GSSEM Girl Scouts Are Serving as Delegates to the UN Commission on the Status of Women
GSSEM is thrilled to be sending four Ambassador-level Girl Scouts as delegates to the UN 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
March 06, 2025
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) sends girls to the prestigious annual gathering of 5,000 women and girls in New York City. This year, Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan (GSSEM) was one of four councils selected to represent the organization.
"Our Girl Scouts' participation at the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women is instrumental in promoting the rights of women and girls throughout the world," said Monica Woodson, CEO GSSEM. "They have a unique opportunity to consider the reality of girls' and women's lives across the world while raising their voices to shape global standards on gender equality, empowerment, and the advancement of women."
The four young women have been active in the Girl Scouts from early on and many are working on or have earned their Gold Awards. It is a prestigious opportunity for these Ambassadors of courage, confidence, and character.
GSSEM's UN Delegates are:
- Jasmine Hunley, Clinton Township, has more than 800 hours of community service and is passionate about the environment and educational equality.
- Sonja Dunlap, Gibraltar, started Girl Scouts as a Cadette and visited the SANGAM World Center in India through Girl Scout Destinations. She supports local libraries and literacy programs.
- Lauren Hatto, Troy, brings Model UN involvement and experience with the Michigan Women's Commission/GSSEM six-month mentorship program.
- Soren O'Dell, South Lyon, is working on their Gold Award, focusing on encouraging youth to empower themselves through volunteerism. They also have a special interest in women's rights in health choices.
"At this conference, we four girls will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to discuss Girl Scouts' international advocacy, share our thoughts on worldwide issues, and let our voices be heard about issues key to women's rights and female empowerment," said Lauren Hatto.
Representative Shri Thanedar of the 13th Congressional District of Michigan, (where the main office of GSSEM is located) submitted Extensions of Remarks to Congress in early February, congratulating the Girl Scouts on their selection and leadership skills.
The Skillman Foundation awarded GSSEM a generous $10,000 grant to support the travel and expenses of the four Girl Scouts and GSSEM representatives during their time participating in the CSW.
About The Skillman Foundation
The Skillman Foundation partners with people to transform the education system, nurturing the brilliance and power of Detroit youth. We believe in People Powered Education. We invest in Detroiters’ power to design an exceptional education system, we support equitable education policy advocacy, and we connect the expertise of students and those closest to them with policy movers statewide.
The Skillman Foundation is a grantmaking organization established in 1960 by Rose Skillman. Across our history, the Foundation has granted out approximately $750 million and has served as a vocal advocate to strengthen K–12 public education, afterschool programming, child-centered neighborhoods, youth and community leadership, and racial equity and justice. Find more information at www.skillman.org.
