Leading With Compassion: Amy Ford Recognized During Women’s History Month

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — At the St. Mary’s County Commission for Women, celebrating the impact of local leaders during Women’s History Month means highlighting the everyday work that shapes the next generation. This year, that spotlight includes Amy Ford, one of the organization’s 2026 Women of the Year nominees.

Many in the community recognize Ford from her work at the Lexington Park Library, where she helps connect residents with resources, learning opportunities and programs. But beyond the library walls, Ford has spent years guiding young girls toward confidence, leadership and belonging.

For the past seven years, Ford has volunteered with Girl Scouts of the USA as the leader of Troop 10030. What began with a small group of kindergarteners has grown into a tight-knit troop of seventh graders who have spent much of their childhood learning and growing together.

“What makes me most proud looking at my scouts now is seeing how they’ve grown to be kind and caring friends to one another,” Ford said in an interview with The BayNet. “Scouts don’t choose who gets assigned to their troop, but they do choose how they show up for others.”

From organizing meetings to planning campouts, Ford has worked to create an environment where every girl feels safe, supported and free to be herself. The troop’s activities are designed not only to teach practical life skills but also to encourage teamwork, independence and leadership.

“If there’s one thing I hope my scouts have learned, it is to have the confidence and courage to see community problems and understand how to work toward solutions,” Ford said. “Our troop has built a Little Free Library, created assistive devices, and installed a bat house to respond to some of the needs in our community. And after all the times we’ve gone to the library to do research and work on projects, I hope they become lifelong library users and continue to be curious.”

Her dedication extends beyond the girls themselves. Ford is also known for supporting the troop’s families, helping coordinate rides and logistics for camping trips and other activities so that every child can participate even when parents face demanding work schedules.

Those closest to her say that kind of compassion is what makes Ford stand out.

“Amy is creative and patient — two critical skills of being a troop leader,” nominator Liz Mildenstein wrote in her nomination. “She leads with compassion and is an incredible mentor to the kids. Amy has also been a mentor of mine and a source of comfort in my own leadership role as a Girl Scout leader. She is sought out across the region for her creativity and connections.”

Through years of volunteer leadership, Ford’s influence has quietly shaped the experiences of the girls in her troop, helping them develop the confidence and skills needed to become leaders themselves.

For Ford, the recognition is not just a personal honor but a reflection of the work the girls have accomplished together.

“Recognition gives me a chance to be grateful that I get to be part of building a great community, both in my job at the library and with my Girl Scout troop,” she said. “I hope the girls see that their work gets noticed and that I’m proud of everything they’ve learned and accomplished.”

As the St. Mary’s County Commission for Women continues recognizing outstanding women across the community this month, Ford’s story serves as a reminder that leadership often begins in small moments, a troop meeting, a campfire conversation or a helping hand that ensures every girl has a seat at the table.

For the girls of Troop 10030, that leadership has come from someone who has walked beside them since kindergarten and continues to guide them as they grow.

Congratulations to Amy Ford, and thank you for the difference you make in St. Mary’s County.

---