Four Upstate women named Women of Distinction by Girl Scouts of South Carolina—Mountains to Midlands

Girl Scouts of South Carolina–Mountains to Midlands will honor four Upstate women for their courage, confidence, and character at their annual Boots & Pearls event this Thursday, October 16.

Since 2013, Boots & Pearls has recognized exceptional women from the Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union communities who lead with purpose and live out the values of courage, confidence, and character—the foundation of every Girl Scout journey.

This fall tradition is more than a ceremony, it’s a heartfelt celebration of leadership, legacy, and community spirit. Named in honor of Karen H. Mitchell, a beloved volunteer and visionary leader, the award reflects a deep commitment to service that mirrors the spirit of Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low.

The “Boots & Pearls” theme pays tribute to Juliette’s iconic pearls, which she once sold to help fund the early Girl Scout Movement, and to the boots that symbolize the bold journeys our girls are taking toward their futures.

This year’s honorees are: Mary Helen Dunn Wade Managing Director & Partner (Retired), Russell Reynolds Associates

Anne Flynn Volunteer & Community Leader Chair, Spartanburg County Commission of Higher Education & Noble Tree Foundation

Nicke Haney CEO, Brown Girls Read (Moore/Spartanburg) Program Director, Greenville Literacy Association

Alysa Handelsman (Young Professional Honoree) Associate Professor of Anthropology, Community Sustainability Specialist, Wofford College

We encourage everyone to celebrate these women of distinction. More information can be found on our website at https://www.gssc-mm.org/en/support-us/donate-locally/wod/wod-boots-and-pearls.html or by emailing aparker@gssc-mm.org.

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit gssc-mm.org.