"Sometimes The Best Man For The Job Is A Woman" - Gov. Kay Ivey at Girls State

June 5, 2025 - TUSCALOOSA, AL - All 401 delegates of Alabama's largest Girls State jumped up to their feet and cheered jubilantly as Governor Kay Ivey walked out onto the stage this morning as their featured guest speaker. Clad in a red pants suit with a white blouse, Governor Ivey walked across the concert stage at Moody Music on campus at The University of Alabama and waved to the crowd of enthusiastic high school seniors while their exuberant cheers continued unabated for several minutes. Making it clear that for the delegates of Girls State, Governor Kay Ivey is not only their governor, but a hero and a role model, as well.

Introduced at Girls State as "one of the most consequential leaders in Alabama history . . .", once the cheers reluctantly subsided, Governor Kay Ivey expressed how it is "the highlight of my year" to come and speak to her fellow girls staters. As a former member of Girls State, "several decades ago", Governor Ivey really emphasized her admiration for the government and civics immersion program. With an emphasis on how Alabama's Girls State is "the best girls state in the nation".

Governor Ivey recalled how when she was running for Lieutenant Governor of Girls State, as a young high school senior from Camden, Alabama in Wilcox County, she placed potted plants of ivy all around the dorms so everybody would know who to vote for. She also stated that "it was Girls State when my passion for service truly began". Consequently, she encouraged the delegates to "focus on the legacy of leadership" of Girls State with an import placed on how said legacy is "a heritage to honor and a future to form."

Governor Kay Ivey also went through a list of girls staters and their accomplishments in state government. Informing the girls about how when she named a former girls stater as her chief of staff, she was the first female chief of state for any Alabama Governor. She encouraged the girls to know that "You too can make a difference". And then reminded them of the importance of citizenship.

Ivey drilled into the young delegates that "being a citizen of The United States of America is a high calling" and to "never take being a citizen of the greatest country in the world for granted." She further stated that "We citizens are important to our freedoms and democracy." And talked about how she firmly believed in showing respect for the U.S. flag. In fact, she led the young delegates into saying the pledge of allegiance to the flag, by first showing them how to "give the proper citizens salute" by placing their hands on their hearts. Making sure to "keep the wrist straight, and the elbow parallel to the ground."

The governor then spoke about how in her mind Alabama is "the most pro-military and pro-veteran state in the nation". A statement which was met with cheers from the young delegates. She then talked about her days as a college student at Auburn University. For when she was at Auburn, they had an all girls Student Government Association, as well as the regular SGA which was dominated by the boys. People encouraged her to run for the all girls SGA, but she told them "No thanks. I'm here running against the boys". Leading to her becoming the first female vice president of the SGA at Auburn.

As Gov. Ivey stated, she strongly believes that "the most qualified person should get the job". And when girls ask her what it is like to be a female in a male dominated field, she simply responds with "I don't think about it." That she might be the only person wearing a red suit in a field of greys and blues, but "If you are the right person", it does not matter.

She also encouraged the girls to "take the virtues of Girls State with you". And reiterated her favorite statement of "Sometimes the best man for the job is a woman." A statement which was met with jubilant cheers from the delegates, as well.

There was no question and answer session at the conclusion of her speech. But, Governor Ivey closed with "May God continue to bless each of you and the great State of Alabama." With the strains of the classic "Sweet Home Alabama" playing in the background as the 401 delegates crowded onto the concert stage for a picture with their fellow girls stater, Governor Kay Ivey.