Girl Scouts name 'Women of Distinction'
By Angela Greiner Community Reporter

Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts honor 26 "Women of Distinction" at luncheon in April. SUBMITTED

Region - Four women from the Metrowest area were honored April 8 at the Beachwood Inn in Worcester by the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts during the 16th annual Women of Distinction Gala Luncheon. Westborough residents Debra Desposito, of Penta Communications, and Patricia Maher-Harrington, of Commonwealth National Bank; Shrewsbury resident Rhonda Engelking, also of Penta Communications; and Karen Chapman, the vice president of the Corridor Nine Chamber of Commerce, were among the 26 women from across the commonwealth recognized for their strength of character.

Public Relations Manager for the Girl Scouts Dana Carnegie explained that to be considered for the Women of Distinction award, one must be nominated by co-workers. The Girl Scouts organization looks for women who inspire their co-workers, show exceptional professional dedication and make outstanding community contributions.

"These are all full-time working women who also give their all to a long list of community organizations," Carnegie said.

Chapman was recognized for her commitment and dedication to both her career and community life. According to Carnegie, it is women like Chapman who girls should look to as a role model.

"These women are role models and mentors for the Girl Scouts," Carnegie said. "They personify the qualities of strong values, courage and conviction that we want to pass along to our girls."

Shrewsbury High School senior and Girl Scout Divya Aggarwal was emcee of the event, which drew a crowd of over 300. Carnegie was impressed with the graciousness and professionalism that Aggarwal carried to the stage.

"She did an excellent job welcoming and addressing the women as they came to stage," Carnegie said. "I am sure we will see her on that stage again, but next time as a Woman of Distinction."

Desposito, who is the executive assistant to the CEO of Penta Communications, was pleased by the recognition,

"It was unexpected … and wonderful," she said.

During the luncheon, senior members of the Girl Scouts performed, sat among the women who were nominated, and escorted the ones who were honored to the stage.

"I was very impressed by the Girl Scouts and how well organized the luncheon was," Desposito said. "It was nice that they had a representative from the Girl Scouts at each table. It was interesting to get their perspective of how they looked at the world."

Engelking is the director of client services at Penta and has over a decade of experience with the company. She was recognized for her work representing Penta in the Corridor Nine School to Business Partnership Committee.

Harrington was commended for doing an exemplary job balancing her home and work life. She is as a single mother who strives to be a role model to her 11-year-old daughter and was credited for her flexibility in creating opportunities and learning from both personal and professional challenges.

Carnegie said she was impressed with all of the women nominated this year and is hopeful that these women will continue to inspire younger women and girls.

"We have been honoring these women annually and I hope that they are an inspiration to the next generation," Carnegie said.