March 24, 2020 • 12 mins
Looking for inspiration at this troubled time? The CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater New York tells how members are leading and innovating: everything from helping the eldery to keeping communities connected to, yes, selling cookies-- online of course.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hi. This is Malayan Vervier and this is Kim Azarelli.
We are co authors of the book Fast Forward, How
(00:23):
Women Can Achieve Power and Purpose. And you're listening to
Seneca Women Conversations on Power and Purpose, brought to you
by the Seneca Women Podcast Network and I Heart Radio. Well,
welcome to the special edition of Seneca Women Conversations on
Power and Purpose. During these difficult times, we're talking to
experts who can help us gain perspective on the impact
(00:43):
of the coronavirus, as well as share tips, resources and
some much needed inspiration. Today I'm joined by Meredith Mascara.
She is the CEO of the Girl Scouts of Greater
New York and you can't get any more inspiration than
being with Meredith and the Girl Scouts. Thanks so much
for joining Meredith. Thank you so much, So so good
to connect during these times. Well, it's great to connect
(01:04):
with you as well. We are hearing about the devastation
the coronavirus is having in literally all areas of personal
and professional lives. How has the Girl Scouts as an
organization been impacted? Well, I think the interesting thing is
where a hundred and seven year old organizations and during
those hundred and seven years, We've survived wars, world wars,
(01:29):
natural disasters, Paris attacks, et cetera. And we're tackling this
the same way that this organization has looked at every
other pivotal point in history. Girls are a priority, families
are a priority, and our commitment to building the leadership
(01:50):
for tomorrow is still our priority. We just get to
figure out how to do it a little different right now. Yeah, So,
I mean it's it's exciting to problem solved, and Girl
Scouts have always been able to five solutions, especially when
it comes to summitment to community. So with a volunteer
(02:11):
base here in New York City of about seven thousand volunteers,
they served thirty two thousand girls in the five boroughs.
The girls that we serve are from low income households.
So in a time of destruction like this, when daily
routine and continuity and programs and community is distructed so much,
(02:35):
Girl Scouts come in with the answer of how we're
going to do this, and we immediately turned to technology.
We've built out some really incredible virtual programs and technology
for our girls. No admitted as their future, and with
gen Z right at the center, of this. They're coming
(02:58):
up with incredible solutions and working with volunteers to stay connected.
And we've built out a platform of virtual program that
will be providing two to three hours of program today
based on our growth Scout UH focus, which is Leadership, Environmental, Leadership,
(03:20):
Business and Entrepreneurship and STEM, and we'll be able to
support families during this time by offering other programs and
making sure girls stay connected. Well. Love. This is so
amazing because I remember a few years back UH as
you said you were already investing in STEM with girls,
and I think you created a badge or several badges
(03:42):
relating to STEM that science, Technology, Engineering and mathematics. And
it seems like all that investment is paying off, both
in terms of your infrastructure but also in terms of
girls who have come through the program and are now
contributing to this solution. Am I getting that right? Absolutely? So,
all of those investments have paid off, and this generation
of young women who are identifying themselves as them leaders
(04:07):
are bringing solutions to us as well. We're always girl led.
That's amazing. And I will say my inspiration came this
weekend by seeing my mailbox full of girls doing virtual
troop meetings through Zoom and through teams, et cetera, and
finding solutions to what they can do within their community
(04:28):
right now to solve problems, whether that's delivering a meal
to a door step of an elder, uh, checking in
on families who need assistance with their daycare. Uh. The
girls are finding those solutions. Well. I feel like I
feel like the girls Scots could actually probably solve this
issue for us if we just put the girls. Put
(04:49):
the girls to it. Um. So that's amazing and it
is of course the girls get away. You know, this
is obviously a very difficult time for adults. UM. You know,
I'm talking to a lot of people, UM on the
show and outside of the show, who are really struggling
with mental health issues, with fear, with anxiety, obviously with
regular health issues. UM. How is this having an impact
(05:13):
on girls, um, and on their on their sort of
mental state and on their on their safety. It has
an incredible impact. And as an organization, we have the
benefit of having a National Research Center on Girls and
Girls Mental Health to be able to help us give
materials and provide those resources to families. At this time,
(05:35):
a majority of the communities that we serve unfortunately have
trauma in their backgrounds. So one of the things that
we've done here at Greater New York is build out
of virtual programs that's specific for true volunteers and parents
on how to deal with trauma in situations like this,
(05:56):
not just with the girls but with themselves as a family.
Is out. Wow, that's amazing. Do you have a couple
of examples of of the types of practical guidance you're
giving people? Um, you know, I think it's being very
aware and being sensitive to everyone's personal issues right now. UM.
