Hearts Of Gold - Reflections from Gold Award Girl Scouts

Full transcription available at http://heartsofgoldpodcast.com/

Watch the full episode! https://youtu.be/Z4CUJSXgLOw

Sophia shares her inspiring Girl Scout Gold Award project, "Beyond the Attic Boutique," aimed at providing formal and special occasion wear for foster youth without the need to disclose their foster care status. She discusses how she collected donations, the process for foster children to access the boutique, and the heartwarming feedback she received. Sophia also reflects on her previous bronze and silver award projects, her experiences as a National Girl Scout Convention delegate, and the valuable skills she gained through Girl Scouting. She offers advice for Girl Scouts pursuing their Gold Award and highlights the importance of resilience in the face of rejection. Additionally, Sophia talks about her future plans in nursing and the support she received from her team. Don't miss this insightful conversation filled with empowerment and determination.

More from Sofia:

My name is Sofia Martinez and I'm from Las Vegas, Nevada. I started Girl Scouts in the second grade going in as a Brownie and ended as an Ambassador after I graduated and have moved on to being a lifetime member. Since then, I've gone on to receive my Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award and become involved in many other Girl Scout related activities such as Being selected as a Delegate for the National Girl Scout Convention, Dessert before Dinner, and more. Aside from Girl Scouts, I've played soccer my whole life and am an avid reader. Throughout high school, I was involved in many clubs such as Medical Society, NHS, and Key Club. Currently, I'm a freshman at the University of Alabama majoring in Nursing with plans to pursue a Master's degree and become a Nurse Practitioner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MIJu-7QXu0

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Erika shares her journey from her Gold Award project to becoming a mental health advocate, speaker, and author. Erika's Gold Award project combined her passion for dance with her desire to work with children, leading her to teach dance to underserved kids in Chicago. This experience not only fulfilled her goal of exposing children to the arts but also taught her invaluable lessons about love, leadership, and the impact of creative outlets on mental health. Erika opened up about her personal struggles with clinical depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety, which she has been dealing with since childhood. Her journey through these challenges led her to become an NBA cheerleader for the Chicago Bulls, a role that played a significant part in her path to recovery. Erika's experiences have fueled her mission to educate and empower others about mental health and wellness. She has since authored middle-grade books that weave mental health themes into engaging stories for young readers. Her books, "Squad Goals," "Cookie Monsters," and the upcoming "Insta Famous," aim to provide children with the language and tools to navigate their mental health and to normalize therapy. Erika's work is a testament to the power of channeling one's struggles into positive change for oneself and others.

More about Erika:

Erika J. Kendrick is a bestselling author, an award-winning national speaker, and a mental fitness expert. She earned a psychology degree from Stanford University and an MBA in marketing and international business from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Erika was an NBA cheerleader for the Chicago Bulls before writing her novels, Confessions of a Rookie Cheerleader and Appetite (Random House). She is currently touring her bestselling middle grade novels, Squad Goals and Cookie Monsters (Little, Brown Publishing). Her next novel, Instafamous, has a fall 2024 publication date. After battling her brain pain, Erika founded Mental Fitness for Life where she launched her Mental Fitness book tour, "Who Moved My Happy?" While talking to audiences of all backgrounds and ages, Erika shares her story of brain pain and inspires hope by creating safe spaces for life-saving conversations. She has presented, keynoted, and guest lectured at colleges and universities across the country as well as the US Army and Air Force, national sororities and fraternities, middle and high schools, conferences, and Fortune 500 corporations. She has toured with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and is a speaker with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) where she has been inducted into their Hall of Fame. Erika is a recipient of several "Who's Who" honors, a Rising Icon honor, and several Awards of Excellence. Erika has taken the stage for TEDx, appeared on Good Morning America, NBC News, CBS News, The Wendy Williams Experience, national television and radio segments, and a host of other media outlets. She has been featured in several publications, including Page Six of The New York Post, The Huffington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and various magazines and digital media.

https://www.instagram.com/erikajkendrick/ https://www.facebook.com/erikakendrick/ http://xoerika.com/

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Full transcription available at http://heartsofgoldpodcast.com/

Sarah wrote a children's book interviewing girls from different countries. She connected with girls across the world to showcase how our lives may differ, but we share common interests and humanity. Sarah worked on this project all through high school and published the book on Amazon - what an impressive accomplishment! She shares her thought's on cross-cultural connections, youth leadership development, or taking on big creative projects.

