On Saturday, March 7, 2026, the leaders of today spoke with the changemakers of tomorrow at the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) at American Dream during a Women in Leadership Panel Discussion hosted in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey (GSNNJ).
The day kicked off with a networking brunch, where Girl Scouts, mentors, and community members mingled and explored the NJ Hall of Fame’s immersive exhibits celebrating Garden State excellence. Open remarks from the leadership of the NJHOF and GSNNJ set the stage for the day’s discussions, focused on the organizations’ shared mission: inspiring the next generation to see what is possible. The opening remarks also included a GSNNJ ceremony recognizing a local Girl Scout for her consistent choice to serve others and prioritize her community.
Wisdom from the Stage: The Panel Highlights
The heart of the event was a panel discussion featuring four women who have redefined leadership in their respective fields, offering a deep dive into how they’ve found personal purpose, shown resilience, and developed the tenacity required to lead.
- Mary Alice Williams
An Emmy Award-winning journalist and 2025 NJHOF Inductee
Mary Alice shared her journey as a pioneer in broadcast news, emphasizing that “staying true to your voice” is the ultimate tool for navigating industries that weren’t always designed for women. - Drury Thorp
NJHOF 2025 Educator of the Year
Drury brought the room to life with her classroom stories, highlighting how leadership begins with curiosity and the courage to foster inclusive environments, whether through a STEM garden or a community “Bike Bus.” - Hazel Clark
A three-time Olympian and former Girl Scout
Hazel spoke movingly about how her early days at Girl Scout camp built the discipline and confidence she needed on the world stage. She reminded attendees that “leadership is defined by service and example.” - Sandra Kenoff
President and CEO of GSNNJ
Sandra tied the conversation together by discussing the responsibility of visible female leadership and the vital role mentorship plays in shaping a young woman’s agency.
Key Takeaways for Future Leader
The panelists explored several “big questions” that resonated deeply with attendees. Here are a few of the most impactful lessons shared:
- On Resilience: Challenges aren’t roadblocks; they are growth spurts. The panel agreed that setbacks are often the moments where leadership muscle is built.
- On Authenticity: You don’t have to “fit a mold” to lead. The most effective leaders are those who lead with kindness, confidence, and their own unique perspective.
- On Community: You don’t need a title to make a difference. Leadership happens every time you step up to help your community or advocate for a peer.
Thank you to the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey and our incredible panelists for making this a day to remember!
