Girl Scouts of Central Texas is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of local distinguished female figures, including Round Rock Councilmember Kris Whitfield.

Whitfield will among those recognized at the annual Women of Distinction awards luncheon on April 22 at the Austin Convention Center. The honorees are:  

• Whitfield, Williamson County, a city councilwoman for Round Rock, is in many ways the face of Round Rock. Her community involvement includes civil service, support of the arts, educational system involvement and more.
• Suzanna Caballero, Travis County, Senior Vice President of Business Banking for Wachovia, has served Central Texas through leadership roles in a variety of community organizations.
• Carolyn Gallagher, Travis County, is a native Austinite and successful business woman. She was President and CEO of Texwood Furniture Corporation for 12 years and currently is a director of Home Therapy Specialists.
• Dr. Dianne Mendoza, Travis County, Vice President of Business and Community Development for Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, has been named as one of the 50 Most Influential Hispanic Women in Texas.
• Patti Patton Bader, Bastrop County, founder of Soldiers’ Angels, a nationally recognized nonprofit to meet the needs of soldiers, veterans and their families. 
• Rebecca Powers, Travis County, recognized the potential of determined women which lead her to launch Impact Austin, a Central Texas nonprofit sector, and empowered women to make a difference in their community.
• Martha Smiley, Travis County, is a well-respected member of the Austin legal community. A proud Longhorn, she served six years as a Board of Regents member for the University of Texas and helped begin the university’s Center for Women in Law.
• SafePlace supports women’s professional growth as is evident by the number of women in senior management, the impressive retention rate and the family-friendly culture.

In addition to the seven Women of Distinction, the Girl Scouts of Central Texas will also honor the 2010 Distinguished Workplace for Women, Safeplace for its support and encouragement of women’s leadership and professional success.
 
The Women of Distinction luncheon celebrates distinguished women who are outstanding members of the community. The honorees demonstrate individual excellence and are role models for all of our members, girls and adults alike. Their achievements illustrate that with hard work and perseverance, anything can be accomplished.
 
“The admirable thing about these women is that they are working mothers, wives and daughters whose commitments and efforts send the message that anyone with the right attitude can achieve great things,” says Stephanie Young, Development Executive, Girl Scouts of Central Texas.
 
Tickets for the Women of Distinction luncheon are now on sale. Proceeds from the event will benefit local Girl Scout leadership programs that are designed to help girls discover their own potential, connect with their peers and take action to better their communities.
 
For sponsorship opportunities and to purchase tickets for the Women of Distinction luncheon, contact Stephanie Young at (512) 490-2329. For Girl Scout membership information contact (800) 733-0011 or send an email to Membership@gsctx.org. 
 
About Girl Scouts of Central Texas
Girl Scouts of Central Texas serves more than 21,000 girls in grades K-12 and nearly 12,000 adult volunteers across 46 Central Texas counties. Headquartered in Austin, Girl Scouts of Central Texas has program centers in Brownwood, Bryan, Killeen, San Angelo and Waco. Through outcomes-based leadership opportunities, girls discover their own potential, connect with others and take action to improve their communities. Girl Scouting offers an array of fun, educational programs focusing on fine arts, science and technology, math, the environment, community service and life skills. Girl Scouts lead with courage, confidence and character, to make the world a better place.