Partnership fuels skills and confidence for future women leaders

PHOENIX (STN) – When young entrepreneurs get the opportunity to build skills with real-world support, the results are powerful.

That’s exactly what happened when OneAZ Credit Union partnered with Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACP) for a special event aimed at growing entrepreneurial confidence among girls and showcasing the power of purposeful partnerships.

“The first thing we’re doing here today is we’re building the skills of our girl entrepreneurs,” said Mary Mitchell, Co-CEO of GSACP. “Every year, they create a new business plan for themselves, learn how to speak with the public, and most of all — make those sales.”

By teaming up with a values-driven partner like OneAZ, Girl Scouts get both mentorship and a platform. 

“Our missions are aligned,” Mitchell explained. “They’re about community. We’re about community. And our girls spend a lot of time in the community.”

For Laura Worzella, Chief Operating Officer at OneAZ Credit Union and a former Girl Scout herself, the connection is personal. “If I could learn how to sell cookies and understand the financial aspect of what that means, I could motivate and inspire others,” she said. “That ultimately led me to my passion, which is leading and motivating others through the financial industry.”

The lessons being learned by Girl Scouts through experiences like these go far beyond cookie sales. According to Girl Scout McKayla, “It’s very important to get out of your comfort zone, learn new social skills, and just have fun with your community.”

That full-circle impact is exactly why GSACP Co-CEO Christina Spicer called OneAZ “one of the most strategic, thoughtful partners you can step in with.”

“They’re not only willing to listen to creative ideas, but they’re willing to take the risk with you,” Spicer said. “They hosted our girls and community leaders in their building. That’s real collaboration.”