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Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland member receives prestigious 20 Under 20 award for exceptional advocacy and leadership

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Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland, Press Release

The Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland (GSOH) proudly announces that Jasmine Davis, a remarkable 10-year-old, has been selected as a recipient of the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods’ 20 Under 20 award. The 20 Under 20 award honors outstanding young people who contribute to their communities through volunteerism and advocacy.

"Jasmine is exceptional in every sense of the word. She is already a proven advocate for social justice, education, leadership and growth,” said Tammy Wharton, president and CEO, GSOH. “Her passion for social justice and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on her community make Jasmine a shining example for young girls everywhere. She embodies the spirit of leadership and advocacy we aim to instill in every Girl Scout.”

Davis was nominated for the award by GSOH.

Davis’s dedication was notably showcased when she addressed community members and stakeholders at the groundbreaking of the Dream Big STEM Center and Maker Space, a transformative initiative by GSOH.

In her powerful speech, Davis declared, “I, Jasmine Davis, am a Girl Scout. My dream is that in my future, I will become a doctor, an engineer and a CEO. To reach my goals, I have to put my mind to it and never give up. Girl Scouts is helping me reach my goals.”
 
This sentiment echoes her involvement in the Dream Big Transformational Initiative, which aims to turn Camp Ken-Jockety into a hub for STEM education, providing opportunities for girls and youth across the community to explore their potential in future careers.

Davis’s impact extends beyond her Girl Scout activities. She has been recognized since 2018 as the winner of the Dr. Martin Luther King Oratorical Contest and has actively used her voice to advocate for various causes. Her eloquence and advocacy have also been acknowledged by the state of Ohio.

Apart from her notable achievements within the Girl Scouts, Davis is a student at Columbus School for Girls. She has been an active participant in the Theater Street Dance Academy and the Urban Strings Orchestra. As Little Miss Black Ohio Junior, she has represented central Ohio at various events and served as a speaker for Girls on the Run International, National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Columbus Chapter, Give That Girl the MIC Talent Showcase, Commission on Black Girls The Crown Act Story Event, and the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus State of the Black Family Keynote.

“Jasmine's journey as an advocate, speaker, and leader has left an indelible mark on the central Ohio community, inspiring young girls to find their voice and place in society,” said Wharton. “Through her words and actions, Jasmine exemplifies the Girl Scouts' mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.”

Davis will receive the 20 Under 20 Award at the Neighborhood Best Practices Conference on Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Columbus State Community College Event space, 315 Cleveland Avenue on the 4th floor. The award will be presented during the lunch program.

Girl Scouts of the USA are 2.5 million strong – more than 1.7 million girls and 750,000 adults who believe in the power of every girl to change the world. Our extraordinary journey began more than 100 years ago with Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low. On March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Ga., she organized the very first Girl Scout troop. Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland is proud to serve our more than 16,000 members in 30 counties by honoring her vision and legacy, building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. And with programs from coast to coast and across the globe, Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. To volunteer, reconnect, donate or join, visit www.gsoh.org.