Dowagiac’s Amanda Verity isn’t a fan of living within boundaries.

The leader of Cub Scout Pack 531, Verity has plenty of experience managing a group of rambunctious boys in a position that is predominantly held by men.

Verity recently took advantage of an opportunity for her to break through another traditional gender barrier — becoming the first woman inducted into the ranks of the Dowagiac Lions Club.

The local service organization welcomed the Dowagiac educator into their club during their meeting last Wednesday night, after receiving all three necessary votes for her membership, Verity said.

At 35 years old, Verity is not only the first lady Lion, but also the youngest member of the group, she said.

“This is the first time I get to be the ‘brawn’ of a group,” Verity said. “The other members are the brains, and I get to do all the heavy work.”

Verity was invited to become a member of the Lions Club after she and her 10-year-old son, Zachary, volunteered at several of the group’s recent fundraisers, she said.

“I was a little surprised they asked me to join, since I thought it was just a male-only group,” Verity said.

For Verity, who works as kindergarten teacher’s assistant with the South Bend Community School Corporation, participating in activities that defy traditional gender roles is a way for her provide a great example for her son, who is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, she said.

“I’m not only a Lion, but I’m also a boy scout,” Verity said. “We can do anything we set our mind to.”

Women make up a growing number of Lions in clubs across the country. According to information from the Lions Clubs International website, women now account for 25 percent of Lions members worldwide.

Verity and her fellow Dowagiac Lions are hoping that more women follow suit, and check out what the club is all about, she said.

“They are an amazing organization, and they do amazing things for children,” Verity said. “That should help drive more women to the club right there.”