Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia is proud to announce that Patricia Eldridge, Brittany Haines, Brooke Peak, and Dr. Stuart Rayfield have been selected as the 2025 Columbus Women of Distinction. The Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Award honors women who reflect the values in the Girl Scout Promise and Law and who serve as excellent role models for girls.

Patricia Eldridge, owner of Eldridge Wellness Center, is a dedicated advocate for women’s health and youth initiatives. She volunteers with organizations like the West Center Georgia Cancer Coalition and supports causes such as breast cancer awareness and heart disease. Eldridge has also played a significant role through her leadership in Jack & Jill of America, the UNCF Masked Mayor’s Ball, and other organizations.

Brittany Haines, CEO of Growing Room Child Development Centers and a Certified Franchise Executive, is committed to early childhood education and community service. She serves as President of the Junior League of Columbus and holds several key board positions, including Secretary for the Georgia Child Care Association. Haines has been recognized for her leadership in both her professional and philanthropic work, including awards like Columbus and The Valley’s 2017 Rising Stars and Georgia’s 2022 Titan 100.

Brooke Peak, a graduate of the University of Georgia and Mercer University School of Law, is the marketing director for Peak Wooten McDaniel & Colwell LLP. She launched the nonprofit PWMC Cares during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing over 50,000 meals to healthcare workers and supporting local restaurants. Peak is also an active community volunteer, recognized for her service by organizations like the University of Georgia and Mercer Law School.

Dr. Stuart Rayfield became the sixth president of Columbus State University in 2023, after a distinguished career at the university and in the University System of Georgia. She is the first woman to hold this position at the university. She has held leadership roles including vice chancellor for leadership and institutional development and interim president at Bainbridge State and Gordon State Colleges. Dr. Rayfield was recognized in 2025 by Georgia Trend magazine as one of the 100 most influential Georgians.

Eldridge, Haines, Peak, and Rayfield will be honored during a special dinner on Thursday, May 8, from 6-8:30 pm at the Columbus State University Cunningham Center. Proceeds benefit Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia. Individual tickets are $150 and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Questions about this event may be directed to Sophie Jones, community engagement manager for Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, at [email protected] or 478-957-5496. For more information about the Women of Distinction Honorees or to purchase tickets, visit www.gshg.org/ColumbusEvents.