Chatting with Changemakers
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Passion to Action is now Chatting with Changemakers
We love finding new ways to share the incredible stories of Maine Girl Scouts with our community. And have enjoyed sharing our podcast series, Passion to Action, in collaboration with Daughters of Change and First National Bank since 2022.
Passion to Action has spotlighted many of our future leaders, amazing girls who are already out there making a difference through Girl Scouting. Told in their own voices, we highlighting the stories of Girl Scouts across Maine and role model communty members influecing them.
We are excited to now be launching the next phase—a new podcast that puts the girls in charge! Our new Chatting with Changemakers girl-led podcast series will feature Girl Scouts in Maine interviewing other Girl Scouts, community members, and role models they look up to, talking about the incredible work they are doing, and the positive changes they are making in their communities.
A big thank you to First National Bank for supporting Girl Scouts of Maine and making this collaboration possible!
Podcasts
Chatting With Changemakers Episode 5: Careers in Banking
In today’s episode, listen to Samantha Regan and Paige Klausky, employees at First National Bank, discuss their roles. Learn something new about banking and hear how careers in finance don’t always need to involve numbers. Listen to how they ended up in their positions and what their roles look like day-to-day. This episode gives Girl Scouts advice about what to look for in a career and discusses some of the different opportunities Girl Scouts of Maine has where STEM is highlighted.
Chatting With Changemakers Episode 4: Savor Every Gelato 
Chatting with Changemakers Episode 3: Intergenerational Insights: Girl Scout Leadership
Chatting with Changemakers Episode 2: A Legacy of Leadership
Chatting with Changemakers Episode 1: The Next Chapter
Episode 29: Exploring Endless Possibilities Through Camp
This podcast episode features two Girl
Scouts of Maine Summer Camp Directors, Tonia and Barbara. The guests
discuss summer camp updates, including fun new programs, facility
renovations, and some exciting changes in the kitchen! With different
perspectives from the camper, staff, and director lenses, Tonia and
Barbara share the endless benefits of spending time at Girl Scout
Camp, such as connecting with nature, forming meaningful friendships,
and gaining vital life skills. Plus, they’ll end the episode with
helpful information on how to register as a camper and apply for a
staff position!
In this episode, Tonia and Barbara will discuss:
- Guest journeys to camp
- Summer camp updates
- Benefits of being a camper
- Summer camp employment and training
Episode 28: Life Skills to Live By
This podcast episode features Girl Scouts of Maine troop leader and volunteer, Tami, and Girl Scout Ambassador, Viola. The two guests focus their conversation on the development of crucial life skills such as confidence, leadership, and conflict resolution—all of which are valued pillars at Girl Scouts of Maine. With first-hand experiences of their own, Tami and Viola share their personal connections to the growth they’ve witnessed within themselves and other members of the organization over the years.
In the this episode, Tami and Viola will discuss:
- Life skills necessary for personal development
- First-hand Girl Scout experiences
- Dream Maker journeys
- Safety First program
Episode 27: Mental Health Matters
This podcast episode features Girl Scouts
of Maine, Adult Learning Director, Dawn, and Program Director &
Regional Office Supervisor, Sam. As two staffmembers directly involved
in impacting the lives of Girl Scout Members all around the state,
Dawn and Sam uncover little known facts about mental health disparity
in Maine before transitioning into how GSME is working to help create
a solution. Adult volunteer trainings, program collaboration, and
understanding the power in building resiliency are all on the agenda
during this fascinating episode on such a timely issue.
In the this episode, Dawn and Sam will discuss:
- Mental health statistics in Maine
- GSME mental health training
- Ready, Strong, Resilient patches and programs
- Tips and tools to build and maintain mental wellbeing
Episode 26: This is Your Journey
The podcast episode features Stephanie
Emery, a Lifetime Member of the Girl Scouts and the owner of Adventure
Bus, an affordable outdoor adventure company. The episode explores
Stephanie's journey from her childhood at Camp Pondicherry, where she
learned essential survival and leadership skills, to her career as a
music teacher in Boston, and ultimately, her unexpected transition to
becoming the owner of Adventure Bus.
