GSNWGL Powering Our Promise

POWERING OUR PROMISE

GSNWGL

Women in Philanthropy

Linda Stoll

Adventurer, Naturalist, Pacesetter

How Linda's gift paved the way and inspired Girl Scouts and alums to give in a new way through the Girl Scout Pearl Challenge

GAB

Girl Advisory Board

Elevating Girl Voices

Meet Aanya & Alyiah

CONTENTS

Welcome to Powering Our Promise, a digital publication spotlighting community leaders who are fueling our mission and advancing the Girl Scout Movement through philanthropy, volunteerism, and advocacy.

LINDA STOLL

Pacesetter for the 2022 Pearl Challenge, paving the way for Girl Scouts to find their next outdoor adventure.

2023 PEARL CHALLENGE

Follow in Juliette Gordon Low's charitable footsteps and help ensure every Girl Scout has the resources they need to develop into confident, courageous, and capable leaders.

GIRL ADVISORY BOARD

Meet two of our GAB members and hear about why they feel a girl-led board is vital to the Girl Scout Movement.

POWERING OUR PROMISE

Welcome to Powering Our Promise, a digital publication spotlighting community leaders fueling the Girl Scout mission and advancing the efforts of Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes through philanthropy, volunteerism, and advocacy.

Quarterly, GSNWGL will feature someone fiercely committed to the Girl Scout movement and invite you to learn their story and how you can join them in making a difference. We welcome you to hear from our Girl Advisory Board as they’ve lined up questions for each person we acknowledge.

In celebration of Girl Scout Week, we are thrilled to feature GSNWGL alum & lifetime member, Linda Stoll, in our first Powering Our Promise issue. Linda not only has a philanthropic soft spot for our council, but she also credits Girl Scouting for helping her determine a career path and giving her the confidence needed to become an ambitious achiever.

Powering Our Promise is the collaborative brainchild that evolved from the questions: How do we unapologetically brag about the amazing individuals fueling our mission? How do we spotlight the people creating the future of Girl Scouting? How do we tell the world their inspiring stories and welcome others to join the adventure?

– Kate Corey, GSNWGL Chief Development Officer

Do you have questions you’d like to ask of our community leaders? Would you like to nominate someone to be featured?

Reach out to Kate Corey, Chief Development Officer, at kcorey@gsnwgl.org. Until then, enjoy learning about Linda Stoll and stay tuned for our June 2023 issue of Powering Our Promise.

LINDA STOLL

InNovemberof2021,asurprisegiftof$50,000 wasdonatedtotheGirlScoutsofthe NorthwesternGreatLakes –itchangedeverything.

Atthetime,thedonorofthissignificant contribution,LindaStoll,requestedforhergift toremainanonymous Butsomethingmadeher reconsider KateCorey,GSNWGL'sChief DevelopmentOfficer,recallsthatverymoment.

“It was early summer After a conversation about the importance of investing in our girls, we were parting ways when Linda passionately said, ‘girls need to see that it isn’t just men and corporations who are philanthropic Women earn money and are very charitable.’ The question was then posed to Linda: ‘If girls need to see this, would you allow us to use your name? It might inspire other women to give and feel proud to share that they, too, are philanthropic leaders.”

Lindaaskedtotakesometimetothinkonthe propositionand,afterafewdays,decided:if girlsarewatchingtoseewhotheycanbecome, andifweneedmorerepresentationfrom women,shecouldn’tremainhumbleandquiet abouthergenerosity.Girlsandwomenneedto witnessherphilanthropicdevotiontotheGirl Scoutmovement

Herbolddecisiontoallowthecounciltouseher nameopenedfundingopportunitieswedidnot anticipate.Forexample,weaskedLindaifpart ofherdonationcouldbeleveragedasa matchinggiftforThePearlChallenge,a fundraisingcampaignledbyGirlScoutswho wantedtoraisedollarsfortheirsistersseeking financialassistance.Sheagreed.And,inthe challenge’sinauguralyear,over60GirlScout

alumsjoinedinLinda’sstepstoserveas Pacesetters,andtogetherwith50GirlScouts, theyraisedover$20,000.

IfyouaskLindawhatdriveshertogive,what capturesherheart,shewilltellyousheis committedtoensuringallgirlscanexperience thewondersofGirlScouting,primarilythrough theskillsandlessonsgainedfromcampand beingpartofthegreatoutdoors

AsaGirlScoutalum,formertroopleader,and lifetimeGirlScout,Lindacreditsher experiencesinnaturetohaveshapedherand ledhertobeanexpertinprojectmanagement, research,andcommunityoutreachintheareas ofnaturalresourcemanagement,landuse planning,communitysustainability/livability andeconomicdevelopment,andbeyond.

What was your favorite part about being a Girl Scout?

- Ava Blackburn Girl Advisory Board

Why give money to the Girl Scouts rather than another organization?

- Olivia Caravella Girl Advisory Board

"I gave money to Girl Scouts because I wanted to support an organization that empowers women and, in particular, to support the camps that provided the experiences I found to be foundational in my life. I want others to have the opportunity to have the experiences I did and I want to make a difference in women’s lives."

LindaholdsanundergraduatedegreeinEnvironmentalScience--adoublemajor inbiologywithanemphasisinecologyandphysicalgeographyandaminorin organicchemistry.Throughtheyearsherchildrenweregrowingup,Linda taughtchildrenandadultsaboutnatureandhowtoenjoybeinginit.