More from Sarah:

I joined girl scouts as a daisy in 1st grade. I have been with the same troop since 2nd grade to graduation, they are all my best friends! I earned my silver award in 2018 for my project on water conservation. I began working on my Gold Award in my freshman year of high school, and I earned it my senior year. I currently attend Texas State University and I am double majoring in English and German. I am the Community Service Director for my sorority, Chi Omega. I am also apart of the women's rugby team. In the future I'd like to work in education or publishing!

https://www.amazon.com/Girls-Around-World-celebration-illustrated/dp/B0BVPFKQRP

https://sarahhennig01.wixsite.com/girls-around-the-wor

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Elsie created a wildlife habitat at Council Ground State Park. Discover how she built a butterfly garden, birdhouses, and a bat house, and engaged the community through educational sessions.

Listen as she reflects on the challenges she faced, the support she received, and the impact of her project on wildlife. Her love for animals shines through as she discusses her studies in animal and veterinary biosciences and her dream of becoming a veterinarian.

Don't miss out on this insightful conversation filled with tips on how you can help wildlife in your own backyard. Follow along as she shares her experiences and encourages listeners to take action and make a difference.

More from Elsie:

Hi! I'm Elsie and I've been in Girl Scouts since kindergarten; I even have my "lifetime membership"! In addition to my Gold Award, I have also earned my Bronze and Silver awards. Another highlight of my Girl Scout background was my troop's trip to New York City when I was in high school. Outside of scouting, I am involved in dance and orchestra. More importantly, I have a strong passion for animal welfare. I am currently studying Animal & Veterinary Biosciences at the University of Wisconsin - Madison with the goal of attending vet school in the future. I hope my passion for welfare shined through my Gold Award as I worked to engage my community in wildlife conservation.

https://www.facebook.com/WildlifeHabitatsWI https://sites.google.com/view/wildlifehabitatswi/home

Key takeaways from the episode:

Passion for Animal Welfare: Elsie's deep passion for animals and animal welfare shines through in every aspect of her project. From building a butterfly garden to educating the community on wildlife conservation, her dedication to helping wildlife is truly inspiring.

Overcoming Challenges: Despite facing time constraints and navigating red tape at the state park, Elsie persevered and successfully completed her project. Her ability to stay organized, focused, and adaptable in the face of challenges is a testament to her determination and commitment.

Community Engagement: Through educational sessions and outreach efforts, Elsie was able to engage the community and inspire others to take action in their own backyards. By sharing resources and practical tips, she empowered others to make a difference and support wildlife conservation efforts.

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Full transcription available at http://heartsofgoldpodcast.com/

Afton, a former Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, shares her experience of completing her project in 2007, which involved collecting toiletries for domestic shelters in Knoxville, Tennessee. She reflects on the impact of her Girl Scout troop and her mother, who was the troop leader, in shaping her passion for community service and politics. Afton discusses how her Gold Award project influenced her career as a community organizer and state representative in Tennessee, where she advocates for voting rights and eliminating the grocery tax. She emphasizes the importance of pursuing projects that align with one's passion and encourages young women to make a difference in their communities.