In the this episode, Stephanie will discuss:
- The lifelong impact of Girl Scout camp
- Stephanie’s career path journey
- Adventure Bus
- Girl Scouts of Maine Alumni Network
Episode 24: Transforming Leadership
In this episode of the Passion to Action
podcast, we hear from Girl Scout alum and well-decorated University of
Maine graduate student, Mikayla. As a first-generation, independent
college student, Mikayla has achieved countless accolades throughout
her academic career. From being selected as an Alfond Ambassador, to
graduating as Salutatorian, and holding countless leadership positions
within school—Mikayla credits much of her success and personal life
skills development to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
In the this episode, Mikayla will discuss:
- The Girl Scout Leadership Experience
- Marketing as an undergraduate study
- Achieving success through academia
- The longterm impacts of joining the Girl Scouts
Episode 23: There’s Nothing More Courageous than Being Yourself
In this episode of the Passion to Action podcast, we hear from Girl Scout Troop Leader, artist, and Office Manager of the United Society of Shakers at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Jamie. Despite her busy schedule, Jamie’s passion for mentoring youth within her community through troop leadership, is stronger than ever. By helping Girl Scout members foster empowering skills such as inclusiveness, self-reflection, confidence, and respect, Jamie talks about why giving back locally, is the ultimate reward.
In the this episode, Jamie will discuss:
- Becoming a troop leader without children
- Giving back to your community
- Creating an open and safe space for youth
- The benefits of getting involved as a volunteer
Episode 22: The Girl Scout Family Connection
In this episode of the Passion to Action
podcast, we hear from Girl Scout Troop Leader Mariah and her daughter,
Ava. With all of the extra one-on-one time that Ava and her mom get
within their troop, they strengthen their mother-daughter bond each
and every day. They enjoy exploring the meaningful spirit of Girl
Scouts and the experience of embarking on endless adventures through
the organization, together.
In the this episode, Mariah
and Ava will discuss:
- Being a Girl Scout versus being a troop leader
- Strengthening the mother-daughter bond
- Creating memories
- Generational Girl Scout differences
Episode 21: Opportunities for Women in Banking
In this episode of the Passion to Action
podcast, we hear from Kristen, the Corporate Engagement and
Development Officer at First National Bank in Maine. As a leader in
the banking industry, Kristen offers valuable advice for women looking
to break ceilings within the traditionally male-dominated career
field.
In this episode, Kristen will discuss:
- Benefits of financial literacy
- The trajectory of her career
- Harnessing the power of networking
- Being a woman in the banking industry
Episode 20: Cooking Up Opportunities
In this episode of the Passion to Action
podcast, we hear from Rachel, a successful chef who has been a Girl
Scout for more than 17 years. As a leader in the cooking industry,
Rachel attributes many of the skills she harnesses today to the Girl
Scouts.
In this episode, Rachel will discuss:
- Leadership skills developed through Girl Scouts
- The cooking industry
- Following your passions in the career world
- Redefining personal and professional success
Episode 19: Becoming a Citizen of the World
In this episode of the Passion to Action
podcast, we hear from 15 year old Amara who has been a Girl Scout
since she was 5 years old. From growing up in a small island community
to traveling the world, Amara has already gained a global perspective
and continues to expand her world view.
In this episode
Amara will discuss:
- World Thinking Day
- Being a member of the Global Action Team
- Traveling with Girl Scouts
- The leadership and business skills she has gained through the Girl Scout Cookie Program
Episode 18: Resilient, Ready, and Strong
Did you catch the last Passion to Action
podcast? If not, listen to the "Resilient, Ready, and
Strong" episode below to hear from 14 year old Girl Scout, Morgan
about how she is elevating her leadership skills and focusing on her ambitions.
Episode 17: Defining the Girl Scout Leadership Experience
In this episode of the Passion to Action podcast series, you'll get to hear from our CEO, Mara Moorhead, as she and Marie discuss:
- Girls and the adults who support them
- How they have grown from their experience
- Why it means so much to them
Episode 16: Perseverance and Leadership
Charlena LaVallee is a Gold Award Girl
Scout, Girl Representative on the Girl Scouts of Maine Board, a member
of the Girl Scouts of Maine Global Action Team and Teen Advisory
Group, and all around rockstar.
