Phoenix (STN) – Preparing tomorrow’s workforce often starts long before the first job interview or college application. At Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine, leaders say that preparation begins early.
During the March episode of ‘It Happens at STN,’ Senior Director of Marketing and Communications Felicia Thompson and Girl Scout Kennadi Gramlich shared how the organization helps girls build leadership, communication, and career readiness skills that shape their futures.
“It’s everything,” Thompson said when asked why investing in the next generation matters. “The Girl Scouts who are here today will be CEOs, politicians, and educators. Investing in them today is literally investing in our future.”
Recently, Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine received a major boost for that work thanks to a $250,000 grant from the National Basketball Association Foundation earmarked to support workforce development efforts across the state. The funding will focus on girls ages 14 to 18 and expand career exploration, leadership training, and hands-on learning opportunities.
WATCH: Workforce development for the next generation
“At that age, you want to have fun too,” Thompson said. “This grant helps create access while giving girls the chance to build real skills and explore future careers.”
For Gramlich, those experiences are already shaping her path.
Through the organization’s Media Ambassador program and other leadership opportunities, she said she has developed communication skills that will serve her well in college and beyond.
“One skill I’ve really taken away is communication with all ages,” Gramlich said. “From the youngest Girl Scouts to professionals, I’ve learned how to speak on different levels.”
Her involvement has also included serving as an advisory member on the organization’s board of directors, an experience that initially felt intimidating.
“The first meeting I joined had all these powerful women talking with big words,” Gramlich said. “But once we started talking, I realized we all had something in common. We love Girl Scouts and we want what’s best for the girls.”
Those moments of exposure, Thompson said, are exactly what the organization hopes to create.
“You can tell girls to prepare for the future,” she said. “But they need exposure to women in different careers and the chance to interact with leaders who have been there.”
As the conversation closed, both guests emphasized that community involvement plays a critical role in expanding those opportunities.
“You have exactly what girls want,” Thompson told the audience. “Your time, your knowledge, and a little encouragement about what they can do in the future.”