More about Aftyn:

Representative Aftyn Behn is the newest member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, serving House District 51, where she is the first female representative in over 50 years. She is the youngest serving woman in the Tennessee House and the only woman representing Nashville. She's currently the Campaign Director for RuralOrganizing.org, overseeing the organization's electoral strategy and execution and shaping the political and policy landscape impacting small towns and rural communities. Previously, she worked at the Indivisible Project as the Distributed Organizing Manager, building out national programs, including Indivisible's national rural program, one of the largest in the country. She also supported Indivisible's distributed network in long-term power building as the former senior regional organizer for Kentucky and Tennessee. Before Indivisible, she organized with the Tennessee Justice Center in 2017 during the national Medicaid and Affordable Care Act congressional fights. In 2016, she consulted with Switzerland's United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), developing community-based protection policies for special-interest refugee groups. Aftyn is from East Tennessee, a Girl Scout Gold Award winner, and received her MSW from the University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work, specializing in public policy.

http://instagram.com/aftynbehn https://twitter.com/AftynBehn

Key takeaways from the episode:

1. Initiative and Resilience: Afton's Gold Award project required her to take initiative and show resilience by organizing and executing a toiletry donation drive for domestic shelters in Knoxville.

2. Impact of Girl Scouts: Afton's experience in Girl Scouts, including camping, learning about feminism, and community service, influenced her career path as a social worker and state representative, emphasizing the importance of the skills and values gained through Girl Scouts.

3. Community Engagement: Afton highlighted the importance of engaging with the community and using platforms like social media to amplify the impact of projects, emphasizing the need for passion and involvement in projects that address issues that resonate with the individual.

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Full transcription available at http://heartsofgoldpodcast.com/

Margaret Anne Mary Moore shares her inspiring story of overcoming obstacles and achieving her greatest ambitions. Born with cerebral palsy, she relies on a motorized wheelchair, walker, and communication device. However, her family has a positive outlook, teaching her to see herself as a kid who could play, laugh, and learn just like anyone else. With the support of her mother, she pursued regular education, athletics, and activities like Girl Scouting. As a recipient of the Gold Award, she created the Yes, You Can Movement, motivating people of all ages and abilities to overcome obstacles and reach their goals. Tune in to hear her powerful journey and how she uses her life experiences to inspire others.

More from Margaret:

I am a Lifetime Girl Scout and have been in Scouting since Daisies. I have served as a National Delegate for Girl Scouts of Connecticut for two consecutive terms (2014-2017, 2017-2020). I earned my Gold Award in 2015 and was awarded Girl Scouts of Connecticut's Courage, Confidence, and Character Award in 2021. A 2022 graduate of Fairfield University's Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program and a 2020 magna cum laude graduate of Fairfield University with a bachelor's degree in English/Creative Writing and minor in psychology, I currently work as a book editor and marketing coordinator for Woodhall Press and an ambassador for PRC-Saltillo. My debut disability memoir Bold, Brave, and Breathless: Reveling in Childhood's Splendiferous Glories While Facing Disability and Loss was released in October and became an Amazon Bestseller on publication day, remaining on the bestseller list for several weeks. I am now working on the sequel.

https://www.instagram.com/margaretannemarymoore_author/

https://margaretannemarymoore.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Bold-Brave-Breathless-Childhoods-Splendiferous/dp/1954907958/

Key takeaways from the episode:

1. Despite being born with cerebral palsy and facing physical limitations, Margaret's family instills in her a positive outlook on her disability. They taught her that she could play, laugh, and learn just like her able-bodied peers, which shaped her mindset and allowed her to overcome obstacles. 2. Margaret has a strong support system, including her family, friends, mentors, and organizations like Girl Scouts. These individuals and groups provide guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for her to pursue her ambitions and make a difference in the world. 3. Margaret has faced stereotypes and challenges throughout her life, including being told that kids with disabilities don't earn the Girl Scouts Gold Award. However, she persists and finds ways to overcome these obstacles, proving that anything is possible with determination and belief in oneself. Her experiences in running and completing races also highlight her ability to push through fatigue and achieve her goals.

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Speak Up, Stand Out Journalism for Young Activists addressed a lack of diversity in her high school's journalism community. Grace developed a free camp for underserved kids in her community to introduce them to journalism. With the help of Dream Catchers, the camp became a part of their summer program and impacted 70 students. The camp taught journalism skills, and the students could write articles on topics they cared about. Grace also created a website with all the camp resources for sustainability and to help other journalism teachers create their own summer camps.

