Color Magazine Online

Ruth Bramson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts (GSEM), has long been an advocate for women's equality - a passion derived from the desire to create opportunities for her own daughters. Bramson has built a career working for the advancement of women across industries and disciplines. She has held executive level positions at various corporations including, National Grid, Shaw's Supermarkets, Reebok International and Charles River Laboratories - promoting equality and cultural integration at each stop. Under the Romney administration, she was appointed the first Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Diversity Officer for Massachusetts, and earned the Shared Services Leader of the Year for North America Award 2005 for her innovations in state government.

Color Magazine: What has been your biggest challenge as CEO of the GSEM?

Ruth Bramson: The biggest challenge for the Girls Scouts is how to continue being a relevant and innovative organization that reaches out to diverse communities.

The Girl Scouts has traditionally had its presence primarily in suburbs and widely unavailable to more urban communities. In February 2008, we shifted our goals and are trying to be more available to all girls who want to be a part of the organization. We are making efforts to connect to more urban communities.

CM: How have you seen the roles of women change in terms of opportunity as well as company's willingness to assist in the work/life balance? Are there any trends that you could not have predicted?

RB: Over the years, I have seen very positive changes, generally across government, nonprofit and corporate sectors. Employers realize that they have an obligation to help women balance work and family which allows them to do their jobs well. However, the work/life balance is not just a feminine issue anymore; companies are also assisting men in flexibility. We have more productive employees when we allow flexibility. It's a win-win for employer and employee.

Women today have opportunities that we never knew we would have. I was attracted to the Girl Scouts organization because it helps women realize their leadership qualities and take advantage of all of the opportunities we now have as women. Girls Scouts is building the leaders of tomorrow.

CM: Considering the economic landscape and the unprecedented amount of college graduates entering the workforce, what advice would you give to women who are entering the workforce?

RB: Women need to think about their jobs being more than just a job. It's about how you want to expend your energies and talents. Get committed to what you're doing. Loving what you do is how you become successful. If women want to make a career for themselves, they need to find organizations where their values are aligned with their philosophies. Don't take a job just to take it.

CM: Who are your mentors and what advice did they give you that still applies to your life today?

RB: You have to be brave about taking risks. There are times when you are presented with an opportunity that you might not be ready for. You should take the risk. Stretch as hard as you can to be successful. Surround yourself with the best possible people you can. Nobody does it alone.

CM: What is your favorite Girl Scout Cookie?
RB: I love them all but nothing beats a shortbread cookie dipped in a cup of coffee.

For more information visit www.girlscoutseasternmass.org.