Sunday, September 11, 2011

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.

Friday, September 9, 2011

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