More from Grace:

Hi! My name is Grace Gormley, and I'm a senior in high school in the Bay Area. I've been a girl scout for twelve years and a journalist for three. In my Gold Award, Stand Up, Speak Out, I addressed the lack of diversity in the journalism community by creating a free journalism summer camp for underserved middle schoolers in my district. Outside of Girl Scouts, I am an Editor-in-Chief for The Viking Sports Magazine and a competitive swimmer. I also run my school's Best Buddies club, and I love reading and hanging out with friends.

https://susocamp.weebly.com/

https://gg28214.wixsite.com/portfolio

Key takeaways from the episode:

1. Grace's Girl Scout Gold Award project, "Speak Up, Stand Out Journalism for Young Activists," addressed the lack of diversity in her school's journalism community. She developed a free camp for underserved kids in her community to introduce them to journalism at a younger age and inspire them to join the community in high school.

2. Grace emphasized the importance of flexibility in managing a large team and coordinating a successful program. She delegated tasks to her peers and worked with Dreamcatchers, an organization in her community, to market and expand the camp. She also had to adjust the curriculum and timeline to meet printing deadlines for the magazine.

3. Through her Gold Award process, Grace developed skills in flexibility, persistence, and resilience. These skills have helped her manage her schoolwork, swimming, and role as editor-in-chief of Viking Magazine, a national sports magazine. She emphasized the importance of pursuing activities that she is passionate about and finding joy in her commitments.

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Valencia's project, titled "Giselle Learns About Alzheimer's," was inspired by her personal experience with her grandfather's battle with Alzheimer's disease. Through her project, Valencia created a children's book to educate and support children who have grandparents with Alzheimer's or who are interested in learning about the disease. Valencia's project not only reached her target audience of second and third graders but also extended to Alzheimer's patients and children across the country. Join us as Valencia shares her journey and the profound impact her project has had on others.

More about Valencia:

Valencia Julien, a recent graduate of Morristown High School in Morristown, NJ, is a scholar of knowledge who enjoys history, writing, and reading books on actual crimes and philosophy. She is an active member of her community who volunteers for various non-profit organizations. A self-assured and exhilarating performer in sports or on a theater stage. In 2022, she earned her Girl Scouts Gold Award for her leadership project by publishing a children's book on Alzheimer's. This book is also accessible by E-book and in 10 different languages. This year, she was awarded her region's international Girl Scouts Gold Award scholarship. Currently, she attends Temple University and plans to pursue two majors in Criminal Justice and Anthropology that will allow her to overcome adversity, help those in need with behavioral analysis, and be an extraordinary role model as a criminal investigator. This career choice will allow her to assist different communities and visually promote young girls to envision themselves pursuing a career within local/federal law enforcement agencies. She intends to continue volunteering and serving as a role model for younger girls as a Lifetime Girl Scout when the opportunity presents itself.

https://www.youtube.com/@gisellelearnsabout4008

Key takeaways from the episode:

1. The Girl Scout Gold Award project can significantly impact the community: Valencia's project, "Giselle Learns About Alzheimer's," aimed to educate children about Alzheimer's disease and how to interact with family members who have the condition. Through her sessions and book, Valencia reached not only her target audience of second and third-graders but also Alzheimer's patients and children across the country.

2. Collaboration and support are essential for a successful Gold Award project: Valencia had a team of advisors and supporters who played crucial roles in her project. Her head advisor from the New Jersey Alzheimer's Association guided her in connecting with Alzheimer's patients and provided assistance in various aspects of the project. A teacher helped edit the book to ensure it was understandable for second and third-graders, and Valencia's mom provided support and assistance throughout the process.

3. The Gold Award project can be a personal and emotional journey: Valencia's motivation for her project came from her personal experience with her grandfather's battle with Alzheimer's. His passing during the project was a significant emotional challenge for her. However, she found strength in knowing that her project could help others and honor her grandfather's memory.

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Full transcription available at http://heartsofgoldpodcast.com/

As an adoptee herself, Madalyn's project was deeply rooted in her own personal story and the desire to raise awareness about adoption in her community. Through a thoughtfully designed poster and a YouTube video featuring interviews with individuals involved in the adoption process, Madalyn aimed to convey that every child deserves a chance at a better life. Her project serves as a reminder that the opportunity for a brighter future is available to every mother who cannot care for their child. Tune in to hear Madalyn's heartfelt story and the impact of her project on adoption awareness.

