Girl Scouts of Western Mass move into new headquarters
Date: 1/2/2013
By Lori Szepelak
lori@thereminder.comHOLYOKE — Samantha Budynkiewicz characterizes Girl Scouts as an "all-around sisterhood."
That connection has propelled the 13-year-old to advance over the years from her days as a "Daisy" when she was 5 to her role today as a "Cadet."
"I knew even then that I would learn how to boost my courage and confidence and help others in my community," she said during an interview with
Reminder Publications on a recent visit to the new headquarters of Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts at 301 Kelly Way.
Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912, would be proud, she added.
As the organization winds down its 100th year of celebrations, Pat Hallberg, chief executive officer of the Central and Western Massachusetts Girl Scouts, looks ahead.
"The challenges that girls face today are very different than they were even 10 years ago," Hallberg said. "For example, cyber-bullying, reality television, the barrage of unfiltered and untested information and images, and the increasingly dangerous world we live in."
Hallberg noted that in 10 years society will also be different from today and Girl Scouts will be there to help girls navigate their world, as well as help them understand what that world is to them.
"We will continue to meet girls where they are and bring them the experiences that will help them to grow into the leaders of tomorrow," she said.
Budynkiewicz, of Girl Scout Troop 20654 in Hampden, was animated in Hallberg's office as she shared "fond memories" of each facet of scouting, from being a Daisy, a Brownie, a Junior, and now a Cadet. Along the way, she has learned the importance of volunteering in her community, as well as what it takes to lead and to have the courage to stand behind one's convictions.
"Our troop leaders, Doria Porcello and Maureen Penna, have been role models for all of us since our Daisy days," she said.
As Budynkiewicz anticipates her next challenge as an "Ambassador" in her teens, her focus will be on earning a Gold Award, the most prestigious award presented by Girl Scouts.
"I know my project will center on animals, perhaps a dog park in town," she said.
During the 100th year anniversary, Girl Scouts of the USA has launched an initiative titled www.togetherthere.org, according to Hallberg, who maintains two offices, here in the city and one in Worcester.
Hallberg shares her excitement about the Girl Scouts latest endeavor to propel girls on their path to success. A sign on her bulletin board in her Holyoke office is her motto every day "Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place."
"The gender leadership gap between men and women is still huge even with the strides that have been made," Hallberg said. "We want girls to know we'll support them in their lifetime."
The website encourages individuals to pledge to be a leader who inspires girls and invests in their future.
Hallberg joined the organization in 2008 after living in Ohio for many years raising her family of four daughters with her husband Stephen Brand, a business consultant who works for nonprofits and educational businesses. Hallberg noted that two of their daughters were also involved with Girl Scouts over the years.
"I was a cookie mom," she said proudly.
With family ties also in New England, the couple felt the time was right to make a move and relocated to Wilbraham when the CEO opportunity presented itself for Hallberg.
Hallberg's background working with students in enrichment programs in Ohio that centered on science and math seemed to be a natural fit for leading the Girl Scouts in Massachusetts.
"I believe strongly in helping girls understand how Girl Scouts can help them explore their career opportunities," she said, adding she is available for speaking engagements to share the message of how Girl Scouts can impact any school or community. Hallberg herself was a Brownie, Junior and Cadet, and learned many valuable lessons that are still with her today.
A visit to www.gscwm.org breaks down the organization by programs and includes an extensive calendar of events for those who are interested in learning more about the many facets of Girl Scouts. The regional office in Holyoke serves 186 towns or as Hallberg points out, "From Route 495 to the New York border."
As Hallberg and her staff of 26 continue to roll out new and time-tested programs in the years ahead in their new 9,380-square-foot, eco-friendly building in the Crossroads Business Park, rest assured that girls in the region will have a multitude of options open to them.
Also at the new headquarters, a beautifully appointed Girl Scout Service Center includes all the materials one needs to start a troop or for girls who are in need of purchasing items for their own purposes. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first and third Saturday of each month.
Hallberg maintains a CEO blog on the website and one of her early blogs noted that everyone needs to acknowledge moments, both big and small, that have made a significant impact on who they are.
"One of my defining moments was my decision to move from my home, my friends, and my comfort zone of 25 years in Ohio to come to Massachusetts and work on behalf of girls," Hallberg wrote on her blog. "It was a great decision and one of many moments on my life path that has made me strong."
