannon Elizabeth in the Hollywood feature film A Green Story, which chronicles the inspiring story of the rise of ECOS, overcoming the power of industry corporate giants to become a leader in green manufacturing.

Vlahakis-Hanks is an active member of several boards of directors, including the XPRIZE Foundation, which is incentivizing solutions to some of the world’s greatest problems like climate change. She is also active in public policy advocacy and industry councils, such as the American Sustainable Business Network, working to promote higher standards for consumer products to protect human and planetary health. In addition, she is an active member of YPO and Abundance 360, a select community of executives and entrepreneurs using exponential technologies to transform their businesses.

Vlahakis-Hanks has been a lifelong champion of Girl Scouts ever since she first donned her Brownie sash in 1982. She has carried this devotion into the next generation by raising her daughter as a Girl Scout and was honored with the Celebrate Leadership award from Girl Scouts of Orange County in 2016. She continues to invest in tomorrow’s leaders by hosting an annual Earth Day gathering for Girl Scouts at her corporate facilities, creating opportunities for green science education, professional mentorship, and community connection.

Vlahakis-Hanks resides in California with her husband Eric, an acclaimed African American art gallerist, their daughter, and rescue dog.

Co-Chairs

Kelly Given

Girl Scouts OC Board Member; Associate General Counsel at Lennar Corporation

Learn More toggle arrow

Kelly Given is Associate General Counsel at one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, Lennar Corporation, where she provides legal advice to operational departments throughout the state of California to reduce risk and preserve brand value. She also manages a diverse portfolio of litigation to ensure compliance with the Fortune 200 company’s strategic goals.

Kelly grew up in the Midwest where she was a Brownie and has fond memories of summer camp, repeat songs and crafts. She moved to California to attend UC Berkeley for her bachelor’s degree in English, and then to Boston for her JD at Northeastern University School of Law. For the past 25 years, she’s been a resident of Irvine. Her daughter Kate is a Gold Award Girl Scout who served as a Girl Advisory Member to the Board of Directors. Kelly spent 10 years as a troop leader and was encouraged by Kate to join the Board after their troop bridged to alums.

Kelly is passionate about supporting women through an abundance mindset shift to achieve leadership goals and increase female representation in our society.

Dr. Darla Holland

Former Girl Scouts OC Board Member; Independent Director, and Strategic Advisor

Learn More toggle arrow

Dr. Darla Holland has led the Orange County Medical Association as its President, leading the physicians of Orange County and working to improve the health of all Orange County Residents. She has served as the Assistant Regional Medical Director for Value Demonstration for Kaiser Permanente in Southern California.

She has also served as the Physician Market Lead for National Accounts and met regularly with Kaiser Permanente’s National Customers. In addition, she represented Kaiser Permanente on the National Health Leadership Council, an advisory group to the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions.

An internist by training, she attended Medical School at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. She completed Internal Medicine Residencies at the University of Maryland and the Boston VA Medical Center.

She practices part-time as a primary care physician in Anaheim, California, has served as a faculty member for the Family Medicine Residency at Kaiser Foundation Hospital in Anaheim, and served as the Regional Credentials Committee Chair for Kaiser Permanente Southern California. She is a Delegate to the California Medical Association House of Delegates and has served as the Vice Chair of its Council on Medical Services.

Dr. Holland is a lifetime Girl Scout, having led troops from Brownies through Seniors, supported eight of her scouts in their efforts to earn their Gold Awards, and served on the Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts. She is a supporter of Mitzvah Meals, an organization that provides meals to the homeless and local shelters, and is a Court-Appointed Special Advocate.

Dr. Holland is married to a retired urologist, has two adult children, and is a baseball and hockey fan, enthusiastically supporting the Anaheim Angels and the Anaheim Ducks.

Karen Caplan

Girl Scouts OC Board Member; former President and CEO of Frieda's Specialty Produce

Learn More toggle arrow

Karen B. Caplan is a seasoned executive leader, board advisor, and executive coach with more than 30 years of experience building, scaling, and advising organizations. She is the former President and CEO of Frieda’s Specialty Produce, where she led the family-owned consumer packaged goods company from regional prominence to national and international recognition.

Throughout her career, Karen has overseen strategy, operations, sales, marketing, branding, and organizational culture. She is widely respected for her people-centered leadership approach, her ability to navigate complex, multi-generational business dynamics, and her talent for developing leaders and strengthening organizational performance.

