Girl Scouts of Western New York honors 2025 Women of Distinction

Showcases ‘Girl Scout Difference’

Girl Scouts of Western New York Press Release & Photos

Girl Scouts of Western New York (GSWNY) is proud to announce its 2025 Women of Distinction honorees – an inspiring group of leaders who exemplify courage, character and commitment to community. These remarkable women represent the very best of Western New York, each blazing trails in their professions and creating a lasting impact.

This year’s honorees include:

√ Dr. Mary Bisbee-Burrows, CEO, Legacy Drama House Performance Arts Theatre

√ Jill Gerhart, senior vice president / special assets support services manager, M&T Bank

√ Trina Burruss, president and CEO, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County

√ Marie Carrubba, executive director, Independent Living Center

√ The Girl Scouts of Troop 30350, along with members from Troop 70097 (Western New York) and Troop 823 (Central Maryland)

Medal of Honor Girl Scouts with Joanne Nelson and Catherine Roberts. (Submitted photo)

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The Women of Distinction event is a cherished tradition that brings together past, present and future leaders in celebration of service, leadership and community-building. This annual recognition not only uplifts extraordinary women, but also serves as a powerful reminder of the Girl Scout mission: building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

“We are thrilled to honor this year’s Women of Distinction and equally proud to shine a light on the ‘Girl Scout Difference,’ ” said Cara Biddlecom, CEO of Girl Scouts of Western New York. “Whether it's in a boardroom, a classroom, or a troop meeting, Girl Scouts learn early how to lead, advocate, and take action for what they believe in. That difference is evident in every one of our honorees and in every girl we serve.”

The “Girl Scout Difference” campaign emphasizes how Girl Scouts uniquely prepare girls for a lifetime of leadership through hands-on learning, community service, and skill-building in areas like STEM, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. As GSWNY continues to invest in tomorrow’s leaders, events like Women of Distinction show what’s possible when girls are empowered and women lead by example.

For more information about the Women of Distinction celebration, or to learn how to support or join Girl Scouts, visit www.gswny.org.

Girl Scouts of Western New York serves girls and adult volunteers across the GSWNY jurisdiction, including Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties. The council’s administrative service centers are located in Buffalo, Jamestown, Lockport, Niagara Falls and Rochester.