This week we’re giving a special shout-out to Girl Scout Cadette McKenzie, Girl Representative to the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) Board and recent inductee into Top Teens of America Will County Black Diamond! The purpose of Top Teens of America is to “teach teens leadership skills, help develop caring characteristics, and to advance teens in life.”
Read on to meet Girl Rep McKenzie and her vision of the future for girls!
McKenzie’s Girl Scout story started at church. “This girl in front of me [in the pews] was in Girl Scouts, so I asked my mom about it. I haven’t stopped ever since.”
McKenzie has participated in many Girl Scout events and activities over the years, including Summer Camp Revamp, STEMapalooza, and Project Law Track, all of which provided her “exposure to different career tracks, cultural awareness, and plain old fun.”
These experiences lead McKenzie to become involved with the Girl Reps to the GCNWI Board. As a Girl Rep, McKenzie works with a group of Girl Scouts around the council, attends board meetings, and represents the Girl Scout movement as a spokesperson.
“My term is almost up and the experience has impacted me in many ways. I’ve met new people, gained leadership experience and board meeting etiquette, and so much more!” McKenzie continued, “I’ve always wanted to be a leader. It’s been terrific to help Girl Scouts even if it’s been one term.”
Now, as a member of the Top Teens of America-Will County Black Diamond Chapter, McKenzie will continue her growth as a leader for her community. She wants to continue to break the stereotype that Girl Scouts are “only suburban white girls,” and sees even more diversity and inclusion in the future for girls.
For McKenzie, the value of Girl Scouts is in the experiences the program provides, stating, “You get to experience all of these things with girls who come from different backgrounds, ethnicities, places, and work on one common goal. Or support each other on our different journeys.”
“We do more than just sell cookies. We do great things and help the community, society, and the world become a better place, one girl at a time.”
Don’t miss out on your chance to lend your voice to change!
Calling older girls! Now’s your chance to lend your Girl Scout expertise and energy to our Board of Directors by applying to be a Girl Representative to the Board (Girl Rep).
Applications open through May 31.