It's Her Brand Magazine - South Dakota Edition - Issue 1 - Jul|Aug|Sept 2019 - Cover 2 of 2

IT’S HER BRAND M A G A Z ISouthN E Dakota Edition

#GirlScouts

SCAN ME

Take the

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G.I.R.L QUIZ

WHAT KIND OF ‘G.I.R.L’ ARE YOU?

ON THE COVER

THE

DNA OF A G.I.R.L 3

The Girl Scout Difference

INSIDE this issue

GIRL The Impacts of

SCOUTS 6 Cookies and STEM Issue One

Madi MEYER

JUL|AUG|SEPT 2019

BUILDING GIRLS OF COURAGE, CONFIDENCE & CHARACTER

INSIDE OUR DOUBLE COVER

COVER 1

JULY|AUGUST|SEPTEMBER 2019

COVER 2

6 MARLA MEYER DISCOVER, CONNECT, TAKE ACTION

HER IMPACT Our Community Impact Theme for this issue is to create conversation and understanding around 1) the impacts that Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons has on young ladies, women, their families, and our communities, and 2) topics that Girl Scout members care about, while supporting their efforts to Discover, Connect, and Take Action, in an effort to make the world (and our state) a better place!

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MADI MEYER COOKIES & STEM COVER 1 Girl Scouts-The BIG Event Let’s Mix-Tequila Watermelon Aguas Frescas with Prosecco

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Girl Scouts-Skills Today, Success Tomorrow

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Shelbey Hershman-Huron 12

Aspen Kline-Aberdeen Are You a Girl Scout Alumna Jenny Payton-Rapid City Girl Can Cook-Thai Peanut Sauce Grace Payton-Rapid City She Does with Amy Kaye Tracy Hill-Yankton COVER 2 Girl Scout DNA Girl Can Cook 5-Ingredient Avocado Bake Girl Scouts & STEM

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Marie Ruettgers & Black Hills Energy

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her brand her movement her impact

Girl Scouts-G.I.R.L. Quiz Her Picks with Amy Kaye Darla Erb-Sioux Falls Christine Pickard-Brookings Girl Scouts-Higher Awards Gracie Kayras-Newell Let’s Mix-NA All Day Fruit Cooler Stephanie Kessler-Brandon

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itsherbrandmagazine.com

ON THE COVER #GIRLSCOUTS

BRANDON

Madi Meyer

COOKIES & STEM Photo Credits | Emily Spartz Weerheim

Story submitted by Madi Meyer | Edited by IHBM

M

adi Meyer of Brandon, South Dakota, joined Girl Scouts as a Daisy when she was in kindergarten and will be bridging to a Junior Girl Scout this Fall; bridging is the tradition ceremony that transitions a Girl Scout from one level to the next. Although she thoroughly enjoys many aspects of the Girl Scout experience, there are two in particular that she is most passionate about: the Girl Scout Cookie Program and the many STEM opportunities available to the Girl Scouts and their troops. Here is Madi’s Girl Scout story:

Girl Scout Cookie Program

“Since I first joined Girl Scouts, I’ve loved being involved with their cookie program,” says Madi. The largest girl-led Business & Entrepreneurship program in the world, the Girl Scout Cookie Program provides girls with the opportunity to learn five essential skills that equip them to succeed in school, work, and beyond: Money Management, Decision Making, Goal Setting, People Skills, and Business Ethics. Along the way, they are mentored by older girls with years of cookie-selling know-how. “Since I began my Girl Scout journey, I’ve worked hard to build my cookie business and have sold almost 4,000 boxes of cookies to date,” she says proudly. “Through the cookie program, I have learned how to talk to more people and do some TV interviews. Besides teaching me how to run a business, the cookie program has also taught me that it’s important to give back to your community when you own a business, and this program allows me to do that.” Through the Gift of Caring program, customers can donate boxes of cookies to military troops. “Sometimes my cookie customers offer me a tip,” she explains. “I can’t take tips for myself, but I can put the money towards purchasing cookies for those in the military. When I tell customers that, they’re thrilled and sometimes give even more to put towards the military gift.”

Girl Scouts and STEM

Girl Scouts of every age are introduced to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to help them learn what they can do and how they can actually improve the world - whether they're discovering how a car's engine runs, learning to manage finances, or caring for animals. The STEM programs serve to engage young women and allow them to apply concepts learned in school in new ways. The girls are encouraged to explore different aspects of STEM every year and get to be a part of the "fun with a purpose" K–12 curriculum to inspire them to embrace and celebrate scientific discovery in their lives. There are also several different badge categories that make special use of STEM activities. “I didn’t know much about STEM before getting involved with Girl Scouts, but I’ve become more interested in STEM because of the experiences I’ve had,” Madi shares. “I’ve participated in many STEM opportunities like working alongside Sanford Scientists and POET Engineers, learning about our digital footprints and cyber security, and even going to camp for a day to build a catapult that launched pumpkins.”

