By: Lisa Hartman
“It’s essential for girls to recognize that girl power transcends mere catchphrases — it’s a significant movement.”
In a beautiful Mother’s Day tradition, photographer and Toddlewood creator, Sarah Thompson, dresses young girls as iconic mothers from history for a special photo shoot. Sarah, who also operates a thriving photography business, delights in these sessions where she styles little girls as famous figures from pop culture, films, and glamorous red carpet events. When the Girl Scouts of America approached her with a collaborative idea to honor Women’s History Month, she eagerly embraced the opportunity.
“I was thrilled to participate because I believed it was a fantastic initiative,” Sarah shared with us about the Girl Scouts’ vision to style their youthful members as powerful women throughout history. “They had a few names in mind, but I expanded the list, and we worked together to finalize our selections.”
In selecting the women to represent, Sarah emphasized two key criteria: “These women had to be pioneers, individuals who broke barriers and impacted the lives of children and women today. We also wanted to ensure a diverse range of industries were represented — from designers to aviators, entrepreneurs, and politicians. Every girl should see someone they can relate to as they imagine their future aspirations.”
The outcome? Breathtaking portraits of girls aged five to seven, embodying their role models.
Among the inspiring figures featured are Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel to space, and the trio of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who played pivotal roles at NASA and were spotlighted in the Oscar-nominated film, Hidden Figures. Other celebrated women include Amelia Earhart, the first woman to attempt a solo flight across the Atlantic, comedienne and actress Lucille Ball, Cuban performer Celia Cruz, and American icon Whoopi Goldberg. The lineup also honors diplomat Condoleezza Rice, former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, influential designer Vera Wang, and philanthropist Madam CJ Walker. Not to forget, a heartfelt homage to the Girl Scouts’ founder, Juliette Gordon Low.
Sarah undertook the casting herself, with the only requirement being that participants were active Girl Scouts. She aspires for this collaboration to become an annual event during Women’s History Month, which unfolds every March.
As a mother of two daughters, aged six and eleven, Sarah recognizes the significance of this project. “Being surrounded by girls constantly gives me insight into their dreams,” she noted. “They vocalize their ambitions, saying things like, ‘When I grow up, I want to be…’ They’re filled with hopes and inspirations. I want them to understand that the women who paved the way fought hard for their right to be where they are, enabling today’s girls to pursue their dreams.”
Sarah further emphasized, “It’s crucial for girls to know that no matter the challenges they face, they should strive for their goals and they will succeed. They must grasp that girl power is more than a phrase — it’s a movement.”
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In summary, this collaboration not only empowers young girls but also serves as a reminder of the groundbreaking women whose legacies inspire future generations.