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STRAIGHT FROM THE EXPERTS
Fall 2019
Newsletter
One of the best ways for girls to learn about new ideas is to hear straight from someone who really knows their stuff. The Expert Connection is a resource that helps troop leaders locate specialists in a range of fields. It’s a collection of subject matter experts in the GCNWI community who are willing to share their knowledge, skills, and experiences at troop meetings, leaders’ meetings, events, and more. Speakers get to share their passion, serve their communities, and help inspire tomorrow’s go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, and leaders.
Connection of a Lifetime “Girl Scouting was a big part of my life growing up,” said Suzy Smith. “I attribute a lot of my success and abilities, like confidence and public speaking, to experiences I had as a Girl Scout.” Among her many roles as a troop leader, Associate Board member, and donor, she’s also giving back as an Expert Connection volunteer. “As a leader, I know most of the badges and activities typically
have a career exploration part of them,” she said. “Having the access to a larger network of professionals willing to talk to our girls is exciting!” Suzy shares her own expertise as an engineer for Exponent. She finds Expert Connection to be a great way for girls to “try on” leadership and get face time with professionals they want to model themselves after.
COOKING UP INNOVATION “That’s a lot of the benefit I got from Girl Scouting, was leading younger girls and speaking publicly without being selfconscious or embarrassed in front of others,” Suzy said. “Girls want to see where they can be, have an example of success, and discover how they can get there.”
Interested in learning more about The Expert Connect? Visit girlscoutsgcnwi.org/experts, or email Julie Gilmartin at jgilmartin@girlscoutsgcnwi.org! 4
www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/donate
Girl Scouts cooked up innovation last month as part of Smart Cookies: Savoring Science! In partnership with Ingredion and RXBAR, dozens of local Girl Scouts gained hands-on experience exploring methods and career pathways in food science. Ingredion Chef Nelson SerranoBahri and three culinary entrepreneurs led a day of interactive learning that included breaking down the food science behind a chocolate chip cookie and testing ingredient adjustments. The Hatchery chefs mentored Girl Scouts to work through their scientific approach
to product development and how they adapt to consumer needs in an ever-changing market. Girls were able to tour the facility, hear from chefs about the challenges of launching a new business, and work in the chef kitchen to see first-hand how the space cultivates culinary talent. “I learned so much!” shared Madeline, age 14. “If you have a passion, go for it. Don’t go do something you won’t have fun with. Do something you absolutely love.” Grace, age 13, added, “I learned that if you want to do anything, even if you aren’t quite ready yet,
do it anyway. Nothing will ever be perfect, so start on whatever you’re doing now, because there’s always room to improve. Also, I learned that if you’re being creative, don’t let others, or even yourself, judge what you’re doing.” Girl Scouts also spent a day at RXBAR learning about the science of cooking and food development. They worked closely with food scientists in the research and innovation department who taught them about potential career paths in the food science industry, all through handson activities while making their own customized RXBARs. @girlscoutsgcnwi
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