On Oct. 10, Morgaine Wilkins-Dean, a Gold Award Girl Scout, from Denver was celebrated as one of 10 girls from across the country leading change and shaping a brighter future in their community.
The honorees were selected by the White House Gender Policy Council and were celebrated at the Girls Leading Change even hosted by First Lady Jill Biden in honor of International Day of the Girl.
For her Gold Award project, Morgaine spearheaded efforts to combat gun violence in schools by creating a comprehensive policy aimed at keeping firearms off school premises and educating families about the hazards posed by lax gun laws. Collaborating closely with the Denver Public Schools school board, she successfully advocated for changes in DPS policy concerning gun violence prevention.
“It’s a little overwhelming, but becoming a Girl Leading Change Honoree is an amazing opportunity,” Wilkins-Dean said. “It’s been a whirlwind the past few days, and it’s been so good to meet the other girls. It really builds on my leadership experience as a Girl Scout.”
Earning a Gold Award is the highest honor in Girl Scouts. Gold Award Girl Scouts are high school girls who address issues they’re passionate about by planning and implementing a project that produces lasting change in their communities and beyond. Wilkins-Dean was also honored by the Denver Business Journal as the Future Outstanding Woman in Business this past August.
Wilkins-Dean is a political journalism major at Sacramento State University.