Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York Honor Geri Kaplan-Downs at 20th Women of Distinction Event
L-R Honoree Geri Kaplan-Downs and Girl Scouts of NYNY CEO Brenda Episcopo
Plattsburgh, N.Y. – Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York (GSNENY) hosted its 20th Women of Distinction event for the Northern Region of the council on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the West Side Ballroom in Plattsburgh. This event honors women who have been nominated by someone in their community who exemplifies the values and abilities instilled in Girl Scouts.
This year’s honoree is an ambitious woman who takes calculated risks, motivates others, perseveres through hardships, and uses her leadership skills to act as an agent for change in her community.
The 2024 Woman of Distinction is Geri Kaplan-Downs from Morrisonville. She received the Distinguished Personal Achievement Award. Kaplan-Downs is the accounts receivable specialist at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Medical Center. Outside work, she is a Girl Scout leader and treasurer for her Troop and the Paret Teacher Organization at her daughter’s school. She is also a foster parent with her wife, Courtney. She has volunteered with Honor Flight, spent time at her local Pet Smart cleaning cages for cats being adopted, and runs an adult women’s softball team.
Whether at work, volunteering, or giving back to people in need, Kaplan-Downs loves knowing that her actions make a difference. She hopes to inspire the future generation of Girl Scouts to go out and help make a difference in the world.
“Whatever you do, give it your all; don’t short yourself. Go in with a positive attitude, dig deep, and be proud of who you are and what you’re doing,” Kaplan-Downs said.
The Women of Distinction event honors these women and raises funds to support Girl Scout programs.
Many women who are leaders in their fields credit Girl Scouting for helping them build the skills that have paved the road to success.
GSNENY serves over 5,000 Girl Scouts across 15 counties in New York, including over 500 from Clinton, Essex, and Franklin counties. GSNENY is the preeminent leadership development organization offering year-round programs for Girl Scouts to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
Posted: September 30th, 2024 under General News.