More from Madalyn:

I've been in Girl Scouts from kindergarten through graduation, which has taught me many important life skills! I was in cheerleading, student council, National Honor Society, and DECA in high school, along with several other clubs and activities. I am currently attending Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, and am majoring in Graphic Design.

https://youtu.be/7xfDcsQR6U0?si=68cjxfoF5-86trp4

Key takeaways from the episode:

1. Madalyn's Girl Scout Gold Award project focused on adoption awareness in her county. She designed a poster that incorporated logos of organizations referenced by the local pregnancy center. The poster also featured a QR code linked to a YouTube video where Madalyn interviewed various individuals involved in the adoption process, including a foster mom, an adoptee, and an adoptive mother.

2. Madalyn's personal experience as an adoptee greatly inspired her project. She was adopted from Guatemala at six months old and recognized the opportunities and better life that adoption provided for her. Madalyn's birth mother's wishes for her to receive an education and follow her faith motivated her to raise awareness about adoption and the positive impact it can have on both the mother and child.

3. The core message of Madalyn's project was to convey that adoption is a valuable option for mothers facing difficult circumstances. She wanted to emphasize that there are multiple choices available and that adoption can bring joy and happiness not only to the mother and child but also to the community. Madalyn aimed to spread a positive message about adoption and empower mothers to consider it a viable option.

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Dorothy shares how she was inspired by her involvement in the Munster Junior Historical Society and how she created seven trail signs that highlight different aspects of Munster's history. Dorothy's favorite sign focuses on women in history. She also discusses her collaboration with the Munster Historical Society to ensure historical accuracy. Tune in to learn more about Dorothy's impactful project.

More from Dorothy:

I started Girl Scouts in Kindergarten as a Daisy. This will be my 13th year as a Girl Scout. Girl Scouts has provided me with many opportunities and some of my best friends. I have traveled to London with Girl Scouts, have been on the girl board and also the girl merchandising board. This year my troop has many activities planned such as an overnight to Carmel, Indiana to visit the Christkindl market and a Cultural potluck. I have earned my Bronze, Silver, and now Gold Award. I have also earned the Presidential Gold Volunteer award, and in October I am receiving the Pinnacle Leadership Award. Activities: -On my HS dance team for 3 years -take dance classes -In choir for 3 years -second year of being on the school newspaper. I earned the Quill & Scroll Gold Key Award last year. I am currently second in command for our school newspaper. -Clubs: Best Buddies, Munster Volunteer Project, Spanish Club, French Club, Mental Health Club, and might join a few more clubs this year. -National Honor Society Member - Munster Junior Historical Society: HS Legacy Ambassador. Through MJHS, I earned the DOC 200 Award. -HUM Group: Northwest Indiana's South Asian student association. I also have a student writing internship with NWI Life, an online newspaper. I write monthly about my school. I'm a DARE role model for my elementary school. I bake for local homeless shelters, volunteer with the food bank and local parks department, and love helping out when needed. My future plans are to go to college for sports journalism. I'm currently in the process of applying to colleges. I plan to stay involved with Girl Scouts at college and beyond.

Key takeaways from the episode:

1. The Girl Scout Gold Award project, titled "Bringing History Outside," involved creating seven trail signs in Munster, highlighting different aspects of the town's history. The project also included updating a Girl Scout history packet and creating a shadow box to honor a young girl who passed away.

2. The project received a lot of support from various individuals and organizations, including the Munster Junior Historical Society and fellow Girl Scouts. The support and collaboration helped make the project successful and allowed for the organization of an event for Girl Scouts to earn a Munster History patch.

3. The Gold Award project helped the Girl Scout, Dorothy, develop leadership skills and confidence. She had to communicate with different people, coordinate activities, and take on a leadership role during the event. The project also allowed her to explore her passion for volunteering and history, and she plans to continue being involved with Girl Scouts and her other interests in the future.