Etta Moore joined the staff of the Lone Star Girl Scout Council in 1989, but Etta began her career in Girl Scouts in Oklahoma as a volunteer. Her first position in Austin was Director of Membership and Programs, and in 1994 she became Executive Director. Council accomplishments since then include successful completion of an $8 million capital campaign, purchase and renovation of Camp TexLake, increased budget from $1 million to $6.9 million, and an area-wide reorganization resulting consolidation of four Girl Scout councils, serving 46 counties, into one – Girl Scouts of Central Texas- which today serves more than 21,000 girls.
Ms. Moore has received various Girl Scout and community awards, including the 2005 Ring of Honor from the Mental Health Association in Texas for her work developing a program to serve girls whose mothers are incarcerated; the AISD H. L. Gaines Human Relations Award in 2006 for her work providing programs to girls in low income and rural communities and the Austin Community Foundation Sheffield Award for excellence as a non-profit executive.
She is a member of, and has served in leadership positions with the Association of Girl Scout Executive Staff; United Way Capital Area; Leadership Austin; Leadership Texas; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; Trinity Episcopal School Board; Trinity Episcopal Head of School Search Committee; and Board of Directors for Partners in Education during the group’s transition from Adopt-A-School.
As a single mother, she enjoys hosting students from other countries, traveling and spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren. Ms. Moore has a BS degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Oklahoma State University.
Was there a particular experience in your life that prepared you for leadership?
My leadership skill development began at an early age through my church involvement. I would always help collect the money and take the attendance in my Sunday School class and later served as the junior secretary for the Sunday School. I participated in the Girls Auxiliary which was similar to Girl Scouts in promoting leadership skills among girls. The adults in my life always encouraged me to do my best. My mother has always been and still is my biggest cheerleader. She reminds me in all things to be prayerful, follow God's direction and give 100%.
What was the "aha" moment that got you started in your current career.line of work?
The "aha" moment for me in my career was when I volunteered for Girl Scouts when my son was only 7 months old. I did it as a favor for a friend. I decided that if I were volunteering for the organization, I should know something about it, so I began to read the books and badge requirements. WOW, I thought, this is a great organization doing amazing programs for girls and the values that are encouraged are in line with my personal ones. I was sold from that time until now.
What is the one thing that you would like to tell the Austin community about your organization?
The Girl Scout leadership experiences for girls kindergarten through twelfth grade help girls discover what they can do, learn to connect with others and take action to improve the world around them. Girls from every zip code build skills through participation in activities focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), financial literacy, healthy living, environmental leadership and global citizenship. We know that one girl can make a difference and together girls can change the world. Girls are a critical part of the fabric of our society, and their needs and voices are important to building a strong, thriving community.
When you were 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a nurse because they helped people. As I grew up and was introduced to more career options, I realized that there are many professions that help people and I am fortunate to have a career in Girl Scouts where I can do just that.
What gadget can't you live without?
The gadget that I would have a hard time living without is my cell phone. It is how I keep in contact with family and friends because I am more of a verbal communicator. The other reason is that I use the phone to stay in contact with my mother who is over 90 years of age, does not have a computer and who lives in Oklahoma.
How long have you lived in Austin? What brought you here?
I have lived in Austin over 21 years and have enjoyed almost every minute. I have seen droughts and monsoons but the best part of living here is the people-their diversity, friendliness and generosity.
