Happy Holidays!

This time of year always makes me think back on the challenges and accomplishments of the last 12 months. It's been a tough one but the hard edges gave way to new opportunities.

Having run my own company for many years, in July of this year, I was fortunate to join a new company and quickly learned to enjoy the challenges and changes that this new career path has brought into my life.

On the charitable side, my work with Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida continues to fill me with great pride as I have seen so many young girls transition into amazing strong leaders doing great things for our community.

Lastly, my family is happy and healthy. There truly is nothing else a person can ask for. I am blessed.

Happy Holidays!

We wish you much health & happiness for 2012!

Alberto, Foxy & Jeb "the elf"

"Puss in Boots" South Florida Premiere Rocks the Boat!

Kudos to Dreamworks & Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines for hosting the South Florida screening of "Puss in Boots" on the Allure of the Seas docked at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Guests were treated to a sumptuous brunch reception where the stars of the film, Salma Hayek and Antonio Banderas attended. It was great timing to have both Latino stars at the event being that October is Hispanic Heritage month.

Salma Hayek & Antonio Banderas

As per the film itself, I was skeptical of it since most spin off characters movies from hit films usually go straight to DVD, however “Puss in Boots” sets those apart. The film is actually funny and witty with Shrek-styled jokes for the adults to catch. The storyline is entertaining with a few familiar fairy tailed friends from Shrek and some new surprise additions. There are beanstalks, golden eggs and dancing cats, add 3-D to the mix and it’s a must see film for all ages.

It is great to see Hollywood working more Latinos into  mainstream films even if its heavy Spanish accents behind cute animated cats for now.

Girls are struggling with media images

From television and the Internet to music and magazines, the media strongly affects girls’ physical, emotional and social health.

For girls, these three facets of health are interrelated. Self-esteem and body image are a critical part of girls’ health and can often be manifested socially and physically. Right now, girls are struggling with media images, which, as a constant presence in their lives, can hurt their self-esteem and limit their choices of substantive role models.

At the Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida, and in Councils across Florida and nationwide, we are addressing the effects of media images on girls. Our programs help to educate girls on the positive and negative aspects of their interactions with the media, but we cannot solve the problem alone.

Even though we have seen the rise of “girl power” and a more girl-centric media, some media images continue to send girls the wrong message. Even media images directed at children reinforce stereotypes that girls and women must achieve physical perfection to be valued. Too often, girls and women are depicted as sexualized objects valued only for their appearance and sex appeal, according to a recent study by the Geena Davis Institute. The same study notes that most female media characters are still passive and submissive to men and have limited aspirations, leaving girls without active, ambitious female role models.

The Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida can attest to the fact that girls use media images of females to measure their own character and physical appearance. They are often left feeling inadequate. These feelings can lead to serious consequences for girls’ physical, emotional, and social health. For example, the pressure to be thin in order to be beautiful is lowering the age at which girls begin dieting to as low as 8. It is increasing the number of girls suffering from eating disorders. Low self-esteem contributes to decreased success in school and extracurricular activities, premature sexual activity and unhealthy or unsafe relationships with boys.

However, healthy media images help girls have a positive body image, high aspirations, and healthy relationships. Our children should be able to learn, thrive, and lead in an environment full of positive images of girls and women.

We at the Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida provide a safe place for girls to grow into women of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. In the new Leadership Journey, It’s Your Story — Tell It!, program activities and discussions that get girls to think critically about the media, including its portrayal of girls and women, are woven into each grade-level journey with a variety of goals:

At the youngest grade levels, the aim is to get girls to understand marketing tactics for young consumers. As the girls get older, the focus shifts to the limited roles and opportunities that media gives women and girls, and the narrow definition of beauty that media displays. At the highest grade levels, the girls consider the portrayals of relationships between girls and women.

It’s Your Story —Tell It! explores some of the same themes found in uniquely ME!, but as a Girl Scout leadership journey series, it offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to building leadership. Self-esteem is a natural by-product of this particular journey because, through storytelling and creative expression, girls gain a better understanding of themselves and their potential, and gain the confidence to become leaders in their own lives and in the world.

However, it will take the support and effort of our entire community to ensure that our kids are receiving healthy media images. We are asking the community to join us in promoting policies and practices among our local government and businesses that provide healthy media images of girls and women. All children should be surrounded by images that inspire confidence and provide substantive role models.

