Dozens graduate from Girl Scouts of Central Indiana program ‘Latinas Taking the Lead’

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A group of Latinas are now stepping into a new horizon. On Saturday, dozens of women graduated from a Girl Scouts of Central Indiana program called “Latinas Taking the Lead.” Around 300 women in total have graduated from the program.

Starting a new life in a new country can mean leaving everything you knew behind and taking a leap into the unknown. Twelve years ago, Rosa Noveron and her family moved from Mexico to the United States in search of a better life.

“When I came here, we found so many good opportunities,” said Rosa Noveron, who graduated from the program on Saturday.

She says in Mexico, her biggest lesson growing up was learning how to be a good mom and a good wife, but she never knew how she could rise above that.

“They don’t teach us how to grow, how to evolve professionally,” Noveron said.

Noveron says her life took a turn after she discovered the Girl Scout’s Latinas Taking the Lead program on Facebook. Beginning in March and running through October, the group of women met with leaders in the community to develop leadership and communication skills and find community resources.

She says the program has opened her eyes to new possibilities.

“They teach us that we can go above and beyond,” Noveron said.

Three years ago, Leyda Ramos moved from Guatemala to the United States to flee from violence. Ramos says there was a time she faced a lot of fear after a group of people killed her uncle they were trying to rob.

She says her daughter introduced her to the Girl Scouts and that her life has a new meaning thanks to the organization. She’s realized that it’s not just about giving, but also finding time for herself and her children and making a positive impact.

The Girl Scouts of Central Indiana says this is one of their biggest graduating classes. On Saturday, 33 women graduated from the program.