Girl Scouts of Atlanta names Jai Ferrell as first woman of color as CEO – WABE

The Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta has named the first woman of color as CEO of the century-old organization.

Jai Ferrell will assume this role starting July 1.

A native of Atlanta, she graduated from Spelman and began her scouting career in a troop at nearby Lindsey Street Baptist Church, where her mother and godmother were troop leaders.

Ferrell gave an interview at his alma mater Monday after the announcement.

“Coming to Spelman was one of our highlights, going through there, coming to the school and seeing, so it’s hallowed ground here,” Ferrell said. “I’m a proud alumna, but I think literally my fiber of who I am is in this place, so whether it’s Girl Scouts, whether it’s Spelman, the idea of ​​childhood and sisterhood is really something that is close to my heart.”

Ferrell says she hopes to take the organization “beyond the cookie” with opportunities in a wide range of activities, including robotics, entrepreneurship and other forward-looking interests.

The Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta currently has approximately 30,000 members and volunteers in the metro area and surrounding counties.