Girl Scouts San Diego
Whether in the air or on the ground, Southwest Airlines believes community is more than a place – it is at the heart of what brings us together. Southwest Airlines is proud to partner with organizations that complement our values of serving others such as Girl Scouts San Diego. For over a century Girl Scouts San Diego has empowered girls to take the lead in their own lives and make a difference in their communities and the world. This month we are excited to highlight their impact on how they are helping girls reach new heights and we welcome you to learn more about the organization’s impressive history and how you can join in furthering their mission.
Girl Scouts San Diego
For 110 years, Girl Scouts San Diego has carried forward its legacy of openness, inclusion and unity. We have actively embraced all girls and are reflective of American society. Through turbulent and troubled times, through wars and economic depressions, and through periods of peace and prosperity, we have always served girls in every walk of life, without regard to their race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, economic standing, orientation, country of birth or family history.
As part of the largest and most impactful leadership program for girls in the world, Girl Scouts San Diego (GSSD) engages with nearly 15,000 girls in K-12 grades from San Diego and Imperial counties. This significant impact is made possible with and through more than 8,000 adult volunteers as well as generous contributions from its community partners. Among these organizations, Southwest Airlines is proud to support Girl Scouts San Diego and its approximately 23,000-person network.
Celebrating 40-years of serving the San Diego community, Southwest Airlines is a committed partner and advocate through its pillars of loving people, building resilience, and living responsibly. Since 2014, the airline has sponsored various GSSD events, including its annual Cool Women Luncheon, Urban Campout, Power Her Promise and more.
Girl Scouts San Diego offers programming that allows for more girls to experience topics and learn about careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics related to the aviation sector. “We are so proud to call Southwest Airlines a partner for almost two decades,” said Liz Sheahan, Chief Advancement Officer at Girl Scouts San Diego. “Their commitment to empowering girls and women is phenomenal. So many individuals in our network, from Girl Scouts to adult volunteers and GSSD staff, experience the positive impact of having Southwest Airlines’ support.”
In 2017, Southwest Airlines partnered with the USS Midway Museum to launch Operation Wing Scout, a thoughtfully curated series of workshops where Girl Scouts board the USS Midway Museum to learn about the science behind aviation technology. One of the many Girl Scouts who directly benefited from the collaboration, Esha Walia – a Gold Award recipient – traveled to Dallas, Texas in 2018 after winning an essay content. She was able to visit the airline’s headquarters for a tour of its facility and aircrafts. Esha recalls that experience: “At the time, I was so intrigued by various industries and career opportunities that I wanted to soak up as much information as I could. Looking back at my trip to Southwest Airlines’ headquarters, it truly was a once-in-lifetime opportunity. Without the partnership to Girl Scouts San Diego, I don’t know how else I would be able to this.”
More than 45 percent of Girl Scouts in our community live in households that struggle with economic security. Girl Scouts San Diego provides a path to a better tomorrow regardless of a family’s ability to pay – thanks to donors and partners. The community’s support allows all girls to have the opportunity to join Girl Scouts, realize their potential, and fulfill their Girl Scout Promise to make the world a better place. 100% of your donation stays right her in San Diego and Imperial counties.
