Meet Ralph E. Alonzo—Proud Girl Scout Latino Leader

October 7, 2004

By Carole Wehberg, staff writer

	Ralph E. Alonzo, National Nominating Committee Member, Girl Scouts of the USA.

From Celia Cruz's music to Loretta and Linda Sanchez's influence in congress, there's a long list of accomplished Latinos to celebrate during National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is held annually from September 15 to October 15. This year, Girl Scouts are proud to honor Latino leaders who make a difference in Girl Scouting and in their communities across the country.

Reaching Out to the Hispanic Community

As a third-generation Latino from Texas, Ralph Alonzo is proud to be both a Latino and a leader in his community. As an engineering graduate of Texas A & M, he has spent 20 years reaching out to young people in the Hispanic community as a volunteer, role model, and parent. He is a great believer in the power of educational opportunity and, as a member of the National Nominating Committee of Girl Scouts of the USA and a former member of the National Board, he is one reason that Latinas in Girl Scouting have come a long way and can look forward to even more success in the future.

An Interview with Ralph E. Alonzo, National Nominating Committee Member, Girl Scouts of the USA

Q. You've been involved in youth development, generally, and Girl Scouting, specifically, for a long time. Why do you think Girl Scouting is so important for Latinas?

A. It's different for young Hispanic women. Our culture treats girls differently. There are still families that want to hold girls back while they encourage boys to explore. Some families don't understand that all of our children need to live in the "outside" culture. They all need to explore to be successful. Girl Scouting looks at each girl—regardless of color or culture.

Q. What are some of the things that have impressed you most over the ten years that you have been involved?

A. I see Latinas who are becoming more self-confident. Girl Scouting helps them to know that it can be done…they can succeed. Now there are more role models to show them how. Of course, the first generation of many families needs more help. But over the years, as more girls succeed, more families become convinced that their girls can, too.

Q. How can Latinas benefit more from Girl Scouting?

A. We need more positive alternatives. The more paths girls see, the easier it will be for them to find their own. I've learned that there are different roads to success. I want kids to have the opportunity to find their own paths. And that can change as you get older and have more experience. I think STUDIO 2BSM is an example of choosing your own path to success. I wish we had started it sooner, but I see progress now on a local and a national basis.

Q. What are your hopes for the future of Latina Girl Scouts—locally and nationally?

A. In San Antonio, 56% of our population is Hispanic—mostly Mexican-American. Girl Scouts has great programs reaching out to Latinas—to the whole community. Both here and nationally, I would like to see more Latina role models. We need more Latinas in leadership roles. We need to focus on leading Latinas across this country by finding more volunteers in the community who can be those role models. I want more STUDIO 2Bs. I want to make sure that girls across the country know that Girl Scouts is cool.

Q. With all your experience you're optimistic that Latinas can thrive as Girl Scouts in spite of the family issues you mentioned?

A. Absolutely. If I had to choose between working with girls or boys I would always choose girls. Why? Because girls take things more seriously. Boys often lose interest or pay little attention to the subject at hand, while girls are usually more committed. Either way, it takes involvement. And, as more minorities—males and females—get involved, more paths to success will open up. Girl Scouts is an example of the success that you can inspire by getting involved.