Rep. Ayanna Pressley Joins Girl Scouts in Mock Senate Session for ‘Girls Leading Government’ Event

Over the weekend, the Girl Scouts visited the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for a “Girls Leading Government” event hosted by Congresswoman Ayana Presley’s office, where they enjoyed the expertise of a surprise guest.

Pressley (D-MA) joined the 40 Girl Scouts on their day to learn about community involvement.

The girls became pretend senators for a day while learning the ins and outs of policymaking. Since the institute has a replica of the Senate floor, each girl participated in a swearing-in ceremony. Then they made policies, made compromises and gave speeches.

“Our girls are limitless. It was an amazing, fulfilling day. I am inspired and encouraged by our Girl Scouts and their leadership,” Pressley, who represents Massachusetts’ 7th District, said in a press release. “I am grateful to the team at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for their partnership and for their commitment to educating the public. Their curriculum provides a powerful view of a day in Congress, encourages civic engagement and inspires our young leaders to step into power.”

Throughout her career in the public sector, Pressley has been an advocate for the empowerment of women and young girls. In 2023, she secured $250,000 in funding for the Big Sister Chapter of Greater Boston and its associated educational and mentoring programs. Before taking office, she served as a mentor for the girls’ organization, which led to her own “Ayanna’s Big Challenge” to attract new mentors to Boston’s youth.

Her additional policy successes also include the 2021 introduction of the STRONG Support For Children Act to address and educate about childhood trauma. That same year, she also pushed for the reintroduction of the ENDING Pushout Act to end the punishment of diverse girls in schools.

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