Welcome to episode 39 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.
This week my guest is Eileen Higgins, CEO, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore.
Eileen grew up in Monmouth County, NJ. Although, more of a behind the scenes type of child growing up, she actually did not realize she was preparing herself for leadership in other ways. She took a leadership role as the manager of the field hockey team in college and traveled with them internationally. This is a great story that she shares during the interview.
Now, she manages a team and organization in a totally different way. From wanting to be a school psychologist, to her first job out of college being in banking, to moving over to the not-for-profit or as I say for-impact sector. Eileen was volun-told as a teenager about the importance of giving back, as her mom worked in the not-for-profit sector as well. She was able to see firsthand the benefits of working for an organization that had a mission of giving back in some way to the community.
Eileen had always wanted to go back for her master's degree and at the age of 50 she shares how she decided, it was time! Now her career path has come full circle. Although, she may not be a school psychologist, she is working both with schools and helping to empower girls with courage, confidence and true character.
Many of us know and love those girl scout cookies, but we do not necessarily know about all the programs that the Girl Scouts organization has to offer. Eileen uses her commitment to the mission and her team to ensure that girls in our community are building confidence, leadership skills, public speaking skills, independence, empowerment, and so much more. Girl scout badges are tied to a curriculum. Even Kindergartners are learning about coding, but in a way that is age appropriate. Go to gsfun.org to learn more.
Listen in to hear Eileen answer my final question, 'if I knew then, what I know now'. She shares a great and important message.
Thank you to Eileen for sharing her story and her time with all of us!
Next week, I welcome Tanuja Dehne, President & CEO, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. She shares her incredible purpose driven path that started with her first job milking cows on a dairy farm. Tanuja is now on a mission to pay it forward and mentor others. She shares that she is an introvert with an outward facing presence. So much more shared during this amazing interview. Make sure to listen in next week!
Please subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube Channel stream this podcast on all streaming sites . Like us on FB and Instagram at Today is the Day Live it. I am also the CEO and Co-founder of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that is making a difference in the lives of children with financial barriers who are looking for an ongoing creative connection through the performing arts. Please visit applaudourkids.org for more information. For more information about my coaching and consulting services visit today is the day liveit.com.
Have a great week everyone!