Because of Girl Scouts

“I recently ran for Student Council Vice President at my elementary school,” Madi shares.

“Although I was a little nervous, I gave a speech in front of all the students and teachers, and it went great! Because of Girl Scouts, I’ve become more confident and brave, and I like being a leader, and although I didn’t know if I would get the position or not, I still went for it!”

Why Girl Scouts

Besides giving her the opportunity to spend time with her mom, Marla, Madi loves being involved with the Girl Scouts because she likes to try new things. “From activities, such as canoeing, kayaking, and archery to running your own business and learning the importance of community service and random acts of kindness, everything that the Girl Scout organization has to offer is fun and educational,” she says. “I would encourage all girls to get involved with Girl Scouts if they can.” IHBM (Some content retrieved from GirlScouts.org) JULY|AUGUST|SEPTEMBER 2019

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STEM PARTNER ARTICLE

Marie RUETTGERS Rapid City

Girl Scouts & STEM

BLACK HILLS ENERGY #GIRLSCOUTSANDSTEM

Photo Credits | Dakota Press

Story submitted by Marie Ruettgers | Edited by IHBM

A

s the Associate General Counsel at Black Hills Energy in Rapid City, South Dakota, Marie Ruettgers is a witness to the many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) career opportunities that are available to women like herself. However, she has also been a witness to the many stereotypes and negative messages that discourage young ladies from pursuing STEM-related career opportunities, in addition to overall leadership positions.

Passionate about overcoming those stereotypes and negative messages, Marie is on a mission to encourage young ladies to learn more about STEM at an early age.

As a woman of courage, confidence, and character, who is now leading by example for future generations, Marie attributes those qualities and abilities to her experiences as a former Girl Scout. “The leadership opportunities and new experiences that I encountered through Girl Scouts helped mold me into the woman I am today,” she says. As her love for the organization has increased throughout the years, she now serves on the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons and is the Board Development Committee Chairperson.

Her passion for STEM opportunities, combined with her love for the Girl Scout mission, has fostered a STEM partnership between Black Hills Energy and Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons.

The partnership is meant to encourage young ladies to consider STEM opportunities and to introduce them to careers within the different areas of STEM. What is STEM? Some say that girls tend to be natural-born scientists. They look at the world around them with inquisitive eyes. As they continue their journey through life, they experiment and learn as they go. Girl Scouts of every age are introduced to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to help them learn what they can do and how they can actually improve the world - whether they're discovering how a car's engine runs, learning to manage finances, or caring for animals. The girls are encouraged to explore different aspects of STEM every year and get to be a part of the "fun with purpose" K–12 curriculum to inspire them to embrace and celebrate scientific discovery in their lives. There are also several different badge categories that make special use of STEM activities.

The STEM programs serve to engage young women and allow them to apply concepts learned in school in new ways. Combined with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, these programs also give the girls the opportunity to combine learning with leadership development, growth mindset development, and other socially desirable skills in a flexible, informal environment that supports student-driven exploration and experimentation. The content and intensity of the programs vary, and are often developed with the same impact goals in mind: to increase girls’ interest in STEM, to increase confidence in their STEM-related abilities, educating girls about STEM careers, and exposing them to STEM professionals through partners like Black Hills Energy.

Why Become a STEM Partner?

STEM Partners help the girls learn about the STEM program content and serve as role models, providing real-life insights into how girls can prepare for successful careers in STEM. For example, the “Imagine Your STEM Future” program, integrates career presentations by working STEM professionals, like Marie, into the series and oftentimes provides girls with opportunities to visit the business and meet other staff members.

Marie highly encourages young girls to get involved with both STEM opportunities and Girl Scouts if they can. “My hope is to help educate young girls about the different areas of STEM and to foster their interest in pursuing STEM-related careers,” says Marie. “ Additionally, I want to encourage them to get involved with Girl Scouts and to recognize the many possibilities that are available to them through the organization. The Girl Scouts’ mission, which is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place isn’t just a tagline; it’s a reality.” IHBM (Some content retrieved from GirlScouts.org)

JULY|AUGUST|SEPTEMBER 2019

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MINI FEATURE ARTICLE #GirlScouts

Child's Voice

CHRISTINE. PICKARD TROOP 50279 BROOKINGS Submitted Photo

Story submitted by Christine Pickard | Edited by IHBM

A

s a Human Resource Specialist, Christine Pickard is responsible for fostering relationships with the employees at Daktronics in Brookings, South Dakota, but that’s not her only title and role. Christine is also a Troop Leader for Troop 50279 and a Service Unit Cookie Coordinator with Girl ScoutsDakota Horizons, where she fosters relationships with the young ladies in her troop.

As a young girl, Christine got involved with Girl Scouts and quickly fell in love with their long history of building girls of courage, confidence, and character.

Although she stepped away from the organization for a while to focus on other priorities, she eventually found her way back to the organization as an adult.