It is time we make a strong commitment towards creating a community truly invested in girls’ success and health. Together we can ensure that Girl Scouts creates an environment that fosters its children’s health and well-being.

Irela Bagué is the chair of the board of directors of Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida, Inc.


Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/10/15/2454506/girls-are-struggling-with-media.html#ixzz1ayz1HIgM

10 Years Ago

I was in Tallahassee, Florida 10 years ago in a taxi cab on my way to the Capitol when on the radio I heard of the 1st plane crashing the WTC. It seemed like a freak accident but after arriving at the Capitol and waiting in an office for my first appointment, I saw with disbelief the 2nd plane hitting the 2nd building. At that moment, it all became crystal clear, this was no freak accident. Quickly they began to evacuate the building and my thoughts and nerves went to my 1 year old son in Miami.

I remember how hard it was to get calls through to loved ones as the lines were jammed with so much activity. The only thing in my mind was to get back to Miami as fast as possible but no air travel. I remember how strange it was that America's air travel stood still for those days post and how strange it was not to hear any planes fly overhead.

Fortunately, with the help of a few friends we shuttled back to Miami in packed car. I remember hugging my baby the minute I got home and the voice in my head telling me "never forget how precious life is and never forget how envied our freedom is". Those two are worth protecting and fighting for. A profound thank you to all of those who gave their lives that day and to those who continue to help protect our lives and freedom today.

Girl Summit for The Future of Girls in Miami, Florida

The Event

The Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida will host a GIRL SUMMIT for the Future of Girls in Miami, Florida on Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 8:00am to 1:00pm at Jungle Island as a prelude to the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouting in March 2012. Approximately 400 attendees are expected to attend this regional event and will include members of the general public, community leaders, and Girl Scout members from Tampa, West Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

Focus of the Girl Summit

The GIRL SUMMIT will feature speakers and panel discussions that are focused on the message – Live Healthy / Lead Healthy. As we approach the 100th year of Girl Scouting in the U.S., the roles that girls are being prepared to accept in every walk of life have a deliberate focus on girls as leaders. The GIRL SUMMIT will deal with this focus and on the evolving positive images of girls.

Invited Speakers

The Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida has invited Kirsten Haglund (Miss America 2008), Dr. Donna Shalala (President, Univeristy of Miami), and other notable experts in the areas of media, advertising, youth, and health services, as well as alumnae of Girl Scouting and prominent women who have achieved the highest station in their professional and personal lives, to be panelists and speakers.

For Sponsorship Information or to purchase tickets go to www.girlscoutsfl.org

Gables Art Cinema Debuts International Children’s Film Series



Fairy Tale Character's in Eleanor's Secret



Just when Summer was starting to get a bit boring and parents are desperately trying to find anything to keep our kids busy, the Gables Arts Cinema launches its very first children’s film series with a screening this past weekend of Eleanor’s Secret.

The film is a beautifully animated French film (dubbed in English) with a magical and wonderful message about the joys of reading. My two nieces Vanessa and Valerie were happy to join me and truly enjoyed the film and free popcorn and drinks for the opening day festivities.

My nieces enjoying an afternoon at the cinema with Titi

The series continues July 22-24 with The Secret of Kells, a great film combines magic, fantasy and Celtic mythology and amazing animated drawing.  It tells the story of a young boy's adventures in an enchanted forest. The series ends with the Best of New York International Children's Film Festival, a collection of the top animation, live action and experimental film for kids from around the world and runs from July 29-31.

Midge Krams, Chair of the Children’s Program Committee for the Gables Arts Cinema told me that she was extremely pleased with the great turnout. She felt like a little girl waiting for guests to arrive at her birthday party and they did indeed. She also stated that the Gables Art Cinema plans to continue screening films for children and young adults throughout the year.

As a parent, I am happy that we have another film option in our community for our children versus the traditional IMAX 3D action packed over the top animation in mainstream cinemas today.  Kudos to the Gables Arts Cinema!

Upcoming films:
The Secret of the Kells - Friday, July 22 at 11 a.m.; Saturday, July 23 at 11 a.m.; Sunday, July 23 at 12:30 p.m.

