This mom is getting involved to help girls throughout Nassau

For Patricia Mercer of Lynbrook, becoming a mom meant opening doors.

A self-described “late bloomer” to parenting, Mercer was 44 when she had her son. Her career in branding was established, but she found herself parenting through the pandemic. Mercer created learning stations for her son and had a daily morning “commute” to school complete with stuffed animals.

Those times helped her remember her priorities.

“It reminded me what the basics are,” Mercer said. “It helped me do a reset. In raising my child, my job is to show him all the doors and crack them open so he can make his own decisions.”

Now, she wants to use that skill to help more children. Mercer was recently elected to the Girl Scouts of Nassau County Board of Directors. Her term runs through 2025.

“We always think of cookie sales when we think of Girl Scouts,” Mercer said. “But it’s important for girls to learn fiscal responsibility. There is so much more Girl Scouts do.”

As a member of the board of directors, Mercer will provide leadership and help to build courage, confidence, and character in Nassau County girls. The board also raises money to empower as many Nassau County girls as possible.

“Girl Scouts of Nassau County is proud to have such prestigious and accomplished members on its board of directors to inspire and empower our Girl Scouts,” said Randell Bynum, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Nassau County, in a statement. “I am confident that this group of leaders will help cultivate the Girl Scout experience and help fulfill our mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.”

Mercer is the founder of PM Consulting. Her most recent role was the EVP of Barrymore Brands where she managed several brand partnerships and oversaw the expansion of Beautiful by Drew Barrymore at Walmart. She has over 20 years of wholesale manufacturing, marketing and brand agency experience. She has considerable proficiency in business development and client relationship management.

“All these responsibilities we have as women don’t get conveyed through social media and society,” Mercer said. “Yes, you can be a social influencer and movie star, but also an astronaut, run a company, and explore STEM possibilities.”

Mercer said she is excited to help the Girl Scouts continue to inspire girls to explore all career opportunities.

“Girls who are scouts are more confident and successful,” Mercer said. “They go into leadership roles and elected office. These are things that are very important to me as a woman and as a mom. My job is to let people know all the great work they do in Nassau and around the country. If I can tell that story and raise some money, I will consider myself a good citizen.”

For more information about Girl Scouts of Nassau County and its efforts to support girls and communities throughout Nassau County, visit GSNC.org.