Author to speak at sold-out Girl Scout Teen Conference
Susan Bulkeley Butler, acclaimed author of "Women Count: A Guide to Changing the World and Become the CEO of You, Inc.," joins a host of community leaders as the keynote speaker for Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois' "Inspire Teen Conference" from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at Rockford University.
The "Inspire Teen Conference" is based on Butler's book and will focus on her "12 Important Guidelines for Career Success."
Other event speakers include:
• Farrahn Hawkins enhanced the livelihood and education system of Malagasy students during her Peace Corps service in Madagascar. During her service, she started her own nonprofit organization to help countryside students reach the resources necessary to improve their education and their own overall state of living.
• Laura Lindwall built a speaking platform on "No More Pockets," her personal story about overcoming the insecurities of living with a birth defect. "No More Pockets" delivers a timeless message about overcoming perceived shortcomings and persevering through these insecurities to find the freedom of living and loving who we are.
• Joe Rosner is a nationally recognized expert on personal safety, workplace violence, and self-defense. He has wrote several books, including "Street Smarts & Self Defense for Children." His credentials include multiple black belts, military, law enforcement, and bodyguard experience. Rosner founded Best Defense USA after the attacks of 9/11 and has provided training to thousands of children.
• Angela Schmidt founded Potentialocity in 2015 to help people feel empowered and develop the confidence to be the agents of change in their own lives. She is a licensed psychologist, trained professional coach, facilitator, and has worked as a counselor, career adviser, and educator at major universities, community colleges, domestic violence shelters, and community agencies.
• Xavier Whitford is the founder and executive director of Tommy Corral Memorial Foundation and Each Breath of Faith. She has spoken at many schools, churches, and organizations inspiring groups of all ages to end the stigma surrounding mental health by sharing her insights and story in an effort to "end the silence."
More than 100 Girl Scout Cadettes (sixth to eighth grade), Seniors (ninth and 10th grade), and Ambassadors (11th and 12th grade) are registered to attend the sold-out event and will gain insight from successful role models and learn why female leadership is important to the success of our region.
Girls will fulfill requirements toward earning their Public Speaker Cadette badge, Business Etiquette Senior badge, or BIiss Live It! Give It! Ambassador Journey.
"Inspire" is provided in part by a generous Economic Development Grant from Winnebago County, Illinois.
At Girl Scouts, girls are their first and only priority. See how girls prepare for leadership, adventure, and success at why.girlscouts.org. This digital experience showcases Girl Scouts as a powerhouse where girls develop key skills for a lifetime.
Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois serves 16 counties, including parts or all of Boone, Carroll, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago.
To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www.girlscoutsni.org, or call (844) GSNI-4-ME or (844) 476-4463.