Girl Scouts of America has always been near and dear to my heart. Joining at six years old, I quickly learned lifelong skills—how to step outside my comfort zone by selling cookies to strangers on sidewalks, the importance of teamwork and how it can either propel or hinder overall success.

These lessons extend far beyond childhood; they shape who we become as adults. Research from the Girl Scout Research Institute found in 2012 that a sizable amount of Girl Scout alums later became leaders in fields, including 53% of business owners and more than half of the women in Congress. The entrepreneurial lessons and applications in this organization are designed and led by girls that focus on transferable skills, “The Girl Scout Cookie program is known as the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program” (GSSOAZ Supporter Newsletter). Though my years as a Girl Scout are over, the core values of helping others and making the world a better place have never left me.

Recently, while at Mesquite Valley Growers with my husband, we passed a group of Girl Scout members at their cookie-selling station. One of the girls confidently called out, asking if we’d like to purchase a box. I didn’t have my wallet at the time, but I made sure to praise their dedication and sales skills. The girl smiled and replied, “Maybe next time.”

Her eagerness stuck with me. I decided to race home, grab my wallet, and return to support them. When I arrived back at their stand, they had already begun packing up, preparing for another group to take over. But I didn’t want to purchase from the new bunch; I wanted those girls who had put themselves out there to get my attention with their confidence and go-getter attitudes.

I shared with them that my career is dedicated to raising money, just like they were doing, and offered three simple tips to success in fundraising if they were interested in hearing them:

Never be afraid to ask.

Tell people why.

Always thank people.

I knew already that these girls weren’t afraid to put themselves out there to ask. When I asked about their "why," I learned that they were fundraising for an upcoming trip to San Diego. I was inspired by their passion and eagerness; I told them I’d buy two boxes per girl—eight boxes in total. They eagerly asked, “What kinds?”

I suggested they pick the flavors and donate the boxes to the Girl Scouts’ Hero program for veterans. Their response was something you don’t hear much these days: “Thank you, ma’am.”

The moral of this story is gratitude, and that it goes both ways. These girls reminded me that confidence and determination can open doors, and in turn, I was able to show them that passion and appreciation are just as important as making the sale, which most of the time makes or breaks the sale. Moments like these are small but meaningful reminders of the power of connection, kindness, and gratitude.

Image from Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona website

This is your last weekend to help Sahuaro Girl Scouts in Tucson by buying a box of your favorite cookies-click here to find a location https://www.girlscoutssoaz.org/en/cookies-plus.html

The Girl Scout Alum Difference: A Lifetime of Courage, Confidence, and Character. Girl Scout Research Institute , 2021, https://preview.girlscouts.org/content/dam/girlscouts-gsusa/forms-and-documents/about-girl-scouts/research/GSUSA_GSRI_2021_The-Girl-Scout-Alum-Difference.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com.

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