I’m the owner of my own business, CEO Catering Works, and I was a Girl Scout, which gave me the beginning of salesmanship tools that I still use today.

I’m so thankful that I participated in the largest girl-led business in the world, and learned essential skills like goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. My daughter, Ella, was also a Girl Scout! We enjoyed sharing Girl Scout experiences together, and it was exciting to see her learn these skills as well.

These skills matter because they position a girl for career success. A girl who can set goals and meet deadlines, who works well with others, who understands customers, who can influence others, and who is honest, trustworthy, and reliable is very marketable to future employers. Or she can even become her own employer!

Jill and Daughter, Ella

The Girl Scout cookie sale was the highlight of my year. My best memory was when my father took me out of school for a whole day and we went to his high-rise office in downtown Rochester, hitting every floor. Building those communication skills with adults was an extremely important ability to develop. I always had the highest cookie sales which made me very goal-oriented, constantly striving to top my previous goal each year.

Girl Scouts gives young women purpose, builds their self-esteem, and increases confidence in their financial literacy abilities – all necessary skills for owning a business. Girl Scouts also encouraged me to give back to my community. I have a passion for helping the local community through donations of food and service, including Interfaith Food Shuttle and many other charitable organizations. Girl Scouts is the reason I have a passion to help others and a drive to succeed at my business!