Famous Formers
The Girl Scout Famous Formers celebration is one of Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast’s most inspiring traditions, honoring remarkable women whose lives were shaped by their earliest experiences in Girl Scouting. These honorees stand out as leaders in their professions, champions in their communities, and shining examples of the courage, confidence, and character that Girl Scouting instills. Their stories remind us that the lessons learned around troop meetings, campfires, service projects, and badge‑earning adventures become the foundation for a lifetime of purpose and impact.
Announcing the 2026 Girl Scout Famous Formers Honorees
Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast is proud to introduce the 2026 class of Girl Scout Famous Formers—six extraordinary women whose journeys began in Girl Scouting and whose leadership, service, and achievements continue to make our world brighter. Each honoree embodies the courage, confidence, and character that Girl Scouting imparts.
- Patrice Covington, Broadway, TV and Film Actor, Vocalist, and TV Host
- Dr. Brittny Gainey, LCSW, School Social Worker, Adjunct Instructor, and Owner of The Middle Ground Counseling and Consulting, LLC
- Nicole Livas, Chief Communication and Community Engagement Officer for City of Virginia Beach Public Schools
- Heidi Salway, Director, Human Resources Business Partnerships at Sentara Health
- Elizabeth Vaughn, Deputy Director of Public Communications for the City of Chesapeake
- The Honorable Susan Vitale, Captain, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Sr. Managing Director, Federal Customer Optimization and Response (CORE) - Microsoft Corporation
Join us as we honor these remarkable alum at the 2026 Girl Scout Famous Formers Celebration. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres from Taste Unlimited (such as Virginia ham biscuits and Chesapeake bay crab dip) and beverages including wine selections from Williamsburg Winery.
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Location: Woman’s Club of Portsmouth
Event Registration 
Returning as our emcee for the second year in a row is Rae Pearson Benn, an award-winning media professional and storyteller who serves as the Chief Communications Officer for the Virginia Beach Police Department. She previously served as the Director of Communications in the Marketing & Public Relations Department at Regent University, and she remains deeply connected to the local broadcasting community as the longtime host of Our Issues Hampton Roads on WTVZ. Rae also has a diverse background in modeling, pageantry, and the arts; she is a former Mrs. Virginia Beach-America 2012 and Mrs. Coastal Virginia-America 2014.
2025 Famous Formers
More Information
- Previous Girl Scout Famous Formers recipients (PDF)
- Famous Formers Awards Program, 2025
- Famous Formers Awards Program, 2022
- Famous Formers Awards Program, 2020-2021
Questions?
Contact us at philanthropygsccc.org or call 757-549-0641.
