For more than a century, Girl Scouts has been the world’s preeminent leadership development experience for girls, building leaders of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts San Diego (GSSD) continues that legacy by providing year-round programming for more than 14,500 girls – from Daisies in kindergarten to Ambassadors in high school – across San Diego and Imperial counties.
This commitment to cultivating strong female leaders is at the heart of Girl Scouts San Diego’s Cool Women Celebration, an event that has honored more than 200 extraordinary women whose professional and community contributions pave the way forward for future generations.
The 2026 Cool Women Celebration will be held on Friday, April 24 and marks a significant milestone: 25 years of recognizing women who break barriers, elevate their communities, and inspire girls to dream boldly.
GSSD is honored to announce Patti Roscoe as Chair of the 25th anniversary celebration. A 2008 Cool Woman alumna, Patti brings decades of business acumen and philanthropic leadership to this role. A visionary in the tourism and hospitality industry, she founded PRA Destination Management Company in 1981 and expanded it across the country before selling its 19 offices in 2007 to a European organization. Patti is also a dedicated volunteer with San Diego State University, San Diego Rotary Club 33, Junior Achievement of San Diego County, San Diego Police Foundation, and more.
Her accomplishments reflect the same values of boldness, entrepreneurship, and innovation that Girl Scouts strives to instill in every girl. “Deciding to franchise my company was a risk I took that changed my life forever,” Patti shared with GB Magazine. “I was from a hardworking, blue-collar family. As a young girl, my Aunt Cathy was my role model. I watched her get up in the morning, put on a suit, grab her briefcase, and go off to work. I thought to myself, ‘That is what I will do when I grow up.’ And I did!”
The Cool Women Celebration will also honor the achievements of Emerging Leader Girl Scouts in grades 10–12. Through this program, Girl Scouts hone their skills with advanced workshops in the areas of communication, public speaking, personal branding, and networking in person and online. The Emerging Leaders program connects girls from diverse backgrounds, which allows them to expand their skills and discover their collective power to drive meaningful change in the world. “Being in this program helped me find my confidence,” added 11th-grader, Aashni K. “I discovered that part of myself through Emerging Leaders.”
The program culminates at the Cool Women Celebration, where Emerging Leaders meet influential mentors and network with regional professionals. “It is such a unique experience to be surrounded by empowering, awe-inspiring women who give advice on career paths, navigating the professional world as a woman, and becoming the most successful versions of ourselves,” said 12th grade Emerging Leader, Caroline L.
Through community support and by forging powerful connections at the Cool Women Celebration and beyond, Girl Scouts San Diego is advancing female leadership in San Diego and Imperial counties. Proceeds from event support programs that help Girl Scouts find their voices, build confidence, step outside their comfort zones, and thrive as leaders.
To donate, volunteer, join, purchase tickets or learn more, visit www.sdgirlscouts.org.
https://www.sdgirlscouts.org/en/discover/our-council/things-to-do/for-grown-ups/cool-women.html
