Mentors for Girl Scouts 2023 Take the Lead program look to learn from girls

The four 2023 Take the Lead Lehigh Valley honorees are excited to learn from the “exceptional” Girl Scouts they will mentor next year. 

Vicki Doulé, senior vice president, BSI Corporate Benefits; Michelle Kott, chief of police, City of Bethlehem Police Department; Lisa Liddington, vice president of Operations, Lehigh Valley Hospital – 17th Street Campus, Lehigh Valley Health Network; and Darlene Pors, project sales associate manager, H.T. Lyons were chosen by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) because their achievements epitomize Girl Scouts’ values, while also serving as a leadership opportunity for the girls. 

Liddington, who, according to her nomination, has dedicated her career to being a role model for girls and women everywhere, said she is excited to be part of the “unique event” because it is mission based. “This is an opportunity for us to experience their mission and have a meaningful role in what Girl Scouts do.” 

Girl Scouts’ mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, girls are prepared for a lifetime of leadership, success, and adventure in a safe, no-limits place designed for and by girls, GSEP said.   

“I attended the event last year and was blown away by how the girls handled the program,” said Pors, who has a passion for mentoring young women in business, especially STEM, and consistently empowers young women in her industry to succeed in their careers, according to her nomination. “We’re getting to see everything that goes into this and the impact the Girl Scouts has on building confidence in the girls. This is such an awesome experience.” 

The program pairs high school-aged Girl Scouts with an honoree to shadow them for a day, gain career and leadership insights, and receive guidance on building their professional network, GSEP said. The girls, who are selected through a competitive application and interview process, then creatively reflect on the experience and deliver presentations at the event to be held April 25. 

The four honorees will meet their mentees sometime in early January and will spend a day mentoring them at work shortly thereafter. 

 “The girls will get to see the workplace and have an opportunity to connect with the people we work with,” Pors said. 

“I can’t wait to see what I learn from her,” said Doule, who is a role model for her younger female co-workers and leads by example through hands-on mentorship that makes a positive impact on her team every day, according to her nomination. “I’m so impressed with them and to be able to take a day to focus on our current leaders, because that’s what they are, is special.” 

Doule said insurance isn’t super exciting, but this will give a Girl Scout an idea of what goes on day to day. “Our company is a for-profit with a nonprofit heart. I want to encourage her to align with a corporation that gives back,” she said. 

Kott said she wants to show her mentee that the sky is the limit. “She can be anything she wants to be.” 

There are misconceptions about police departments, she said. “Every department is different, and I want to show her what is special about ours. I’m sure she will inspire me with her hopes and dreams.” 

Kott, who is committed to helping young women believe in their goals and understand that they are within reach, according to her nomination, said statistics show law enforcement is 17% female. “We need more women. Studies show women are more empathetic, less threatening in some situations and often use less force. I want to encourage her to look into this (profession) because we need to be reflective of the communities we serve.” 

By spending a day showing her all that goes on in a police department, Kott said, “I want her to know she can do this. And not just becoming an officer. She can be a lieutenant, sergeant and even chief someday.” 

“It’s so important to introduce her to leaders and hear their stories,” Liddington said. “This may be what I needed and didn’t have. Everyone here shares and learns from each other, and I think we are in good hands with young people where they are. I’m very impressed with the girls.” 

Doule agreed. “While my company is 75% female, leadership at most places is still male driven. I want to instill in her that she deserves a seat at the table, and I think this is an awesome opportunity to hear it from a mentor.”