Today, Karen works as an executive coach and advisor, helping leaders make clear, confident decisions in complex environments. She brings deep governance experience, operational insight, and thoughtful judgment to her role as Director at Large.

Laura Watkins Utterback

Girl Scouts OC Supporter; Partner at Newmeyer & Dillion LLP

Learn More toggle arrow

Laura Watkins Utterback is a partner at Newmeyer & Dillion LLP in Newport Beach, California, where she has practiced for more than 28 years. Her work focuses on construction and real estate litigation, with an emphasis on insurance coverage, risk management, and complex construction defect matters. She represents leading California homebuilders, developers, contractors, design professionals, and homeowners in disputes throughout the state, while also counseling clients on construction agreements, warranty programs, contract administration, and strategies to minimize and avoid litigation.

Known for balancing strategic advocacy with empathy and practical problem-solving, Laura approaches every matter with the understanding that behind every dispute are people, businesses, homes, and livelihoods deeply impacted by the outcome. Her practice also includes advising clients on insurance coverage, indemnity, licensing, and regulatory matters critical to protecting both business interests and long-term stability.

In addition to her legal practice, Laura serves on the board of a charitable 501(c)(3) foundation focused on community outreach and philanthropic initiatives that strengthen local communities. Her commitment to service reflects her belief that effective advocacy begins with listening, understanding, and treating every client with respect and compassion.

Laura is also an international best-selling children’s author of the book It’s a Tug Life!, inspired by life on Naples Island and the adventures of beloved tugboats. Through both her professional and creative work, Laura is passionate about building stronger communities, supporting families, and encouraging the next generation through storytelling, leadership, and service.

Voice for Girls 2026 Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Underwriting Sponsors

Community Sponsors

Aaron Packaging

Blank Rome LLP

Christine Mueller

Clark Construction

Farmers & Merchants Bank

John and Jennifer Lavender

Kaiser Permanente

Karen B. Caplan

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

Advocate Sponsors

American College of Physicians So Cal Region II

Angels Baseball

Beacon Pointe Advisors

Christine Shingleton

Huntington National Bank

K&L Gates

Knobbe Martens

Laura Watkins Utterback

M. Hanks Gallery

Orange County Medical Association

PNC Bank

Polyventive

South Coast Plaza

Todd Priest

Watt, Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald LLP

FAQ

What is the attire? toggle arrow

Business attire & Girls Scout official attire welcomed!

What is on the menu? toggle arrow

This event includes a light breakfast buffet, including individual yogurt parfaits, freshly baked mini breakfast pastries and preserves, mini quiches, and roasted breakfast potatoes.

Where do I check in? toggle arrow

Look for Voice for Girls signage directing you to the entrance. Check-in will be located on the first floor. From there, take the stairs or elevator to the second floor for the event.

What should I bring? toggle arrow

Bring your passion, your voice, and your belief in the potential of every girl.

Is my sponsorship or ticket tax-deductible? toggle arrow

Sponsorships and tickets are partially tax-deductible. Fair market value (based on the approximate per-attendee cost and donor marketing benefits) is subtracted from your total contribution: Leadership and Presenting sponsorships have a fair market value of $1,000, Underwriting sponsorships $4,500, Community sponsorships $500, and Advocate sponsorships $200. Girl Scouts of Orange County is a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN: 95-2023244); consult your tax advisor for specifics.

Can I support Voice for Girls if I can't attend? toggle arrow

Yes. The sponsorship form includes an option to make a general gift to Girl Scouts of Orange County even if you're unable to attend.

Who do I contact with other questions? toggle arrow

Please contact Fund Development at fund.dev@girlscoutsoc.org.

Be a Voice for Girls E-Newsletter Archives

Be a Voice for Girls Quarterly E-Newsletters toggle arrow

Voice for Girls E-Newsletter - Spring 2026

Voice for Girls E-Newsletter - Winter 2026

Trefoil Trefoil Trefoil

LEARN MORE ABOUT PAST VOICE FOR GIRLS EVENTS

Building a Brighter Future for Every Girl

As an expert on girl leadership, Girl Scouts of Orange County is uniquely poised to lead Orange County in helping girls reach their leadership potential and place the need for balanced leadership in the workplace and society front and center, locally and nationally.

