Leading Women of Distinction Awards

On April 28, 2016, GSSNE celebrated eight incredible women amongst a crowd of 180 individuals at the Citizens Bank Rotunda in downtown Providence. Check back soon for some images from the event as they become available. And huge thanks to our partner Rhode Island Monthly for believing in the Girl Scout mission! You may see a beautiful video from Blueflash Photography!

The following women were honored:

Gail Alofsin is a Newport resident and former Girl Scout! She is the Director of Corporate Partnership & Community Relations at Newport Harbor Corporation. Gail is also an author and national keynote speaker. Her book, Your “Someday” is NOW! What are YOU Waiting for? focuses on living YOUR best life to the fullest. Since being published in April 2014, 100% of the sales of the book have benefited nonprofits.

Sierra Barter is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Lady Project, a nonprofit that connects, inspires and showcases women doing amazing things through events and community engagement. Sierra has been honored as one of Providence Monthly's "10 to Watch", listed as Rhode Island Monthly's "Most Powerful Women" and the YWCA "Woman of Achievement" in 2014 and as Glamour's 'Hometown Hero" in 2015.

Alison Bologna is award winning journalist who anchors NBC 10 News Sunrise with Frank Coletta. Recently RI Monthly magazine voted Alison the top female reporter in the region! She has received many honors and awards for her journalism, including an Emmy Award, an Edward R. Murrow Award, two Associated Press Awards, a Gracie Allen Award, an Investigative Reporters and Editors Award, and two Clarion Awards. Providence Business News recently named Alison as one of the "40 Under 40" professionals in the Ocean State.

Julie Sygiel is the founder of Dear Kate, a startup that makes high performance underwear and yoga pants. Julie co-founded The Lady Project, a non-profit organization connects, inspires, and showcases awesome women doing amazing things through membership, events, and community engagement. She is also a member of the Girl Scouts of the USA National Board of Directors and has a special place in her heart for Girl Scout Cookies given that she sold 10,000 boxes while growing up!

Kathy O’Donnell is Senior Vice President, Head of Public Affairs for Citizens Bank. She joined Citizens in 1995 as a public relations manager. O’Donnell works with local public affairs teams throughout the company’s 11-state retail footprint. She manages Citizens Bank’s charitable contributions, philanthropic activities, community outreach, volunteerism, communications and local sponsorships.

Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea was sworn in on January 6, 2015, and has dedicated the past twenty years to increasing Rhode Islanders' civic engagement and making our great state a better place to live and work for Rhode Islanders from all walks of life. As Secretary of State, Gorbea is dedicated to engaging and empowering all Rhode Islanders by making government more accessible and transparent, encouraging civic pride, enhancing commerce and ensuring that elections are fair, fast and accurate.

Meg DeCubellis is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design in the Apparel Design Department and has spent her career in and around the fashion industry. Meg currently teaches at both RISD and URI in the departments of fashion and apparel and strives to bring the real world of garment manufacturing into her classroom whenever she can. Meg is also the co-founder of the Katie DeCubellis Memorial foundation, a non-profit organization which she and her husband, John, created after the death of her thirteen-year-old daughter, Katie, at the hands of a drunk-driver.

Nancy Armstrong is a lifelong Girl Scout and dedicated volunteer to the Girl Scout organization. She has inspired generations of girls over her lifetime, and has been working to make the world a better place one girl at a time. She has served on the Board of Directors and various volunteer positions including the Finance Committee and was a State Cookie Chairperson. She has been an avid GSSNE Rhody Rockets canoe team supporter since 1965.