Best of the New York International Children's Film Festival - Friday, July 29 at 11 a.m.; Saturday, July 30 at 11 a.m.; Sunday July 31 at 12:30 p.m.



Sampling of the best of NY Intl Children's Film Fest

Special ticket prices for the International Film Series for Children are $3 for children 12-and-under and $5 for everyone else and include free popcorn and a drink, tickets available at the box office in advance or day of screening.

260 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33134, (786) 385-9689 

www.gablescinema.com

It's Burgers, Burgers & More Burgers in Coral Gables



Top: One Burger, Burger Bob's. Bottom: BGR, Five Guys. Collage by Onelia Collazo Mendive.

If you have ever craved a good burger, then Coral Gables is rapidly becoming one of our community’s top places to find one.

I recently visited BGR the Burger Joint, which opened recently in the old Fat Burger space at 232 Miracle Mile. Although I do miss Fat Burger, at least folks can still find a good burger in the same spot just with an ’80s twist on the music and decor.

BGR, originally from Washington, D.C., is now a chain offering a blend of prime, dry-aged, all-natural, hormone-free, grain-feed beef (that’s a mouthful…literally). Apart from the traditional burger you can also try veggie, tuna, Greek and even a lobster burger! They also offer a 9-pound burger for free to anyone brave enough to eat it all in one sitting. It comes with a complimentary bottle of Maalox (LOL). I went for the traditional cheeseburger and was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the meat.

I also liked the freestyle soda fountain dispenser; kids will love mixing Sprite with strawberry soda. And parents can also enjoy a cold one -- they offer draft beer as well as some wine selections.
For those who want a more gourmet-style burger, try One Burger located at 367 Alhambra Circle next to The Globe. This place has been in the Gables for years and consistently serves up tasty traditional and gourmet burgers. They pride themselves on being anti-fast food style and only use the very best ingredients. My favorite is the Frita Cubana seasoned Cuban style with finely chopped raw onions, house-made shoestring fries and tomato sauce.

Speaking of fast-food style, who can say “no” to those Five Guys burgers, not even President Obama can. The Gables location is conveniently located across the University of Miami at 1540 South Dixie Highway. As greasy and high-calorie as these burgers may be, they are just irresistible. I like the simplicity of their menu; they just serve burgers, fries in a bag, hot dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches…oh, and the peanuts.

Last but not least is Burger Bob’s at the Granada Golf Course, 2001 Granada Blvd. The little, out-of-the-way diner has been a local secret spot forever. Bob Magruder will make sure that your burger is made to order and is the perfect size, not too big and not too small, just right.

So, the next time you’re in the Gables with a hamburger craving, there are plenty of places to visit to satisfy your appetite.

http://www.gableshomepage.com/conversations/2011/06/18/blog-burgers-burgers-and-more-burgers-gables

Hispanics Enjoy Networking at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables

Anel Brito, LABA's Exec. Director
photo by Jeannett Slesnick

The first rule of networking is to get out of the office and meet people! It’s always a plus when the backdrop is a historic hotel in Coral Gables. The Biltmore Hotel has become the hotspot for many Hispanic business organizations in Miami-Dade.

I recently attended a networking event hosted by the Latin American Business Association (LABA). Membership is a mixed bag of business people ranging from developers, insurance brokers, attorneys and PR firms to small mom-and-pop shops eager to expand their contacts.

Rick Rodriguez Piña, LABA's Chair Elect
with new members
photo by Jeannett Slesnick

LABA typically invites a prominent speaker to its functions and at this particular event Marc Sarnoff, city of Miami commissioner, shared his vision of bringing new business to the city and streamlining our government.

The very next day, I was back at the Biltmore! Geared up and ready for a day of golf and more networking during the 10th Annual South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Golf Tournament, benefiting Hispanic students seeking college scholarships.

Ready for golf with Rudy Bustamante of Junk Be Gone
photo by Julio Kamara

Members and guests were treated to a perfect day of golf. The Biltmore golf course is exceptional and anyone who plays there always comes back. The best part of these events is the networking that takes place post-tournament.


Golfers relaxed and enjoyed a sumptuous awards dinner along with a live auction. Of course, there is no Hispanic networking event that wouldn’t be complete without the bar, generously sponsored by Bacardi USA. It’s definitely mixing business with lots of fun!