I think that one of the things that we tell
(06:17):
people is when you're talking with them and connecting with
people in these massive group virtual settings, we need to
be aware that not everyone is sharing what they're personally
going through or how they're personally connected to this crisis
right now, and being sensitive to that and being sensitive
to other areas of trauma that it could trigger from
(06:39):
their path right right, That's obviously very important. Um. We
had talked to a doctor. Uh, she's a specialist in
play and she was talking about how important it is
to make children feel safe in this moment. Is that
is that part of your curriculum? It is absolutely safe
and fun are shoo key things, you know, are face
(06:59):
that of an all girl environment is really important to
how our program runs and that loving and caring mentors
that is provided in the volunteer. So right now, in
our communities that are specifically trauma related, we want to
make sure that there's consistency in that safe setting. Uh.
(07:23):
You know, unfortunately, some of the communities that we serve
are also from the shelter system, which also domestic abuse
shelter systems, So we want to make sure that we
can provide and connect families with resources so that they
continue to feel safe. I actually wanted to ask you
about that because I think you're what you're referring to
as Troops six thousand. Um, we've been a big fan
(07:46):
of what you've done with Troop six thousand, which I
believe is the first Girl Scouts troop for homeless girls,
which started in New York City several years ago. How
are those girls faring right now? They are a one
priority to us. As you can imagine, the resources that
are provided generally in the shelter are, you know, not
(08:08):
not always fulfilling and also certainly not prioritizing fun or community.
So we immediately reached out. We served over fift girls
and women in Troops six thousand over the past two years.
So we're doing personal outreach. I know it's grown so much, Jim,
so we're going to we continue to do personal outreach.
(08:31):
We have increased our social services to be able to
provide them with the constant contact and connection that they need. Virtually,
we're making sure that they do have the resources provided
from the Department of ed as far as their computers
and WiFi and helping them connect if they don't. Incredible,
You've I mean, you have done so much for this
(08:54):
with this Troop six thousand project. I was amazed to
learn that there are ten thousand homeless girls in New
York City and to think that you're serving them through
the Girl Scouts um and that you've grown the program
to reach it's just incredible. It does seem like the
Girl Scouts is doing so much to help to help girls,
and that the girls are doing so much to help
the community. So I guess one of the questions I
(09:15):
want to ask you is what can we and what
can our listeners do to help support the Girl Scouts
in this moment. There are a number of different ways,
and thank you so much for asking. Girl Scouts is
always about making the world a better place, and we
know that these problems can be solved by having a
generation of future leaders that are women. So we have
(09:36):
a number of different ways. You can visit our website,
girl Scouts NYC dot org, and you can donate to
a specific program, including through six thousand. You can also
make sure that you find a digital cookie link because
our cookies sale is interrupted right now. It's the largest
(09:57):
girl led business and we of girls who are not
able to sell except for on their online stores. I
was going to ask about the cookies because I feel
like in this honor where everybody is, you know, stocking
up on food, I think the Girl Scouts cookies are
the way to go. So you're saying that the cookie
link is on your main website, the cookie link will
be will be available on our main website. It's also
on our social and you'll be able to purchase directly
(10:20):
from Chrom six thousands, so the proceeds all stay local
and support girls in this shelter system. When you buy
from Church six thousands, incredible. We'll be back after this break. Well,
(10:43):
I know what makes me optimistic which is talking to you.
But what makes you optimistic in this moment? Girls seeing
seeing the solutions, uh, seeing how responsible they are in
tech savvy, and knowing that as girls are working towards
their higher rewards like ron, silver and gold, they are
(11:07):
constantly problem solving and making our world a better place. Well,
you know that the theme of Seneca Women is using
your power for purpose, and clearly you are doing that
in spades. Um. I have to say that when we
were together a few years ago at the Metropolitan Museum
of Art with troops six thousand, Uh, those young girls
who took the stage, we're really, um, so incredibly inspiring
(11:28):
and you could see that they are for sure we're
going to be the leaders of tomorrow. So I really
sincere thanks for everything you're doing in the middle of
this crisis, everything you do every day, and please let
us know if there's any other way we can help.
We look forward to supporting you. Yeah, thank you so much.
We appreciate it. You're listening to Seneca Women Conversations on
(11:50):
Power and Purpose, brought to you by the Seneca Women
Podcast Network and I Heart Radio with support from founding
partner PNGNG. Listen to a Women conversations on power and
purpose on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or
wherever you get your podcasts. And please support this podcast
by telling your friends, subscribing, and rating us. For more
(12:12):
information on Seneca Women, follow us on social media, visit
our website Seneca Women dot com, and check out the
Seneca Women app free in the app Store. Have a
great day.
