The Dudes of Girl Scouting series continues on The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast, and this week, we’re joined by Rod Roech from Troop 60213 in Clinton, MI!
Rod’s Girl Scout journey began when he jumped feet first in when his younger daughter joined. He began as a Brownie co-leader and is now in his second year as a troop leader, embracing the experience and history of Girl Scouts in Clinton—dating all the way back to 1935!
Rod reflects on what Girl Scouting has meant to him, saying: “Girl Scouts has enabled me to do things with my younger kid that I probably wouldn’t have been able to.” He also shares why he believes Girl Scouts is more important now than ever: “I think girls now more than ever need opportunities to get together, to form friendships, to learn to be good friends, [and] to learn to be friends with all the people in your troop.”
Tune in for another inspiring conversation, and don’t forget to subscribe to The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast!
In this episode of The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast, our Dudes of Girl Scouting series continues with special guest Jon Barrows, a proud Girl Scout dad and longtime supporter.
Jon shares his journey into Girl Scouting that began with a deeper introduction from host, Brenna West, and his journey with our organization the past three years. Reflecting on his experience, Jon says: “It has been so amazing to hear all these amazing stories of girls and to see that transformation right in my house.”
Welcome back to a brand-new season of The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast! This season, we’re diving into a new series called Dudes of Girl Scouting, where we highlight the men who champion, support, and lead at Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan.
In this kickoff episode, host Brenna West sits down with Fred Shaw, a dedicated co-leader and volunteer with over a decade of experience in Girl Scouting. Fred shares his journey of 10 years in the movement, including 4 years as a co-leader, and reflects on the profound impact Girl Scouts has had on his life.
Whether you’re a lifelong Girl Scout, a new member, or just curious about the men who make a difference in this space, this episode offers a heartfelt look at what it means to be part of the Girl Scout family. Don’t miss this conversation and join us next week to hear even more inspiring stories!
Awardees Laura Chappell & Brittany Chesney join Brenna for the final installment of the 2024 Women of Distinction season of the Girl Scout Advantage Podcast. Laura and Brittany dish on how the two of them met during Girl Scouts as young girls and have used the skills they learned in their troop to become entrepreneurs and business partners.
Laura Chappell – Laura was born and raised in Grand Ledge, Michigan. She lives in Grand Ledge with her husband, Eric, rescue dog, Millie, and seven energetic chickens. As a full-time photographer, Laura captures special moments, from graduating seniors to weddings and more. She enjoys camping, hiking, gardening, rock hunting, and collecting vinyl records in her free time.
Laura is passionate about supporting local businesses, especially those owned by women. Recently, Laura and, her lifelong friend, and Girl Scout Troopmate, Brittany Chesney, purchased a historic building near their hometown. They plan to combine Laura’s wedding photography expertise with Brittany’s wedding and event planning experience to create a boutique wedding venue set to open in 2026.
Brittany Chesney – Brittany lives in Lansing with her husband, Scott, and their pets: the Great Dane/Saint Bernard mix Rheo and their cat, Lady. Brittany has always had a special place in her heart for community involvement and giving back. In 2019, while serving as the head caregiver of a before/after school program in Grand Ledge, she decided it was time to pursue her dream business, 1945 Event Co. This venture allowed Brittany to follow her passion for planning and design, bringing others’ visions to life. From Kindergarten until graduation, Brittany was a Girl Scout, and she believes it helped shape her into the woman and entrepreneur she is today. An avid lover of antiques and the TV show I Love Lucy, Brittany enjoys going on adventures and basking in Michigan’s natural beauty.
Welcome to the newest season of the Girl Scout Advantage podcast! In this season, in each episode, Brenna will talk with different Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan 2024 Women of Distinction Honorees, and they will share their story, their history with Girl Scouts, and what led them to become nominated by community members and peers based on their professional and community leadership both professionally and in their communities, community service, being a strong role model for girls, and their community visibility.
We are so excited to welcome Dr. Cathy Glick, a 2024 Women of Distinction Awardee, to the Girl Scout Advantage Podcast! This episode Cathy and Brenna talk about the ground breaking work Cathy does in cardiology, how she became a doctor, and her journey in Girl Scouts.
Dr. Cathy Glick is originally from Teaneck, New Jersey, but moved to Michigan when she attended medical school in Ann Arbor. She has been an esteemed cardiologist in Jackson since 1990. Her special interests include congestive heart failure and heart disease.
She is a specialist in echocardiography and vascular ultrasound. Dr. Glick is involved in medical ethics, the local medical society, and the Heart Association. She enjoys music, theater, literature, and national and international travel in her free time.