The chamber’s president, Liliam Lopez, commented that this was the first golf tournament the group held at The Biltmore but it often hosts luncheons at the hotel. In fact, the group is returning for its board installation luncheon in a few weeks.

 Commissioner Luz Weinberg & Bouygues Civil Works
photo by Julio Kamara

But wait … there’s more! The Biltmore is hosting the Latin Chamber of Commerce of the United States (CAMACOL) for its 32nd Hemispheric Congress trade show this week (June 1-4). The event is focusing on job creation and retention, as well as economic growth through international trade. Over 19 countries and many national chambers of commerce plan to attend.

What can I say? Latinos love to network and The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables is the place where they are doing it.

http://www.gableshomepage.com/conversations/2011/05/31/blog-hispanic-business-groups-enjoy-networking-biltmore

Guayabera Time...and the Linen is Breezy

Berta Bravo aka
The Guayabera Lady

The heat is upon us and it’s not officially summer yet!  What’s a girl to wear in Miami without looking too under dressed but still professional?  

 A Guayabera of course!

 

The Guayabera, pronounced (goo-ah-yah-bay-rah) originally from Cuba dates back to the 1700’s. The garment was first made for farmers and workers who needed comfortable and cool work shirts.

Fast forward to 2011, and you can find all types and designs of Guayaberas for just about any occasion from casual to formal. 

Berta has been around these garments since she was a little girl. Her father ran a successful Guayabera shop in Cuba and again in Miami until his untimely death in 2003, that’s when Berta picked up where he left off and in 2006 opened The Guayabera Lady store on Biltmore Way in Coral Gables, Florida.  www.theguayaberalady.com

Berta re-fashions a standard Guayabera by changing the buttons, adding distinctive linings and custom fits the garment to your measurements and Voilà you have your own unique designer Guayabera. Customers look forward to having her add her own twist to the traditional garments. 

I personally own a variety of styles from traditional to formal and consider them the perfect summer wear and definitely the official attire for the annual “Cuba Libre” block party sponsored by The Globe in Coral Gables on

Friday, May 20^th.

So, don’t sweat the fashion this summer, get yourself a Guayabera and stay cool.   See you at the block party!

It's All Local at The Local

I was happy to hear that our neighborhood gained a new gastro-pub in the old Randazzo’s spot on Giralda Avenue in Coral Gables.

The Local promises to be a place where all can congregate over craft cold beers and enjoy unique food not typically found in a neighborhood bar. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a bar in Boston or Chicago with brick walls and a long polished wooden bar with friendly bartenders and wait staff.

What makes The Local distinctive from other bar spots in town is the focus on the local area, hence the name. They carry 24 specialty beers on tap with a focus on microbrews from Florida and the rest of the world. They are currently working on a specialized wine list featuring rare, family and regional vineyards.

Most of the food most is bought from local farms in Florida. (Yeah for local support!) Chef Alberto Cabrera, formerly of STK & Karu & Y, prepares a menu that although limited, for a time, due to the early opening of the pub, is creative and unexpected.

We tried the chicken wings, which were amazing! Laced with real honey (you can taste it!) and Korean spices together with hominy and a lime dipping sauce left you wanting more. Then we tried the Gulf Coast shrimp, again not your typical presentation as they were sautéed and placed on a bed of organic grits with tomatoes, onions and broth that melted in your mouth! (PS: I had the left over grits for breakfast the next day…still yummy!)

A must try, if you are just stopping by for a quick snack, is the Charcuterie, featuring a mix of pate, sausages and ham, or the American Artisan Cheeses. Don’t forget to check out the chalkboard for the daily specials.

The Local is currently opened for dinner with a limited menu (can’t wait for the full menu featured online) as well as lunch, coming soon.

150 Giralda Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida

(305) 648-5687       

www.thelocal150.com

Lots of Pomp & Circumstance at JohnMartin’s for the Royal Wedding


I am a Royal Wedding Junkie! There, I said it.



Like many who probably won’t admit it, woke up at 5 a.m., got all dressed up, popped on feathery fascinator (look it up) and walked out the door in need of some strong Earl Grey tea and Scones.