“I have so many fond memories as a Girl Scout,” she says. “The organization provided me with so many experiences and opportunities and helped me to develop many skills, and now I want that for my daughters and for the other girls in my troop.”

Because of Girl Scouts After learning about Child’s Voice and their need for clothing and toiletry items, Troop 50279 decided they wanted to help. Child’s Voice is a nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center that provides medical evaluations for children who may be victims of abuse and neglect. Depending on the situation, the children at Child’s Voice often arrive wtih no belongings and only the clothes on their back. As a group, the girls went shopping and personally picked out clothes and items before delivering them to Child’s Voice at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls. Because of Girl Scouts, the troop’s donation provided six boys and six girls with two sets of clothes each, plus toiletry items.

Why Girl Scouts Christine encourages everyone to get involved in Girl Scouts in a way that makes sense for them. “Everyone offers a unique set of skills and expertise that the next generation could learn from,” Christine explains. “Ultimately, we have an opportunity to influence the next generation of leaders, so I encourage everyone to get involved with their local Girl Scouts.” Besides having an influence on the next generation, Christine loves that Girl Scouts provides her with the opportunity to spend unique, quality time with her daughters. “Together, we’ve learned about many things, including the environment, STEM, the arts, and how to become girls, AND women, of courage, confidence, and character,” she says.

Perhaps her most favorite aspect of Girls Scouts, and what she believes differentiates the organization from others, is that many of the activities and events that they offer are girl led. “Often times, the camps and events are led by the older Girl Scouts who are in the leadership roles,” she says. “I think it’s special that the older girls can be role models for the younger ones who look up to them and aspire to be like them.” IHBM (Some content retrieved from https://www.sanfordhealth.org/locations/childs-voice) JULY|AUGUST|SEPTEMBER 2019

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MINI FEATURE ARTICLE

Newell

F oster Care Packs GRACIE KAYRAS #GirlScouts

Submitted Photo of Kaylee Gatzke, Hailey McCann, Gracie Kayras

Silver Award Story submitted by Gracie Kayras | Edited by IHBM

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racie Kayras, of Newell, South Dakota, decided to get involved with Girl Scouts in the fourth grade as a Junior after witnessing the fun experiences her friends were having with their troops. Today, four years later as a Girl Scout Cadette, Gracie has been able to create many memories with her own troop, while learning how to make the world around her a better place. This includes the work she’s done through her Silver Award project.

The Silver Award The Silver Award is the highest award that a Girl Scout can earn as a Cadette. To earn a Silver Award, she must complete 8 steps: 1) Go on a Cadette Journey to build the skills they need to take on their award project and understand how to show leadership through the Discover, Connect, and Take Action keys. 2) Identify an issue they care about. 3) Build a Girl Scout Project on their own or with a small team of three to four girls. 4) Explore the community to learn about its needs and if those needs overlap with their own interests. 5) Pick a Take Action Project that aligns with the issues they care about and the needs of the community. 6) Develop a project and make a plan. 7) Put it into motion with a suggested minimum of 50 hours of volunteer work. 8) Reflect, Share, and Celebrate their completed project and what they accomplished.

Because of Girl Scouts Gracie, along with her Silver Award Team of fellow Girl Scouts, Hailey and Kaylee, saw a need within the foster care community. Knowing that many children enter the foster care system with nothing more than the clothing on their back at the time of placement, the girls decided to create Foster Care Packs. In the packs are a variety of items, including: school supplies, toys, non-perishable snacks, personal hygiene products, coloring books, and more. Their hope with the Foster Care Packs is to provide the children with comfort, while giving them something of their own to help them transition into their new foster home. Because of Girl Scouts, Gracie has learned how to identify a need within her community and the necessary steps that need to be taken to fill that need, in order to make an impact in the world around her; a skill that will prove to be incredibly valuable throughout her lifetime.

Why Girl Scouts Proud of the Girl Scout history and everything the organization has to offer young ladies like her, Gracie encourages girls to get involved with Girl Scouts. “I love getting involved in the community and helping others,” says Gracie. “Girl Scouts has given me the opportunity to do those things, while also making new friends and enjoying new experiences, and I want other girls to have those same opportunities. I want them to know what it means to be a G.I.R.L - Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader.” IHBM (Some content retrieved from GirlScouts.org)

JULY|AUGUST|SEPTEMBER 2019

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IT’S HER BRAND M A G A Z ISouthN E Dakota Edition

#GirlScouts

SCAN ME

‘Believe In Girls’ 3 BIG EVENT T H E

ON THE COVER

S

10

KILLS TODAY UCCESS TOMORROW

INSIDE this issue

GIRL The Impacts of

SCOUTS 6 Girl Scouts - Dakota Horizons Issue One

MARLA

MEYER CEO of

JUL|AUG|SEPT 2019

HELPING GIRLS DISCOVER, CONNECT & TAKE ACTION