Always a Girl Scout

Every Gold Award begins with a spark — an idea of turning passion into powerful change. In this final episode, host Sarah Roelke interviews this year's Gold Award recipients about the inspiring projects that earned them this honor, diving into the challenges they overcame, the lessons they learned, and the impact they’ve made in their communities. From tackling community challenges to leading with purpose, these Girl Scouts share how earning the Gold Award shaped their confidence, creativity, and lifelong drive to lead with heart. Get connected with Girl Scouts Nation's Capital:FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

Exploration starts with curiosity and the courage to take the first step. From simulated Mars missions to scaling volcanic peaks, Dr. Michaela Musilova shares her journey of perseverance, teamwork, and the unshakable belief that no dream is out of reach. Together, Girl Scout host Sarah Roelke and Michaela reflect on the courage to chase the unknown and the determination it takes to bring the stars a little closer to home. Get connected with Girl Scouts Nation's Capital:FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

What does it mean to lead with courage when everything is on the line? In this powerful episode, Girl Scout Ella Zhang sits down with Regina Thompson—former FBI Assistant Director and SWAT operations leader—to explore how early lessons in confidence and teamwork shaped a career spent protecting others. From Girl Scout values to global missions, Regina’s story is a testament to how the same values that guide national security also empower the next generation of Girl Scouts. Get connected with Girl Scouts Nation's Capital:FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

From Badges to Broadway, how resilience carries you through all of life's acts. In this episode, host Sarah Roelke talks with Catherine Curtin— acclaimed actor, lifelong storyteller, and proud former Girl Scout— about how early lessons in confidence, community, and curiosity shaped her journey. Together, they explore what it means to stay grounded in an unpredictable industry, find authenticity in every role, and carry the spirit of Girl Scouting into life’s biggest stages. Get connected with Girl Scouts Nation's Capital:FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

What if the most powerful leadership tool is simply learning to listen? Dr. Elizabeth Carr shares how Girl Scout roots, military service, and entrepreneurship shaped her approach to counseling and team building — from cookie sale grit and cooking confidence to caring for a whole community. Together, Ella Zhang and Dr. Carr unpack collaborative leadership, practical tools for navigating conflict, and the listening that transforms friendships, teams, and families.Get connected with Girl Scouts Nation's Capital:FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

Growing up, Katie Payne was the kid who couldn’t stop drawing — on homework, jeans, anything within reach. Now an illustrator and art director shaping entire worlds, she joins host Ella Zhang to talk about rediscovering creativity as an adult, leading teams of artists with empathy, and realizing that passion isn’t something you outgrow — it’s something you grow into. Together, they explore how staying connected to your inner “art kid” can turn imagination into a lifelong calling. Get connected with Girl Scouts Nation's Capital:FacebookInstagramLinkedIn

Can Curiosity Change the World? What happens when a childhood fascination with the stars turns into a career exploring another planet? Girl Scout Ella Zhang talks with planetary scientist and Mars Rover team member Dr. Tanya Harrison about chasing curiosity, breaking barriers for women in STEM, and discovering what connects life on Earth to the mysteries of space. Their conversation proves that the same courage it takes to explore another planet also powers the next generation of Girl Scouts right here on Earth.Get connected with Girl Scouts Nation's Capital:⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn

Every leader starts somewhere — sometimes at a troop meeting, sometimes at a cookie booth. In this episode, host Ella Zhang joins Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO, Girl Scouts of the USA, and Noorain Khan, National Board President, Girl Scouts of the USA, to explore how Girl Scouting shaped their journeys from early inspiration to national leadership. They reflect on sisterhood*, change, and courage — from Gold Awards to reimagining the Movement for a new generation — and the quiet bravery that comes from showing up for your community, year after year.Learn more about Bonnie and Noorain's professional journey:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonniebarczykowski/https://www.linkedin.com/in/noorain-khan-47130065/Get connected with Girl Scouts Nation's Capital:FacebookInstagramLinkedIn