2022-12-07 16:33Press release

Edison Girl Scout Awarded For Elevating Understanding on DEI and Racial Justice

Jacqueline Trotman, Leslie Trotman, and Willie Trotman celebrate Jacqueline's accomplishments at the annual Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey Celebrate Award ceremony.Jacqueline Trotman, Leslie Trotman, and Willie Trotman celebrate Jacqueline's accomplishments at the annual Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey Celebrate Award ceremony.

Jacquelyn Trotman is an inspiration.  Her hard work, dedication, and leadership have earned her the Girl Scout Appreciation Pin, an honor presented for exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.  The recognition stems from her contributions to the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice Advisory Group.  
Jacquelyn became a Girl Scout as a Daisy when she was five years old.  Girl Scouts promised to support her growth through programs that develop courage, confidence, and character.   That promise carries a lot of weight and responsibility.  In 2020, Jacquelyn grasped an opportunity provided by Girl Scouts and joined the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice Advisory Group.  This opportunity allowed her to contribute her ideas and collaborate on the organization's strategic plan, which will help future generations of girls become even more empowered than ever before.
 
The Advisory Group aims to help shape and drive local efforts to combat racism, diversify membership and build a more inclusive environment.  Back in 2020, as a high school sophomore, Jacquelyn participated in local activities calling for social justice and change; however, she felt the projects had limited results.  Instead, Jacquelyn recalls how empowered she felt when the adults in the Advisory Group listened to her perspective and suggestions.  The collaboration and equal leadership that Jacquelyn has experienced in the Advisory Group demonstrates how Girl Scouts is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all of its members.  By working together, young women can be more powerful change agents in their communities.  
 
Jacqueline feels very proud of her work and the Girl Scout community, accepting that not everything is perfect but that it is essential to elevate a shared understanding and remain committed to improving our communities.  She proudly demonstrates the character development that comes with being a Girl Scout.
 
Jacquelyn is now a freshman at Syracuse University.  She sees the Advisory Group as a fantastic example of how people can come together and make real change happen.  The experience she gained has formed an integral part of who she is today; she continues to use the skills developed during her time on the Advisory Group in her college leadership roles and her ongoing advocacy for social justice.  She hopes that other young people will be encouraged to take leadership roles in their communities and use their voices to create positive impacts within their local areas.
 
Jacquelyn continues to be a change-maker on campus.  Her accomplishments serve as a reminder that with responsibility, character, and leadership come great things.  While she is proud of her impact so far, she knows more work still needs to be done.  With her leadership skills and determination, she will continue working hard to create a better world for all.
 
Jacquelyn is genuinely an inspiring example of how one can make a difference at any age or stage of life!  We can't wait to see what she does next!


About Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them.


Contacts

Media Relations Liason
Cindi Sutera