JohnMartin’s Restaurant & Irish Pub in Coral Gables was the place for the viewing the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Upon my arrival, I was surprised to receive a complimentary Kir Royal instead of tea to start the morning celebrations. Well, I guess it’s a special occasion so Happy Hour start’s this early!

Many others were enjoying traditional breakfast treats of smoked salmon crowns and breakfast scones with butter and clotted cream and the official Royal Wedding drink, “The Regal” a concoction made of Chambord flavored Vodka, simple syrup garnished with raspberries and cucumbers slices, definitely a cocktail fit for a princess.

Nandi Fernandez and Aida Zayas



Aida Zayas and Nandi Fernandez stylishly dressed for the occasion; wearing fabulous traditional hats arrived at John Martin’s at 5:45 a.m. for the festivities before heading off to work. Both ladies were so captivated by the romance of the day that they planned to stop by the Biltmore later in the day for High Tea.

Eveyln Russell, Queen Elizabeth look alike winner

The event was well attended by locals and folks from as far away as West Palm Beach. Mrs. Evelyn Russell and her daughter Camille Terry woke up at 1 a.m. to get ready for the trip to Coral Gables. Mrs. Russell was born in England and was delighted to be part of the nuptial celebration and was even crowned the winner of the Queen Elizabeth look-alike contest, well deserved!

JohnMartin’s was happy for the patronage as well as the media which set up early and conducted live telecasts throughout the morning. They usually close up the Pub at 3 a.m. and today they were getting the place ready at that time. A long day indeed for JohnMartin’s, and more guests were expected for lunch during a re-broadcast of the Royal Wedding.

JohnMartin’s has been continually recognized for its cuisine by publications that voted the restaurant “Best Pub Food.” The restaurant features live entertainment every Friday and Saturday nights, from Contemporary Top 40 hits to rock to today’s popular Irish ballads. They also have The Trivia Night on Thursday nights beginning at 8 p.m.

Mixing up The Regal

JohnMartin’s is located at 253 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. For more information, call 305-445-3777, or go to www.johnmartins.com.

http://gableshomepage.com/news/2011/04/29/lots-pomp-circumstance-johnmartin’s-royal-wedding

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/04/29/2193028/blog-lots-of-pomp-circumstance.html

Pulsed the Night Away at the New World Symphony



photo by Irela Bagué

I was lucky to get some last minute tickets to the ever popular and sold out, Pulse: Late Night at the New World Symphony.

VIP Guests were treated to cocktails sponsored by Grey Goose on the rooftop of the impressive Gehry-designed New World Center concert hall. The views of Miami Beach were gorgeous but the best part of the evening was yet to come.

The NWS transforms the hall into a South Beach style nightclub! Combining NWS with the musical artistry of Mercury Soul made up of Jason Bates (the DJ), Anne Patterson (the Artist) and Maestro Benjamin Schwartz (Conductor). The trio brilliantly presents the public a new way of appreciating classical music and contemporary art in marvelous social setting.

I admit, I was treated to an amazing sensory experience. The group effortlessly blends symphonic arrangements with electronica rhythms which are magically enhanced by art installations, a lightshow and cinematic projections creating an ambience which I had yet to experience anywhere in Miami.

This was the second performance this year and from what I can tell, it was a huge success.



photo courtesy of NWS

The Lounge at Norman's 180 brings live music to the Gables

Now there is more to Norman’s 180 than just fine dining. The restaurant owners have made the daring but wonderful decision of bringing live music to Coral Gables on a weekly basis.

The Lounge at Norman’s 180 will delight music enthusiasts with a variety of wonderful bands every Thursday and Friday night.

Happy hour at The Lounge begins at 4 p.m., Girls Night Out on Thursday nights offers free champagne for the ladies, 50% off cocktails for all and delicious bar bites for $6. Finally Fridays offers the same specials sans the bubbly.

After receiving an invitation for the launch of The Lounge, I couldn’t resist temptation and ventured over that Thursday night for Girls Night Out, of course! The champagne flowed and the bar bites were delicioso. My favorites, the Mojo Pork Boniato Croquettes and the Jerk Chicken Wings, fell off the bone.

I was also thrilled that the featured band was Elastic Bond. The band mixes funk and Latin rhythms combined with velvety vocals of the lead singer, Sofy Encanto, and topped off with the amazing guitar styling of Buffalo Brown, who happens to be a fixture/treasure of South Florida’s music scene www.elasticbond.com.

