Empowering Young Women in Transportation: Suburban Propane's Initiative with Girl Scouts

Empowering the Next Generation: Suburban Propane's Partnership with Girl Scouts

In a notable initiative aimed at inspiring young women in the transportation sector, Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. recently collaborated with the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey and the Women in Trucking Association to host an interactive event entitled "Trucks are for Girls: Fueling the Future." This event took place at Suburban Propane's headquarters in Whippany, New Jersey, and brought together Girl Scouts from across Northern New Jersey for an unforgettable evening of learning, hands-on activities, and mentorship.

The primary focus of the event was to engage girls in the fields of energy, sustainability, and transportation, encouraging them to consider careers in these vital industries. The session was designed to be both educational and inspirational, highlighting various roles women can play in shaping the future of energy.

Throughout the evening, participants were immersed in a variety of breakout sessions that emphasized skills in science, innovation, and entrepreneurship. These experiences were not only geared towards showcasing how Suburban Propane services communities with clean energy solutions, but also aimed to ignite the curiosity and creativity of the participants. By doing so, the event served as a platform to inform young girls that they can be part of the innovations driving the energy transformation in America.

A multitude of engaging activities were woven into the event's schedule. Noteworthy moments included a behind-the-scenes tour of Suburban Propane's operations, an opportunity to step into a propane delivery truck, and the chance to test driving skills on a high-tech driving simulator within the Women in Trucking Association's WITney trailer. Additionally, attendees participated in career discussions with female leaders from Suburban Propane, who shared insights from sectors such as technology, accounting, marketing, and legal affairs. These discussions aimed to demonstrate the vast opportunities available in nontraditional fields and to connect girls with female role models in these industries.

Furthermore, the Girl Scouts collaborated to design purpose-driven cookie campaigns that intertwined entrepreneurship with community engagement, reinforcing the idea that business can impact society positively. As a token of accomplishment, each participant received a Suburban Propane Patch and a WIT Transportation Patch to commemorate their experience.

Fran Cleffi, the Vice President of Human Resources at Suburban Propane, expressed pride in the company’s collaboration with the Girl Scouts. "Suburban Propane is proud to partner with the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey to inspire the next generation of innovators, leaders, and change-makers. Through 'Trucks are for Girls: Fueling the Future,' we hope to empower young girls to see themselves in industries that are driving America's energy transformation and to help them build the confidence to pursue any career they choose,” Cleffi stated.

This sentiment was echoed by Sandra A. Kenoff, the President and CEO of the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, who emphasized how the event provided Girl Scouts with a unique opportunity to explore career paths they may have never considered. Kenoff praised Suburban Propane for their support and for fostering an inspiring environment wherein young girls can witness firsthand how women lead in transportation and logistics.

This event is part of SuburbanCares, a national outreach initiative spearheaded by Suburban Propane that focuses on education, youth empowerment, and community involvement across its expansive 42-state operation. Suburban Propane continues to commit to fulfilling its mission of grassroots impact while demonstrating its dedication to fostering future leaders in emerging industries.

Conclusion

As the event demonstrated, collaboration among organizations dedicated to lifting women in transportation can pave the way for generational change. By showcasing the possibilities that exist within the transportation and energy sectors, Suburban Propane and its partners have ignited a spark of curiosity and ambition in the young participants. Aiming to promote inclusivity and engagement, such initiatives promise a brighter future for girls interested in pursuing careers in these critical fields, ultimately helping to close the gender gap in industries that are essential for the nation's growth and sustainability.