She is an inspiring
leader who never gives up, and as a high school senior, she has enough
dual credits to have completed her first year of college when she
graduates this spring!
In this episode, learn more about:
- How Charlena got involved in leadership roles and the steps she took to get there
- Her passion for working with children
- Her advice to girls involved in Girl Scouts
- Her plans for the future
Episode 15: A Place for Girls
Morgan Reilly is an adult Girl Scout and
the program lead at A Place for Girls. She has two associate degrees,
one in Accounting and one Business Administration from Central Maine
Community College. She joined Girl Scouts of Maine as the program lead
for A Place for Girls in September of 2019 and loves every minute of
it.
Funded by the United Way of Maine, A Place for Girls
is Girl Scouts of Maine’s comprehensive after-school program for
elementary and middle school-aged girls. It is designed to help girls
understand and follow positive values, build self-confidence, and
improve healthy relationships.
In this episode learn more about:
- Morgan’s experiences with Girl Scouts
- How A Place for Girls serves girls and the community
- How to get involved
If you are interested in getting involved with A Place for Girls as a volunteer or giving opportunities, please contact customercare@gsmaine.org.
Episode 14: The Many Facets of Creating Girl Leaders
Laura Genese, Marketing and Communications
Director at Girl Scouts of Maine, has a unique perspective on how Girl
Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character. As a
mother, troop leader, and employee, Laura has vast knowledge and
experience when it comes to Girl Scouts. She said, “When the
opportunity came up to work at Girl Scouts four years ago, I took it,
and I’m so glad that I joined the team!”
In this episode
learn more about:
- Laura’s experiences with Girl
Scouts
- Opportunities
offered by Girl Scouts
- Why
her work is so rewarding
- The progression of her involvement with
Girl Scouts
- What she’s learned firsthand
Episode 13: Financial Literacy for Girls
On the latest Passion to Action podcast, we
meet Jennifer Boynton and Michelle Curtis from First National Bank,
two Daughters of Change who are passionate about teaching young girls
and children about financial literacy. As parents and adults, teaching
girls to be savvy about finances is one of the most important tools we
can give them for their futures and it's never too late to start.
Listen to the podcast on our webiste to hear tips and ideas about how
you can get the financial ball rolling for the girls and young women
in your lives.
In this episode, they discuss:
- What a community bank is
- Why it's so important for for girls and young women to understand having independent finances
- Why it's never too early to start having these conversations with the girls in your life
- Tips and ideas to teach girls and young women about finances
- How these lessons build upon themselves as children grow
- Resources available to help
Episode 12: Making the Most of Opportunities
Meet Jackie Newell: a lifetime Girl Scout,
a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, and a Member at Large for the Girl
Scouts of Maine Board. She is a bilingual Fulbright Scholar who is in
the process of getting her Masters of Science in Project Management at
the Roux Institute.
As a Girl Scout, Jackie was able to
go on many different adventures and experience new things—all of which
helped her achieve a successful career as a project manager!
In this episode learn more about:
- Jackie’s travel experiences
- Her career
- How to get involved with Girl Scouts
Episode 11: Preparing Girls for a Lifetime of Leadership
Girl Scouts of Maine is dedicated to
preparing girls for a lifetime of leadership—in their own life and in
the world. As women, we face a number of unique challenges, but we
also have an unparalleled reach to make positive impacts. Girl Scouts
is deeply committed to filing a pipeline of women leaders to make
those impacts.
In this episode in collaboration with
Daughters of Change and First National Bank, you’ll meet Kathleen
Dean. She is a shining example of a burgeoning woman leader. As a
Future Leaders Scholarship recipient, Kathleen is committed to
community service. She said, “I am ready to take on this imperfect
world and use my strengths and leadership abilities to pave the way
for the next generation of girls and help them grow into women who
will do the same for generations to come."
