A group of New York area Girl Scouts celebrated Women’s History Month with a lesson they will never forget. They were selected out of 300 other groups for a photo shoot where they fully transformed themselves into iconic women for the day. The Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) collaborated on this project with Tricia Messeroux, the creator and photographer of Toddlewood Studio. Her agency specifically transforms children into celebrities.
This group of elementary-aged girls took on the roles of very important and powerful female leaders across a wide spectrum of race and culture. The women personified included Madam C.J. Walker, Astronaut Mae Jemison, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low, and Vera Wang. The women portrayed in the “Hidden Figures” movie – Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, were also brought to life.
Not only did the young girls boost their confidence levels by acting out the roles of these important women, but they also educated each other about the women they were portraying.
Andrea Bastiani Archibald, chief girl and parent expert at Girl Scouts said:
“It wasn’t just a dress-up day: Each of them learned the stories behind these iconic women, and honored their achievements. They truly became that woman for awhile. They walked out of that shoot a little more inspired, confident, and assured of their own strength.”
“I want to make sure our girls know that no matter what, you can still do whatever you want to do and don’t let anyone stop you. That despite what happens in the world, stay focused, be determined, do what you want to do in your life for the better and you will be successful.”
What an amazing way for these young girls to learn about women’s contributions and shape the path for them to become valuable leaders in society as well. All girls should have similar opportunities to learn and be influenced in such a way through their schools and other community groups.
Featured Image courtesy of Girl Scouts of the USA and Toddlewood Studio via ABC News.