Welcome to the newest season of the Girl Scout Advantage podcast! In this season, in each episode, Brenna will talk with different Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan 2024 Women of Distinction Honorees, and they will share their story, their history with Girl Scouts, and what led them to become nominated by community members and peers based on their professional and community leadership both professionally and in their communities, community service, being a strong role model for girls, and their community visibility.
We are so excited to have Women of Distinction Honoree Rebecca Noell this episode on the Girl Scout Advantage Podcast. Rebecca and Brenna touch on her history with the Girl Scouts and how that sparked her passion for learning and future in higher education.
Rebecca resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with her American Staffy, Wilbur. She works in higher education and student affairs, with expertise in student conduct, conflict resolution, organizational development, risk reduction, student engagement, fraternity and sorority life, student development, and leadership. She currently works at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Rebecca is also pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University. She is actively involved in her national sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha, and community service through the Junior League of Ann Arbor. Rebecca likes to read, travel, and spend time with friends and family in her free time.
Welcome to the newest season of the Girl Scout Advantage podcast! In this season, in each episode, Brenna will talk with different Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan 2024 Women of Distinction Honorees, and they will share their story, their history with Girl Scouts, and what led them to become nominated by community members and peers based on their professional and community leadership both professionally and in their communities, community service, being a strong role model for girls, and their community visibility.
Joining Brenna this week on The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast is 2024 Women of Distinction Honoree, Elizabeth Garvey! This episode Elizabeth and Brenna touch on her background in education, how she came to move to Michigan, and how educating the next generation is the best gift you could given the legacy she hopes to leave.
Garvey is a Wilmington College graduate in English, psychology, religion, and secondary education, followed by two master’s degrees from Michigan State University. She has volunteered in various organizations, such as the Salvation Army and Girl Scouts. Garvey also hosted a weekly radio program, “Radio Storytime,” for over 15 years. Now retired, she enjoys traveling the world for missions and adventures and hopes to write a book someday.
Welcome to the newest season of the Girl Scout Advantage podcast! In this season, in each episode, Brenna will talk with different Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan 2024 Women of Distinction Honorees, and they will share their story, their history with Girl Scouts, and what led them to become nominated by community members and peers based on their professional and community leadership both professionally and in their communities, community service, being a strong role model for girls, and their community visibility.
Joining Brenna this week of The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast is Acadia Hahlbrock! Acadia is a Girl Scout Alum who achieved her Gold Award, and as she grew, she noticed the profound impact Girl Scouts had on her. She became a trop leader to share this profound impact with the next generation of Girl Scouts so they can also learn to be brave and take risks in a safe and supported environment. Acadia stresses that there is no one Troop Leader magician who knows it all and does everything perfectly like she saw in her Troop Leader growing up. By putting girls back out into the world to take risks and be bold, she found that the magician turned out to be inside of her and could be inside of any of you. As a Troop Leader, you can inspire girls with the magic of Girl Scouts every day!
Welcome to the newest season of the Girl Scout Advantage podcast! In this season, each week, Brenna will talk with different Girl Scout Volunteers about their experience with Girl Scouts and what makes the work they do so unique and rewarding.
This week on The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast, Jennifer Cline joins Brenna to talk about her time as a Girl Scout and her volunteer experience. Alum Jennifer shares all about her 16 years as a Girl Scout leader and everything she and her girls have accomplished through the years. Jennifer shares the importance of a troop being girl-led and how she encourages her girls to be decision-makers. She also talks about the amazing adventures Girl Scouts offers not only for the girls but for volunteers.
Welcome to the newest season of the Girl Scout Advantage podcast! In this season, each week, Brenna will talk with different Girl Scout Volunteers about their experience with Girl Scouts and what makes the work they do so unique and rewarding.
Joining Brenna this week on The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast is Stacey Seaver! Stacey reminisces about her almost 40 years of Girl Scout experience, from the fun adventures of her childhood to the many hats she wears in the organization now. She opens up about volunteering and how much getting girls out of their and being a safe space for them means to her. She advocates for her girls to try new things and meet new people to get a better and more accepting view of the world around them. As a Trail Blazer Troop Leader, Stacey has taken her girls on many adventures and inspired them to dream without limitations. Outside of her role in her troop, she translates her outside interests and skills into facilitating training for other leaders and being the treasurer for the Ann Arbor Region.
Welcome to the newest season of the Girl Scout Advantage podcast! In this season, each week, Brenna will talk with different Girl Scout Volunteers about their experience with Girl Scouts and what makes the work they do so unique and rewarding.
Want to support Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan? Visit https://www.gshom.org/en/support-us.html today.