The Lounge’s promoter, who lists a number of South Beach hotspots as clients, knows that music lovers will come out and support this live music venue in Coral Gables. There are virtually no consistent live music spots in the City Beautiful until now. Thank you, Norman’s 180, for stepping up.

I’m certain that with the combination of “Good Music-Good Vibes-Good Food” -- The Lounge’s slogan -- it is destined for success. I’ll certainly be back!

Hours: 

Breakfast: Sun-Sat: 7 a.m.-11 a.m. Lunch: Mon-Sun: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dinner: Sun-Thur: 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri & Sat: 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Happy Hour: Mon-Sun: 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

http://www.gableshomepage.com/out-and-about/restaurants/lounge-normans-180-brings-live-music-gables

<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/12/1533651/restaurant/Miami/Normans-180-Coral-Gables"><img alt="Norman's 180 on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1533651/minilogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:15px" /></a>

Dance Now! Performs in Coral Gables, Florida

The Dance Now! Ensemble (DNE) is one of Miami’s hottest dance companies.  The DNE is in residence at Miami’s Little Haiti Cultural Center, however, on Sunday, April 17, they brought their electrifying and sensual choreography to Coral Gables for a performance at the Cocoplum Women’s Club as part of the Miami Dance Festival as part of Dade Heritage Days.

Dance enthusiasts and the public were treated to small vignettes of larger dance pieces from DNE’s extensive repertoire. As a former dancer, it was most refreshing to see modern dance choreography representing the cultural life of South Florida and dancers representing the region’s multi-ethnicity which happens to be DNE’s mission.

The ensemble's goals are to choreograph and perform high-quality dance, build community, promote diversity, and through teaching and outreach, help audiences gain a deeper understanding of the creative process in dance.

The company was founded in Miami Beach by Diego Salterini and Hannah Baumgarten; both were dance partners and collaborators. DNE is deeply committed to our community and has a long-standing commitment to arts education. The company offers daily classes for children and adults at its home studios, where it also rehearses and performs.

In addition, DNE created and continues to implement DIP (Dance in Public Schools), a comprehensive educational outreach program, stimulating arts awareness, critical thinking and freedom of expression. This program reaches over 1,000 children annually with master classes, workshops, in-school performances, site visits and open dress rehearsals at Little Haiti Cultural Center as well as an apprenticeship program.

The artistic work of the ensemble has received critical and popular acclaim both at the local and national level. “It was certainly a treat to get to see this type of creative dance come to our city. I look forward to future DNE shows,” said Jenny May, a Coral Gables resident.

For additional information regarding future performances go to www.dancenowmiami.org

http://www.gableshomepage.com/news/2011/04/20/dance-now-performs-coral-gables

The Power of the Cookie

Another Girl Scout cookie season has come and gone and as always I am inspired to express my gratitude to our community for continuing to support the future of girls in Miami-Dade & Monroe Counties. 

As we prepare to celebrate our 100^th Year of Girl Scouting, I reflect on how this whole cookie business came about and how it impacts the lives of girls.

The cookie sale was a way to finance troop activities after Juliette Gordon Low started Girl Scouting in 1912. It all started in 1917, in the kitchens of our early girl members and their mothers. The cookie sale became and still is an American tradition.

The Girl Scout cookie sale is the first encounter into the world of business for many of our girls. It provides an important ingredient for forming leadership skills, goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics.

Most Girl Scouts start selling at the tender age of six (Daisies) and by the time they graduate to Junior, Cadettes and Seniors levels are selling well over a 1,000 boxes.

It is no wonder that many of our Girl Scouts grow up to be top leaders and successful business women in our country. From top CEO’s like Val Ackerman, President of the WNBA to Hilary Clinton, former First Lady, U.S. Senator and currently our Secretary of State to powerful performers like Mariah Carey and sports figures like Venus Williams, they were all Girl Scouts who became leaders and have opened doors for more girls.

So, the next time you see a cute little “Daisy” selling cookies at your local grocery store, buy a box or a case because you are investing in our mission of creating girls of courage, confidence and character that make the world a better place and you never know she may just end up being your President one day.

http://www.gableshomepage.com/conversations/2011/04/03/blog-power-cookie