Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta (GSGATL) shattered their fundraising goal during their 10th annual Second Century Luncheon. More than $350,000 was raised to fuel the mission to inspire and empower girl leaders in our community through unique programming, leadership experiences, and the opportunity to be a Girl Scout regardless of background.

Wendy Stewart, President, Global Commercial Banking of Bank of America received the prestigious ‘Changing the World’ award in front of an audience of more than 300 at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.

Since 2013, the ‘Changing the World’ Award is presented annually to a woman achieving incredible professional success, and making significant impact in her community.

Incoming CEO of Georgia Power, Kim Greene, presented Stewart with the award; highlighting her business acumen and valuable community contributions through her volunteer leadership roles with Metro Atlanta Chamber, The Grove Park Foundation, Woodruff Arts Center and the Atlanta Committee for Progress.

Stewart spoke on the impact Girl Scouting could have on the world.

“Our world is in desperate need of strong leadership,” said Stewart. “We need leaders who are effective problem solvers who can tackle a range of challenging issues we face like climate change, an uncertain economic and political environment, and tumultuous global events. Girl Scouts equips our future leaders with the Courage, Confidence and Character to face challenges and effectively lead through them.”

Stewart is in good company. Previous awardees include Roz Brewer, CEO, of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Soon Mee Kim, Chief DEI Officer, Porter Novelli and Kathy Waller, former CFO and President of Enabling Services at The Coca-Cola Company and current Executive Director, Atlanta Committee for Progress.

The Second Century Circle is Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta’s major giving society comprised of community leaders who play a vital role in empowering all girls to fulfill their potential. Its investments support interactive learning and skill-building activities such as robotics and coding for 25,000 girls in 34 counties, three year-round outdoor activity centers, financial aid for thousands of girls in under-resourced communities, and training for more than 10,000 adult volunteers.

Presenting sponsors were Chick-fil-A, Bank of America and Southern Company Gas.