Harris County District Attorney’s Office Invests in Future Female Leaders
According to a recent Girl Scout Research Institute report, 59% of young women are interested in a future leadership role through advocacy, public service or as an elected official.
But without devoted mentors and role models and access to programs like the Girl Scouts, many girls are not equipped with the essential tools and guidance to develop the confidence, problem-solving and decision-making abilities needed to become successful community leaders.
By reinvesting $100,000 in legally seized criminal assets into the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council’s Success to Significance Outreach program, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office is helping to ensure that 20,000 girls living in low-to-moderate income areas have the opportunity to develop crucial leadership skills.
As a woman in leadership for the top law-enforcement agency in Harris County, District Attorney Kim Ogg knows first-hand the uphill battles young women often face to establish themselves as leaders.
“Many of the top prosecutors in our office – including myself – were once Girl Scouts,” Ogg said. “The impact of this organization extends far beyond badges; it shapes character, resilience, and a strong sense of civic duty, often propelling these young women into roles of significant influence and service.”
The outreach program also provides special programming for girls at the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center and the Burnett Bayland Rehabilitation Center, where having strong female role models is exceptionally important to provide guidance and encouragement. This program focuses on conflict management, decision-making, self-esteem, self-awareness and healthy relationships, along with leadership skills.
“This reinvestment of funds seized from criminals like drug dealers and human traffickers takes the power away from those who prey on vulnerable young women,” Ogg said. “Instead, we’re investing in our community and empowering the youth who will become the leaders of tomorrow.”
The Harris County District Attorney's Office uses reinvested criminal asset funds to support crime prevention and victim services programs.
January 10, 2024
