Nominations are now open for the 2026 Leading Women of Distinction Awards

June 23, 2026

Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England Leading Women of Distinction Awards is a special breakfast fundraising event that honors local outstanding women of courage, confidence, and character. Each year, we celebrate and honor leading women who:

Lead by example, exemplify the Girl Scout mission, and make the world a better place
Demonstrate qualities of leadership and excellence in their personal and professional life
Are exemplary role models for the current and next generation

Through the years, GSSNE has honored 71 Leading Women, representing many industries, organizations, and skill sets. We’ve shined a light on those who lead the way in their community by going above and beyond to help others. From teachers to executives, small business owners to CEOs, community pillars to emerging talent, Leading Women of Distinction provides a stage to recognize the hard work it takes to exemplify bravery, empathy, and drive.

This year, consider nominating exceptional women for this special honor. The Leading Women of Distinction Selection Committee will consider nominations of women of all ages and backgrounds who have contributed to the community through professional, family, volunteerism, and/or personal endeavors.

Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice in our work. From its founding in 1912 by a single woman with a disability, to our 1950s national prioritization of racial integration and our early support and commitment to the LGBTQIA2S+ community, the Girl Scout Movement has pushed, and continues to push for equitable access and justice for all. In our Movement, diversity is a hallmark of our membership, equity is at the heart of our foundation, and inclusivity is a cornerstone of our culture—being accepted as you authentically are, being a part of something, and mattering to others—is at our core.

Awards criteria:

Nominee is over 18 years of age and identifies as a woman or gender nonbinary individual.
Nominee does not have to be a former or current member of Girl Scouts.
Nominee should live or work in the geographic area that Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England serves (all of Rhode Island; Pawcatuck, CT; 13 communities in southeastern MA: Bellingham, Blackstone, Attleboro, Fall River, North Attleboro, Plainville, Somerset, Swansea, Westport, Wrentham, Millville, Rehoboth, and Seekonk)
Nominee has demonstrated a commitment to improving the quality of life in the community.
Nominee has demonstrated sustained excellence, accomplishment, and creativity in the sphere of her chosen profession, in her family, and/or in her personal endeavors.
The nominee’s traits and accomplishments align with the Girl Scout Mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

The nomination deadline is July 15, 2026. Honorees will be notified by the end of August.

The Awards breakfast will be held on October 29, 2026 at the Squantum Association in Riverside, RI.

NOMINATE

Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England (GSSNE) is able to celebrate these women thanks to the support of businesses and corporations who are advocates of balanced leadership— those who recognize that gender equality supports business success and growth. These businesses know that supporting Girl Scouts feeds our community’s leadership pipeline. If you are interested in sponsoring this or any other event, please contact Lisa Ducharme at lducharme@gssne.org.