Hi. This is Malayan Vervier and this is Kim Azarelli.
We are co authors of the book Fast Forward, How
(00:23):
Women Can Achieve Power and Purpose. And you're listening to
Seneca Women Conversations on Power and Purpose, brought to you
by the Seneca Women Podcast Network and I Heart Radio. Well,
welcome to the special edition of Seneca Women Conversations on
Power and Purpose. During these difficult times, we're talking to
experts who can help us gain perspective on the impact
(00:43):
of the coronavirus, as well as share tips, resources and
some much needed inspiration. Today I'm joined by Meredith Mascara.
She is the CEO of the Girl Scouts of Greater
New York and you can't get any more inspiration than
being with Meredith and the Girl Scouts. Thanks so much
for joining Meredith. Thank you so much, So so good
to connect during these times. Well, it's great to connect
(01:04):
with you as well. We are hearing about the devastation
the coronavirus is having in literally all areas of personal
and professional lives. How has the Girl Scouts as an
organization been impacted? Well, I think the interesting thing is
where a hundred and seven year old organizations and during
those hundred and seven years, We've survived wars, world wars,
(01:29):
natural disasters, Paris attacks, et cetera. And we're tackling this
the same way that this organization has looked at every
other pivotal point in history. Girls are a priority, families
are a priority, and our commitment to building the leadership
(01:50):
for tomorrow is still our priority. We just get to
figure out how to do it a little different right now. Yeah, So,
I mean it's it's exciting to problem solved, and Girl
Scouts have always been able to five solutions, especially when
it comes to summitment to community. So with a volunteer
(02:11):
base here in New York City of about seven thousand volunteers,
they served thirty two thousand girls in the five boroughs.
The girls that we serve are from low income households.
So in a time of destruction like this, when daily
routine and continuity and programs and community is distructed so much,
(02:35):
Girl Scouts come in with the answer of how we're
going to do this, and we immediately turned to technology.
We've built out some really incredible virtual programs and technology
for our girls. No admitted as their future, and with
gen Z right at the center, of this. They're coming
(02:58):
up with incredible solutions and working with volunteers to stay connected.
And we've built out a platform of virtual program that
will be providing two to three hours of program today
based on our growth Scout UH focus, which is Leadership, Environmental, Leadership,
(03:20):
Business and Entrepreneurship and STEM, and we'll be able to
support families during this time by offering other programs and
making sure girls stay connected. Well. Love. This is so
amazing because I remember a few years back UH as
you said you were already investing in STEM with girls,
and I think you created a badge or several badges
(03:42):
relating to STEM that science, Technology, Engineering and mathematics. And
it seems like all that investment is paying off, both
in terms of your infrastructure but also in terms of
girls who have come through the program and are now
contributing to this solution. Am I getting that right? Absolutely? So,
all of those investments have paid off, and this generation
of young women who are identifying themselves as them leaders
(04:07):
are bringing solutions to us as well. We're always girl led.
That's amazing. And I will say my inspiration came this
weekend by seeing my mailbox full of girls doing virtual
troop meetings through Zoom and through teams, et cetera, and
finding solutions to what they can do within their community
(04:28):
right now to solve problems, whether that's delivering a meal
to a door step of an elder, uh, checking in
on families who need assistance with their daycare. Uh. The
girls are finding those solutions. Well. I feel like I
feel like the girls Scots could actually probably solve this
issue for us if we just put the girls. Put
(04:49):
the girls to it. Um. So that's amazing and it
is of course the girls get away. You know, this
is obviously a very difficult time for adults. UM. You know,
I'm talking to a lot of people, UM on the
show and outside of the show, who are really struggling
with mental health issues, with fear, with anxiety, obviously with
regular health issues. UM. How is this having an impact
(05:13):
on girls, um, and on their on their sort of
mental state and on their on their safety. It has
an incredible impact. And as an organization, we have the
benefit of having a National Research Center on Girls and
Girls Mental Health to be able to help us give
materials and provide those resources to families. At this time,
(05:35):
a majority of the communities that we serve unfortunately have
trauma in their backgrounds. So one of the things that
we've done here at Greater New York is build out
of virtual programs that's specific for true volunteers and parents
on how to deal with trauma in situations like this,
(05:56):
not just with the girls but with themselves as a family.
Is out. Wow, that's amazing. Do you have a couple
of examples of of the types of practical guidance you're
giving people? Um, you know, I think it's being very
aware and being sensitive to everyone's personal issues right now. UM.
