“Leadership is when people have a choice to follow and are inspired by someone,” Woodbury says. “The way you transform communities or organizations is that every single person in the organization is a leader and the first thing they do is take personal responsibility for their own actions. If everyone was doing that, the world would look really different.”

Woodbury says a strong group of nearly 8,000 men and women volunteers of the Girl Scouts who exhibit leadership qualities in their lives serve as firsthand examples to current Girl Scouts.

“We want to be known as best in the world for helping girls develop leadership skills that are more inclusive of the attributes of balanced leadership and don’t rely on power or authority. But rely on the more feminine qualities of collaboration, building relationships, cooperation and service.”

On Dec. 6, the Arizona Cactus-Pine Council will honor 14 outstanding women and current Girl Scouts for their contributions and excellence in the arenas of humanity, courage, learning, future, arts, community service and leadership. The 14th annual World Awards honoring “Women of Distinction” will take place at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa.

“We want to be the most vibrant and relevant organization for girls,” Woodbury says. “And for girls to feel that there is an organization in this state that stands up for them, advocates for them, and provides them with the kinds of programs and experiences that help them find their greatest and highest potential.”