LSUS's Carpenter among Girl Scouts honorees as Women of Distinction

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LSUS's Carpenter among Girl Scouts honorees as Women of Distinction

SHREVEPORT - Heather Carpenter proudly stood next to her mother Linda Thaxter and recited the Girl Scout Law.

Carpenter, the executive director of LSUS's Institute for Nonprofit Administration and Research, leads an organization that plays a crucial role in connecting and supporting nonprofits around the region and across the state.

Her passion for volunteerism and leadership began as a Girl Scout, and Carpenter was one of nine Women of Distinction at the Girl Scouts of Louisiana Pines to the Gulf's annual luncheon Thursday at LSUS.

"My mom was my troop leader back in California, and that's what provided the foundation for what I do today," Carpenter said. "This honor means the world to me because the Girl Scouts made me who I am.

"The Girl Scouts taught me the importance of community and the value of giving back. I was introduced to the nonprofit world through the Girl Scouts, and being recognized today just confirms that career choice."

Carpenter worked her way through the Girl Scout ranks, earning the organization's Gold Award and is a lifetime member.

Carpenter's connectivity in the local nonprofit world was on display Thursday as two other honorees - Latoria Thomas and Alex Person - are graduates of the LSUS master's program in nonprofit administration that Carpenter directs.

Person is the director of community engagement at Volunteers for Youth Justice who works to empower the youth in Shreveport-Bossier.

Thomas is the first African-American woman to be president and CEO of the United Way of Northwest Louisiana and is deeply involved in the community.

A third honoree, Kristen Powers, serves as a mentor in INAR's nonprofit capacity building program that strengthens the operation and efficiency of local organizations.

Powers is the executive director at The Arc Caddo-Bossier who actively empowers women in her community.

"Girl Scouts at our core have always been about investing in women and girls for over 100 years," said Rachel Broussard, CEO of Girl Scouts of Louisiana Pines to the Gulf. "Fifty percent of female business leaders (in the U.S.) are Girl Scout alums, and one of every three women overall were involved with Girl Scouts at some point in their lives.

"These honorees today are investing in women and girls, creating the next generation of female leaders in the Shreveport-Bossier community."

The other five honorees similarly impact women and girls in the community.

Gisele Proby-Bryant is the former director of special education and federal programs with Bossier Parish Schools who specializes in special education law and advocacy for people with disabilities.

Tiffany George is a nurse practitioner at Willis Knighton, owns Care Partners of Shreveport-Bossier, and has a passion for the mental and physical health of young girls.

Regina Webb, the first woman and African American to be elected as Caddo Parish Tax Assessor, operates Micro Accounting Services and serves as an associate professor at Southern University at Shreveport.

Felecia Williams is the owner of My Spa My Way and is involved in various community organizations and founded the nonprofit Gertrude's Gifts.

Victor Thomas is this year's Man Enough to be a Girl Scout honoree.

The Caddo Commissioner for District 3 serves as the online/distance learning coordinator for Southern University at Shreveport and is involved in various community organizations.