In this
episode learn more about:
- Kathleen’s love of community service
- The importance of the lifelong friendships she has made
- What she feels are some of the biggest challenges women and girls face today
- How she is putting her leadership skills to work
- Her plans for the future
Episode 10: Global Adventures for Girls
In this episode in collaboration with
Daughters of Change and First National Bank, you’ll meet Shannon
Johnson, a Girl Scouts of Maine volunteer and Travel Coordinator, and
Greta Smallidge, a Girl Scout who loves to adventure and travel the
world.
You’ll hear them discuss all of the travel
opportunities and benefits that Girl Scouts of Maine has to offer, how
girls thrive off of travel experiences, and how the girls discover a
sense of empowerment and personal growth on each trip!
Girls can experience all that our country has to offer, whether
they’re “blasting off” at Space Camp in Alabama, taking in a Broadway
show in New York City, or visiting the birthplace of Girl Scouts’
founder, Juliette Gordon Low, in Savannah, Georgia. And they can plan
even bigger adventures around the world, traveling with other Girl
Scouts who share your love of adventure!
In this episode
learn more about:
- The progression of the travel program
- The amazing adventures offered
- Trips Shannon and Greta have taken
- The personal growth and sense of empowerment the girls discover on each trip
- How girls thrive because of travel experiences experiences
Episode 9: It's not just a box of cookies!
In this episode in collaboration with
Daughters of Change and First National Bank, you’ll meet Kirstin
Powell-Williams, Collaboration and Content Program Specialist, and
Sophia Trickey, and Vivian Peavy.
You’ll hear them
discuss the Girl Scout Cookie Program, and how it provides girls like
Vivian and Sophia with an ability to learn, grow, and thrive through
all of life’s adventures!
As the largest girl-led
entrepreneurial program in the world, girls learn important life
skills like financial literacy, and business ethics. All of which
helps cultivate girls who are full of courage, confidence, and
character!
In this episode learn more about:
- What really is the Girl Scout Cookie Program?
- How girls are putting their entrepreneurial skills to work for themselves, their troops, and their communities.
- How these young women are blazing trails with cookie sales!
Episode 8: Reflections of a Young Leader
New Passion to Action Podcast
episode...listen now.
Meet Gold Award Girl Scout and
Pinnacle Awardee, Audrey Hankinson. Audrey is an extremely
accomplished Girl Scout who earned her Bronze, Silver, and Gold
Awards, is a Future Leadership Scholarship recipient, served as a girl
member of the Girl Scouts of Maine Board of Directors, and is a
counselor at Camp Natarswi. She also volunteers as part of the Gold
Award Committee.
Now a sophomore in college and a
lifetime member of the Girl Scouts, Audrey is studying American Sign
Language and Theater.
In this episode learn more about:
- Audrey's Girl Scout adventures and opportunities
- Her time spent at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
- The Student Conservation Association trip that took her out of her comfort zone and across the country, and what that led to
- Audrey's Pinnacle, Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards
- Her work as a Girl Scout Alum
- What she's doing now as a Future Leaders Scholarship recipient
- How the Girl Scouts helped her become the leader she is today
- Her plans for the future
Episode 7: Developing Determination, Skills, and Bonds for a Lifetime
A new Passion to Action Podcast has
dropped! Listen in as we explore our Junior Maine Guide Program at
Camp Natarswi and discover the determination and skills required for
Girl Scouts to earn their JMG certification. You meet Tree, Vicky, and
Delaney and learn how the Junior Maine Guide program helps develop our
female leaders through determination, skills, challenges, and lifelong friendships.
Episode 6: The Importance of STEM for Girls
Listen to the latest edition of the
Passion to Action Series in collaboration with Daughters of Change and
First National Bank to meet Rhonda Forrester, a licensed Civil and
Environmental Engineer and volunteer with Girl Scouts of Maine!
Rhonda’s passion is being a mentor for one of the four key areas of
focus in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience–Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math (STEM). In this podcast you'll hear about why
Rhonda loves what she does, her passion for sharing STEM with girls,
the variety of careers available, the financial security STEM offers,
and why it's important for more girls to be going into STEM.