I think that one of the things that we tell
(06:17):
people is when you're talking with them and connecting with
people in these massive group virtual settings, we need to
be aware that not everyone is sharing what they're personally
going through or how they're personally connected to this crisis
right now, and being sensitive to that and being sensitive
to other areas of trauma that it could trigger from
(06:39):
their path right right, That's obviously very important. Um. We
had talked to a doctor. Uh, she's a specialist in
play and she was talking about how important it is
to make children feel safe in this moment. Is that
is that part of your curriculum? It is absolutely safe
and fun are shoo key things, you know, are face
(06:59):
that of an all girl environment is really important to
how our program runs and that loving and caring mentors
that is provided in the volunteer. So right now, in
our communities that are specifically trauma related, we want to
make sure that there's consistency in that safe setting. Uh.
(07:23):
You know, unfortunately, some of the communities that we serve
are also from the shelter system, which also domestic abuse
shelter systems, So we want to make sure that we
can provide and connect families with resources so that they
continue to feel safe. I actually wanted to ask you
about that because I think you're what you're referring to
as Troops six thousand. Um, we've been a big fan
(07:46):
of what you've done with Troop six thousand, which I
believe is the first Girl Scouts troop for homeless girls,
which started in New York City several years ago. How
are those girls faring right now? They are a one
priority to us. As you can imagine, the resources that
are provided generally in the shelter are, you know, not
(08:08):
not always fulfilling and also certainly not prioritizing fun or community.
So we immediately reached out. We served over fift girls
and women in Troops six thousand over the past two years.
So we're doing personal outreach. I know it's grown so much, Jim,
so we're going to we continue to do personal outreach.
(08:31):
We have increased our social services to be able to
provide them with the constant contact and connection that they need. Virtually,
we're making sure that they do have the resources provided
from the Department of ed as far as their computers
and WiFi and helping them connect if they don't. Incredible,
You've I mean, you have done so much for this
(08:54):
with this Troop six thousand project. I was amazed to
learn that there are ten thousand homeless girls in New
York City and to think that you're serving them through
the Girl Scouts um and that you've grown the program
to reach it's just incredible. It does seem like the
Girl Scouts is doing so much to help to help girls,
and that the girls are doing so much to help
the community. So I guess one of the questions I
(09:15):
want to ask you is what can we and what
can our listeners do to help support the Girl Scouts
in this moment. There are a number of different ways,
and thank you so much for asking. Girl Scouts is
always about making the world a better place, and we
know that these problems can be solved by having a
generation of future leaders that are women. So we have
(09:36):
a number of different ways. You can visit our website,
girl Scouts NYC dot org, and you can donate to
a specific program, including through six thousand. You can also
make sure that you find a digital cookie link because
our cookies sale is interrupted right now. It's the largest
(09:57):
girl led business and we of girls who are not
able to sell except for on their online stores. I
was going to ask about the cookies because I feel
like in this honor where everybody is, you know, stocking
up on food, I think the Girl Scouts cookies are
the way to go. So you're saying that the cookie
link is on your main website, the cookie link will
be will be available on our main website. It's also
on our social and you'll be able to purchase directly
(10:20):
from Chrom six thousands, so the proceeds all stay local
and support girls in this shelter system. When you buy
from Church six thousands, incredible. We'll be back after this break. Well,
(10:43):
I know what makes me optimistic which is talking to you.
But what makes you optimistic in this moment? Girls seeing
seeing the solutions, uh, seeing how responsible they are in
tech savvy, and knowing that as girls are working towards
their higher rewards like ron, silver and gold, they are
(11:07):
constantly problem solving and making our world a better place. Well,
you know that the theme of Seneca Women is using
your power for purpose, and clearly you are doing that
in spades. Um. I have to say that when we
were together a few years ago at the Metropolitan Museum
of Art with troops six thousand, Uh, those young girls
who took the stage, we're really, um, so incredibly inspiring
(11:28):
and you could see that they are for sure we're
going to be the leaders of tomorrow. So I really
sincere thanks for everything you're doing in the middle of
this crisis, everything you do every day, and please let
us know if there's any other way we can help.
We look forward to supporting you. Yeah, thank you so much.
We appreciate it. You're listening to Seneca Women Conversations on
(11:50):
Power and Purpose, brought to you by the Seneca Women
Podcast Network and I Heart Radio with support from founding
partner PNGNG. Listen to a Women conversations on power and
purpose on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or
wherever you get your podcasts. And please support this podcast
by telling your friends, subscribing, and rating us. For more
(12:12):
information on Seneca Women, follow us on social media, visit
our website Seneca Women dot com, and check out the
Seneca Women app free in the app Store. Have a
great day.
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