Celebrating 20 Years of the Juliette Low Leadership Society
Since 1912, when Juliette “Daisy” Low founded Girl Scouts of the United States, Girl Scouts has blossomed into a worldwide organization that offers endless opportunities for girls to grow in courage, confidence and character.
Carrying forward Daisy’s legacy is what motivated a group of women to found a chapter of the Juliette Low Leadership Society (JLLS) in 2004. In the 20 years since, the advocacy and philanthropy group has raised more than $5.7 million for Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma (GSWESTOK), providing leadership and life skills for thousands of girls throughout central, southwest and northwest regions of Oklahoma.
Each year, hundreds of community leaders and advocates come together at the JLLS Luncheon in Oklahoma City to raise awareness and funds for the next generation of trailblazers. Supporters gathered for the 20th annual luncheon on Feb. 21 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to hear from keynote speaker Coach Patty Gasso, legendary softball coach for the University of Oklahoma.
Co-chaired by sisters-in-law Amy McLaughlin Gray and Chrissy Bode McLaughlin, the 2024 event highlighted JLLS’ two-decade tradition of uplifting and championing Oklahoma girls. In the spirit of celebrating legacy, the co-chairs’ mother Jean McLaughlin — chair of the McLaughlin Family Foundation and steadfast JLLS supporter since its first year — was recognized as honorary chair.
2024 luncheon sponsors included Chesapeake Energy, Devon Energy, The Gray and McLaughlin Families in Honor of Jean McLaughlin, Annie Bohanon, The Chickasaw Nation, Funk Family, Inasmuch Foundation, Arledge & Associates PC, Angela Bachman, Corner Energy LLC, Irma B. Elliott, Christy and Jim Everest, Kirkpatrick Bank, Joan S. Maguire, Jean McLaughlin, Jeaneen Naifeh, Polly and Larry Nichols, OG&E, Catherine and Andrew Oster, Presbyterian Health Foundation, Regier Cox & Associates, Robinson Park, Lil Ross, The Rudnicki Firm, SONIC Foundation, SSM Health and St. Anthony Hospital and the Vose Family Foundation.
Proceeds from the annual luncheon are invested in everything from scholarship funds to unique leadership programming, STEAM activities, community service projects through the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards (the highest honors within the Girl Scouts Program) and troop leader support.
It’s due to the generosity of JLLS patrons that over 20,000 Girls have received financial aid and how more than 10,000 Girls have been able to attend GSWESTOK’s camps throughout the state. What’s more are the countless friendships and priceless memories made along the way.
With hundreds of inspiring community leaders in attendance, the luncheon is ripe with opportunity for Girl Scouts to absorb valuable life lessons each year. From selling cookies to attendees to participating on stage during the program, the event itself serves as a prime learning experience for Girl Scouts.
While a milestone anniversary might be worthy of a pause for reflection, JLLS and GSWESTOK are firmly facing forward. According to the CDC, nearly one in five children live with mental, emotional or behavioral disorders, and GSWESTOK is committed to providing girls with holistic personal development that equips them with skills to navigate life’s challenges.
“Girls today are experiencing alarming rates of depression and anxiety. They’re spending more time on screens and less time outside or socializing with peers,” said GSWESTOK CEO Janienne Bella. “Now more than ever, we’re focused on providing Girl Scouts with a safe space that promotes the development of a strong sense of self, positive values, challenge-seeking behavior, healthy relationships, and problem-solving skills.”
To learn more about how you can make a difference in the life of a Girl Scout, visit gswestok.org.