Women of Distinction is a community-wide annual celebration of purpose-driven female leaders across a 42-parish service area benefiting Girl Scouts of Louisiana – Pines to the Gulf. Women of Distinction is a unique event that highlights and honors the outstanding accomplishments local women have achieved, Each year, our council calls upon the public to identify women who exemplify excellence in service, leadership, community visibility, and professionalism. These women, like Girl Scouts, are dedicated to service and leadership and exemplify positive values. These role models inspire local Girl Scouts to achieve their own goals and dreams. Proceeds of this charitable event fund the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which helps Girl Scouts grow into the female leaders of tomorrow.

There are two Women of Distinction Luncheons being held in 2025, one in Shreveport, LA and one in Lafayette, LA. The women that will be recognized in our community are as follows:

Shreveport Women of Distinction | Thursday, September 11th, 2025

• Deidra Adair: Executive Director, Children’s Coalition of Northeast Louisiana
• Krystal Critton: Community Engagement Associate, Ronald McDonald House Deanna Curtis: CASA Community Coordinator, Volunteers for Youth Justice
• Cenerica Smith: Executive Director, Louisiana Urban Gardening Initiative/Court Reporter
• Von Jennings: Owner, Von Jennings Consulting Services
• Brittany Bass Arvie: City Court Judge
• Dr. Chelette Holden: Owner, Holden Counseling and Consulting
• Dr. Meghan Olinger: Dean of Student Support and Advocacy, McNeese State University

While this event was established to recognize local women, Girl Scouts of Louisiana – Pines to the Gulf did not want to overlook the value that men in our community bring to Girl Scouting. Therefore, at each of our events, we honor one ‘Man Enough to be a Girl Scout’. This man is elected through the same rigorous nomination process and is chosen based on how closely his community impact reflects the Girl Scout mission. This year’s ‘Man Enough to be a Girl Scout’ Shreveport award will go to Tyler Spears, founder of Saturn Six Creative

The Shreveport Women of Distinction event will take place on Thursday, September 11th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the LSUS Student Union Ballroom. You can purchase tickets for this event here: https://gslpg.networkforgood.com/events/86419-women-of-distinction-north

For more information on the Women of Distinction luncheons including honoree information, sponsorship details, and more, visit the GSLPG Women of Distinction website here: https://www.gslpg.org/en/support-us/Women_of_Distinction.html