Chatting with Changemakers | Girl Scouts of Maine

Passion to Action is now Chatting with Changemakers

pictures of tonia and barbara

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
pictures of tami and viola

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
headshots of dawn and sam

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
picture of stephanie outside
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
Picture of Mikayla

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
Picture of Jamie

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
Picture of Maria and Ava

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
Headshot of Kristen

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
Headshot of Rachel

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
Headshot of Amara

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
Headshot of Morgan E.
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.
Headshot of Mara Moorhead

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
Picture of Charlena LaVallee

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
Headshot of Morgan Reilly

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.

Headshot of Laura Genese

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
Headshots of Jennifer and Michelle

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
Jackie Newell smiling

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
Kathleen Dean as a Daisy and Brownie Girl Scout and her senior picture

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
Pictures of Greta and Shannon

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
Pictures of Sophia, Vivian, and Kirstin

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!
Headshot of Audrey Hankinson

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
Pictures of Vicky, Delaney, and Tree in the outdoors
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.
Headshot of Rhonda Forrester
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.
Courtney and Kayla taking a picture during a hike
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.
Headshot of Devlin Geisler
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!
Headshot of Kasey Jordan
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!
Headshot of 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!
Headshots of 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?!

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