2025 Voice for Girls toggle arrow

2025 Theme

Female Empowerment: Supporting the Next Generation

In today’s dynamic business environment, fostering a culture where women support and uplift one another is not just a matter of fairness—it’s a strategic imperative. It’s crucial to recognize the profound impact that such support can have on both individual careers and organizational success. We’ll explore how fostering supportive networks among women can drive innovation, career advancement, and organizational success. Studies show that women with mentors are 37% more likely to be promoted (American Management Association, 2019) and prioritizing gender equity leads to higher employee satisfaction with a 30% lower turnover rate (Deloitte, 2020). This forum will focus on actionable strategies to create these supportive environments, benefiting both individuals and organizations alike.

Keynote Update: Women Supporting Women
We’re excited to welcome Emily Calandrelli—Emmy-nominated host, MIT engineer, science advocate, and the 100th woman in space—as our new keynote speaker! Emily is stepping in for her close friend and sister STEM leader, Kellie Gerardi, who is focusing on the important journey of growing her family.

This heartfelt change is a powerful reminder of what it means to support one another—and a celebration of women lifting each other up.

2025 VFG Keynote: Emily Calandrelli

100th woman to fly to space, executive producer and host, aerospace engineer, author, and advocate for girls in STEM

Emily is an MIT-engineer turned Emmy-nominated science TV host and producer, recently becoming the 100th woman to fly to space.

She’s the Host and Co-Executive Producer of Emily’s Wonder Lab on Netflix, a correspondent on Netflix’s Bill Nye Saves the World and the Executive Producer and host of FOX’s Xploration Outer Space. She is known as The Space Gal across social media to her nearly 4 million followers.

Emily is the New York Times Bestselling author of the science experiment books Stay Curious and Keep Exploring and Stay Curious and Keep Exploring Next Level, the picture book Reach for the Stars, and the chapter book series, the Ada Lace Adventures which released its sixth title last year.

2024 Voice for Girls toggle arrow

2024 Theme: Mental Wellness – Balance in Your Life

The last decade has seen an unprecedented rise in mental health problems among young women and girls. Add to that the pandemic and the disproportionate impact it has had on women. Our 2024 event will explore how prioritizing good mental health is about creating balance in your life. When your career, relationships, and self are attended to, then your well-being and personal satisfaction are maintained. We’ll look at how we can rethink, redesign, and achieve workplaces that promote and inspire mental wellness for women, so that today’s girls grow up to enter workplaces that champion their ability to live their best lives.

Keynote: Tara Lipinski, NBC Figure Skating and Olympic Analyst/Host, Olympic Gold Medalist, Influencer

At just 15 years old, Lipinski made history and gained international recognition as the youngest Olympic gold medalist in the Winter Games. The iconic Olympian thrived in the high-pressure world of competitive sports and understands the importance of mental wellness. Beyond figure skating, Lipinski has written two inspirational books and works as an analyst for NBC, covering figure skating and the Winter Olympic Games. A new mom, Lipinski recently went public with her 5-year struggle with infertility before welcoming her daughter through surrogacy. She is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. Read More.

Panel Discussion:
A panel of high school-age Girl Scouts will share their “take action” projects around Mental Wellness and their hopes for future workplaces and relationships that promote women’s wellness and inspire our female leaders, change-makers, and cure-finders.

2023 Voice for Girls toggle arrow

Voice for Girls 2023: Women’s Wellness in the Workplace

Our May 5, 2023 topic, Women’s Wellness in the Workplace, will explore how we can we create workplaces that promote and inspire mental wellness for women, so that today’s girls grow up to enter workplaces that champion their ability to live their best lives, both within and outside the workplace.

Keynote: Casey Cooper, Ph.D. Licensed psychologist, researcher, educator, Girl Scout volunteer, specializing in treating perfectionism

Panel Discussion:
A panel of older Girl Scouts will share action they have taken in the area of Mental Wellness and their hopes for future workplaces that promote women’s wellness and inspire female leaders, change-makers, and cure-finders.

The last decade has seen an unprecedented rise in mental health concerns among young women and girls. Add to that the disproportionate impact the recent pandemic has had on women and we now see their needs reaching crisis levels. Voice for Girls 2023 co-presented by Kaiser Permanente Orange County will explore how we can create workplaces that promote mental wellness for women, so that today’s girls grow up to enter workplaces that support them in living their best lives, both within and outside the workplace.