Peace out, Girl Scout!

Four years can be a whole new world.

Four years is not a long time, but in the nonprofit world you see rapid changes and transformation. I’m forever grateful to those who supported Girl Scouts and me during my tenure - from donors, to team members, sponsors, friends, mentors and others in the Girl Scout community. So much has been accomplished and you should be proud.

Leaders matter. People Matter. 

To the staff members that I’ve worked with over these years - you are some of the most thoughtful and conscientious people in the world and seeing you live the mission gave me life. I’ve had the opportunity to work with colleagues who’ve taught me the importance of integrity in the nonprofit space. Loyal leadership runs deep at Girl Scouts and is not taken for granted. Thank you for giving me the privilege to be in the sisterhood and a special nod goes to CEO Roni Luckenbill and CDO Marcia Dowds, who have always had faith in me.

Stay open to opportunities.

When I started Girl Scouts in 2016, I had worked for two universities and a national nonprofit. The change was another roller coaster of familiarity. Back then, there was opportunity for growth at Girl Scouts and a plethora of extraordinary women. During my tenure, I’ve conducted four Women of Distinction events, executed my first six-figure fundraiser with Dr. Mae Jemison, worked with a consulting firm to build out major gifts, learned a lot about planned giving, and even embarked on campaign territory. Every official or unofficial task brought me more focus about the things that I want to be doing and those that I don’t.

Empowered women empower women.

I LOVE meeting new people, but I’ve also learned that not everyone is rooting for you. Only let the cheerleaders in. I’m talking about surrounding yourself with a tribe who says “YES!” whenever you announce a new idea. These people are who become memorable (or notorious), especially at Girl Scouts. Nine times out of ten, the first thing that Girl Scout alums talk about is a troop leader or Girl Scout sister who was inspirational because they encouraged growth. Be that woman who gives unwavering support because at my core I believe that empowered women empower women.

What’s next?

Quite honestly, it never occurred that I would be changing jobs in the midst of a global pandemic. However, I have learned that when a good opportunity presents itself, you take it. So I’m very excited about opening a new chapter with Meals on Wheels of Southwest OH & Northern KY as their Chief Giving Officer. This national nonprofit has deep roots and delivers more than 220 million meals to 2.4 million seniors each year. Locally, they provide more than 50,000 meals a WEEK to those who are homebound. The demand is unprecedented and growing. Prolonged isolation has really shed light on the importance of mental well-being for me and it’s made me do some soul searching on how I can build a better world. This period has already taught me so much about being adaptive, taking risks, and choosing hard things. As I close the chapter on Girl Scouts, I’m ready to hit the road and share that Meals on Wheels delivers much more than a meal.