Episode 5: Building Leaders in the Great Outdoors
In this Passion to Action podcast in
collaboration with Daughters of Change and First National Bank, you'll
meet Kayla Norster, Outdoor Program and Adult Learning Specialist for
the Girl Scouts of Maine, and Courtney Evans, Clinical Counselor,
Troop Leader for two troops, and Adult Learning Facilitator for the
Girl Scouts of Maine. Both women are deeply engaged and immersed in
one of the four pillars that form the foundation of the Girl Scout
Leadership Experience–the Outdoors. Listen to the podcast here to get
the scoop about the different outdoor adventures and opportunities
offered by the Girl Scouts and how you can get involved, young or old,
and how Girl Scouts help build girls and adults of confidence,
courage, and character, who make the world a better place.
Episode 4: Bringing Girl’s Voices to the Global Stage
In the latest podcast of the Passion to
Action series in collaboration with Daughters of Change and First
National Bank, you will meet Maine Girl Scout, 17-year-old Devlin
Geisler–a high school senior, a very active member of the Girl Scouts
of Maine, a volunteer for local organizations working with kids, and a
summa cum laude honor roll student. You'll hear about her intensive
efforts around the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women, the project
she is working on for her Gold Award, and what she’s learned along the
way. Listen to the podcast today!
Episode 3: Tiny Steps for Homeless Female Veterans
In the third podcast of the Passion to
Action Series in collaboration with Daughters of Change and First
National Bank, Marie Sola speaks with 17-year-old, Daughter of Change,
Kasey Jordan of Tiny Steps. Kasey is working on her Gold Award
Project, Tiny Steps, with a goal of helping homeless female veterans.
Give it a listen!
Episode 2: You’re Never too Young to Accomplish Big Goals with Gold Award Girl Scout Rebecca Hatt
In this second podcast of the Passion to
Action Series, Marie Sola speaks with 16-year-old, Gold Award Girl
Scout, Rebecca Hatt. Rebecca shares her affinity for the arts, her
Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award projects, why she chose the
projects she did, her strategies to make these projects happen, and
what she’s learned from being a Girl Scout. Listen now!
Episode 1: Passion to Action Kick-off with Joanne Crepeau and Susan Norton
In this first episode, Daughters of
Change Founder, Marie Sola speaks with Sue Norton, former Girl Scout
Troop Leader and Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative
Officer of the First National Bank and our own Joanne Crepeau, CEO of
the Girl Scouts of Maine. We will be discussing our mission for the
Passion to Action Podcast, why it's important, what we hope to
accomplish, and how Girl Scouts of Maine is building girls of courage,
confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. How cool
is that?!
Facebook Live Replays
Raising Financially Savvy Girls – Full Circle to Financial Freedom
During this Facebook Live, we’ll bring you full circle to define the true meaning of financial freedom by diving into the world of saving, investing, and travel to bring you little-known tips and tricks to advocate for your own economic growth!
Marketing and Communications Specialist from the Girl Scouts of Maine, Helen Ruhlin, will be leading the conversation with Kirsten McAlpine, Vice President of Corporate Engagement and Development at First National Bank, and Nazrin Dixon, Vice President of Business Development at First National Bank.
Thank you to our awesome guests for their wisdom and advice and to our wonderful partners over at First National Bank!
Raising Financially Savvy Girls – Starting a Business
Raising Financially Savvy Girls – Demystifying Credit
Raising Financially Savvy Girls–Goals and Savings
Basic Financial Literacy for Young Women
Different Paths to Forever Friendship
It’s Never Too Early to Teach Girls Financial Literacy
Giving Back to Empower Girl Leaders
Developing Girl Leaders
Be a Role Model
Financial Literacy for Girls!
Live with Pinnacle Award Girl Scout Maddie Buzza
Your talents and experience have the power to change girls’ lives!
Future Female Leaders
From the Trail to the Maine Legislature with the Girls from Troop 30
Family Adventures in Girl Scouting
Passion to Action with Devlin Geisler
Protecting the Ocean with Ariadne Dimoula & Claudia Lowd
Passion to Action Podcast Introduction
