For more than two decades, Girl Scouts of Central Texas has celebrated leaders who demonstrate civic outreach and volunteerism, both professionally and personally, in the Bryan College Station community. These leaders serve as examples to the Girl Scouts by modeling the positive changes that girls can make in the world.
Girl Scouts aims to provide girls a safe place to discover their interests and follow their passions to make the world a better place. Providing role models like the Women of Distinction is a crucial element of the program. When a girl can see the achievements of other women, she learns that she, too, can make an impact.
Women of Distinction is Girl Scouts signature fundraising event, which honors local women leaders whose ethical leadership, professional accomplishments, and community contributions inspire us all to make the world a better place. This year’s seven Women of Distinction honorees exemplify courage, creativity, and tenacity, making them key role models to show young women what it means to be an empathetic and involved leader.
As an organization dedicated to empowering the youngest leaders in the community, Girl Scouts knows there’s no ‘right age’ to begin making a difference. One Rising Star award is presented to a Women of Distinction under 40 years of age, who has demonstrated leadership, initiative, and dedication and has made significant contributions in business and in her community.
Additionally, the Workplace of Distinction award honors businesses who support girls and women in the community, and who encourage and foster women leadership roles within their workplaces.
The proceeds from this event support the Girl Scout leadership program, ensuring all girls in the local communities have the support, experiences, and opportunities they need to realize their potential. Girl Scouts has resources and expertise to engage girls in an exciting, no-limits program where every girl can be inspired, try new things, seek challenges, build a community, and motivate others. Every girl everywhere deserves this opportunity.
Based on the latest guidance related to the spread of COVID-19, Girl Scouts of Central Texas has altered the format of the2020 Women of Distinction from a live event to an online celebration. Friends, family, and community members of the Women of Distinction honorees are invited to attend the online event Sept. 17.
M. Katherine Banks Dr. M. Katherine Banks is vice chancellor of Engineering and National Laboratories for the Texas A&M System, dean of engineering at Texas A&M University, and director of the Engineering Experiment Station. She is a University Distinguished Professor, heads one of the country’s largest engineering schools and is recognized as a compelling advocate for diversity and inclusion and to engaging women in STEM education. Her advice to young women is to “keep a laser focus on your goals and don’t be distracted by small set-backs.”
Mildred Davis Mildred Davis is a Bryan native and a graduate of Paul Quinn College in Waco and Prairie View A&M University. She holds a mid-management certification from Texas A&M and focuses her work on human resources and education. Mildred’s community involvement includes the Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary, Brazos Valley African American Museum, Brazos County Retired School Personnel, and the Bryan College Station Newcomers Club. She is known as a “creative change agent.” Mildred advises young women to dream big.
Eleanor M. Green Dr. Eleanor M. Green graduated from the University of Florida and Auburn University. Eleanor served as the dean of Veterinary Medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M. She established the school’s One Health and Equine Initiatives. Eleanor served as president of the Rotary Club in Gainesville, Florida, and volunteers with numerous youth groups. Professional awards include a Distinguished Achievement Award for Administration at Texas A&M. Eleanor’s advice to young women is to “have integrity, be yourself, and make a difference in the world.”
Jennifer Hathaway Dr. Jennifer Hathaway graduated from Sam Houston State University, followed by Baylor College of Dentistry. In addition to her dentistry practice, she is on staff at CHI St. Joseph Hospital and Rehabilitation Center. Jennifer is a selfless volunteer and founding member of the Aggieland Rotary Club. She is a graduate of Leadership Brazos and has been inducted into the Bryan ISD Hall of Honor. Jennifer is past president of the Brazos Figure Skating Club and a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church. Asked for her advice to young women, Jennifer quotes Mrs. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus, “Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!”
Sallye Henderson Sallye Henderson grew up in College Station and joined Texas A&M as the director of Advising for General Academic Programs. She was honored as Fish Camp namesake and received an Association of Former Students’ Distinguished Achievement Award. Sallye is active at A&M Church of Christ, the local chapter of Delta Delta Delta sorority, and the Military Officers’ Wives Club. Sallye served as the 125th president of The Woman’s Club. Sallye encourages young women to be responsible citizens and tomorrow’s leaders.
Debbie Holladay Debbie Holladay is a local tax professional who is active in the American Business Women’s Association. She is a graduate of Leadership Brazos, Leadership Texas, and Leadership America. She has volunteered with Girl Scouts of Central Texas and Bryan Rotary Club. Debbie has been recognized a Top Ten Business Woman of ABWA and as both the Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer and Ambassador of the Year. Incredible tragedy struck Debbie in 2013 when two of her sons were killed in a traffic accident. Keeping their memories alive empowers Debbie daily. She says this taught her to be grateful for little things and for the people in your life.
Glenda Schneider Glenda Schneider is a graduate of both Texas A&M and Our Lady of the Lake University. She and her husband Dean are devoted Aggies, and in 2017, they were named Aggie Parents of the Year. Since retiring from College Station ISD, Glenda has devoted much of her time to the Lion’s Club. She serves as the Health and Wellness committee chair as a certified medical technologist and coordinates the Lion’s Kid Sight program, which identifies childhood sight problems. Glenda is a board member for the National Alliance on Mental Illness and volunteers at Peace Lutheran Church. Glenda advises young women to never underestimate what they can do.
Rising Star: Marycruz Morales Marycruz Morales is a native of Bryan and a graduate of Sam Houston State University where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. Recently, she completed the certificate in nonprofit management at The Bush School of Government and Public Service. Marycruz’s professional background is in banking. As a young girl, Marycruz made a remarkable recovery from a car accident shortly following brain surgery that required her to relearn how to do daily tasks. She is a dedicated volunteer with work in numerous local nonprofits. Marycruz believes in the self-empowerment of all girls and reminds them to always give back.
Workplace of Distinction: Aggieland Outfitters Aggieland Outfitters is best described as a “homegrown” business deeply rooted in the College Station community. As a Workplace of Distinction, it is a shining example of encouraging women in leadership. The company’s culture empowers women to be independent decision makers and to use their strength and good judgment. Aggieland Outfitters utilizes its time, talent, and treasure in support of many activities, particularly the Federation of Texas A&M University Mothers’ Clubs. Most importantly, the company shares its core values of courage, confidence, character, leadership, entrepreneurship, and active citizenship with Girl Scouts and women of all ages.
Courtesy of the Girl Scouts of Central Texas
