Telva McGruder has worked continuously to expand access to opportunity, both as a lifelong Girl Scout and longtime GSSEM supporter and through her advancing leadership roles at General Motors (GM). Throughout her career, she has championed inclusive cultures, strengthened talent pipelines, and helped create pathways of growth for women and underrepresented communities.
Telva is currently the executive director of global body manufacturing engineering at General Motors, where she leads the next phase of transformation toward an increasingly automated and digital manufacturing approach for vehicle body systems. Prior to her current role, Telva was chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer at GM, where she championed the progress toward a high-performing, inclusive culture across the global organization. Along with a deep commitment to Girl Scouts, her skills and values inspire her to serve on advisory boards focused on community health, environment, and sustainability.
"We are proud that Telva McGruder, former Board Chair of Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan and longtime GSSEM supporter, has been elected to lead the national board," said Monica Woodson, GSSEM CEO. "Telva's years of corporate expertise combined with her longstanding commitment to Girl Scouting will help lead the Girl Scout Movement into a brighter future as we all work to give girls the unmatched experiences to shape the girls of today into the women leaders of tomorrow."
McGruder has been instrumental in GSSEM's STEAM programs, including the Mobile STEAM Lab and other initiatives to develop women and courage, confidence, and character. She was also a recipient of GSSEM's Tough Enough award in 2025.
"As I step into this national leadership role, I remain deeply committed to the mission that I have seen firsthand at Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan. GSSEM is helping prepare the next generation of leaders—financiers, scientists, paramedics, engineers, teachers, designers, urban planners and more—by giving girls the experiences, skills and confidence they need to succeed. The future of our Movement depends on local councils like GSSEM that create pathways for girls to discover their potential and pursue opportunities that strengthen their communities and our workforce," she said.
With the appointment, McGruder becomes the highest-ranking volunteer member in Girl Scouting and joins a prestigious group of past National Presidents that extends back to the Movement's founder, Juliette Gordon Low.
"I am thrilled to work alongside Telva as she steps into this important national leadership role," says Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO of GSUSA. "Telva brings a deep commitment to Girl Scouts and a proven ability to lead through change and innovation. Her leadership will help us expand opportunities for girls, strengthen our Movement, and ensure that more girls have access to the experiences that prepare them to lead in an increasingly complex and interconnected world."