Overtheyears,Lindabecameconcernedaboutthequalityofournaturalareas, theirlosswithincreaseddevelopmentandthelackofnearbyaccesstorecreate inthem,soshewentbacktograduateschooltogetamaster’sdegreeinnatural resourcemanagementandlanduseplanning

LindawasonthetaskforcethatcreatedHeckrodtNaturePreserveandshe helpedleadthecommitteethatcreatedtheFoxCitiesTrestleTrail TheFoxCities PaperTrailwasLinda'smastersthesis,andwiththehelpofFoxCities Greenways,shewasabletoseethis50+miletrailtocompletion.Lindahas helpedwritemorethan30lakemanagementplansforWisconsinlakesand assistedseveralruralcommunitiesinseeingthevalueofprotectingand providingaccesstotheirnaturalresources.

Linda thanks her husband, Steve Stoll, her parents, Bill and Dolores Gear, and her children, Brian Stoll, Jason Stoll, Becky Stoll Brown, and Jen Stoll Blankenfeld, for their encouragement and support throughout her career. Girl Scouting is a tradition in Linda’s family. Linda's mom was her troop leader and Linda served as the troop leader for both of her daughters Brownies through Seniors Linda's daughter Becky is now the troop leader for Linda's granddaughter's troop Linda feels incredibly fortunate to have had her friend, Ann Bishop, by her side Linda notes, “I wouldn’t be who I am today without the support of the best camp director and Girl Scout friend a person could have.”

Pearl Challenge

2022 Pearl Challenge Pacesetters

Abby Vande Walle

Amy Havis

Amy Schultz

Anne L Treankler

Barbara Chambers

Barbara Dulmes

Barbara Gloeckler

Bonnie Bush

Bruce and Kim Corey

Carole Derbique

Christine Anthony

Colleen Bennett

Earlene Liposki

Ellen Weiland

Flo VandenHogen

Hariet Dehlinger

Helene Iverson

Jan Robinson

Jane E Kamps

Jeanne Poppy

Jill Gostisha

Jodi Dahlke

Judy K Nagel

Juliet Cole

Karen Kollmann

ThePearlChallengewasinspiredbytheselflessact madebyourfounder,JulietteGordonLow Only threeyearsafterGirlScoutswasestablishedin1912, theorganizationstruggledfinancially.Determined thatGirlScoutswouldprosperforyearstocome, Juliettesoldherbelovedpearls,aweddingpresent fromherhusband.

GSNWGLcreatedthePearlChallengein2022asa newinitiativeforJunior,Cadette,Senior,and AmbassadorGirlScoutstofollowinJulietteGordon Low'scharitablefootsteps.

GirlScoutswhoacceptedthechallengehadthe opportunitytolearnfromGirlScoutalumandstaff throughwebinarsandexclusivecommunicationstheylearnedwhatitmeanstobeaphilanthropist, whyit'simportanttobecharitableinour communities,andcreativewaystoraise$110inhonor ofGirlScout's110thanniversary.

Fundsraisedprovidedfinancialassistancetoour sisterseconomicallylessfortunate

Mark your calendars for October 2023 when our next Pearl Challenge launches!

Kate Corey

Leslie Bek

Linda Bockin

Linda L Levin

Lisa Hintz

Lorraine Avery

Lucy R Johns

Margaret M Czachor

Marilyn E Zahorik

Melissa Brozek

Nelda Callard

Pafoua Her

Patti Shafto-Carlson

Rebecca Lewis-Verheyden

Sara Tilkens

Sarah Beckman

Sarah Schliesmann

Sarah Stumpf

Scott Linn

Sherry Jasper

Sue Pawlowski

Susan H McFadden

Susan Last

Susan Tietz

Susan Van Gheem T

Linda Stoll

matched $10,110 in gifts from Girl Scouts and pacesetters during the 2022 Pearl Challenge! Linda is devoted to ensuring all girls can experience the wonders of Girl Scouting, from leadership programming to outdoor adventures and everything in between. She is proud to champion an initiative encouraging girls to lean into their fundraising potential and inspiring a desire to contribute to the world, just like Juliette Gordon Low

You can help Girl Scouts navigate the pathway to success too!

AninvestmentinGirlScouts isaninvestmentinmaking ourcommunitybetter, stronger,andbrighter Plus,everydollaryougive staysrighthereinour community.

Your gift will be used to ensure local Girl Scouts gain the skills and confidence needed to accept challenges, overcome obstacles, and become leaders.

In 2021-2022 GSNWGL distributed in financial assistance –that’s 14% more than the previous year We estimate that 90% of Girl Scouts receiving benefits from our financial assistance program are from low-tomoderate income families.

$210,406.00

Before a Girl Scout sails around the world or designs their own fashion line, they need to believe they can do it. Invest in our local Girl Scouts and make those dreams a reality. Then watch as they discover new interests and chase their dreams with the pride of knowing you helped make it possible.

gsnwgl.org/give

GAB

The Girl Advisory Board is a great opportunity to make your voice heard in the future of Girl Scouts and to give feedback about important topics. GAB provides many chances to meet new people and become the change you want to see.

Ava Blackburn, GAB Chair

The Girl Advisory Board is a way to get girl voices heard and perspectives shared. Being on the Girl Advisory Board will give you the ability to develop programs and meet the expectations of fellow Girl Scouts. This will give you the opportunity to share what activities you want to see in the council and help make your experience and that of others the best it can be.

Sandra Brierton, GAB Vice Chair

BOAR D

The Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes Girl Advisory Board (GAB) is a dedicated group of 8th–12th grade Girl Scouts from across the council. The GAB provides ideas, guidance, and girl-driven recommendations on projects and initiatives aligned with the council strategy to the GSNWGL staff and board of directors. Members of the GAB provide critical insight into what programs should be offered, how to attract and retain members, and ideas about how to increase awareness of the Girl Scout Movement.

GIR L A D V I S O R Y

e e t A a ny a & A l y i a h

"A girl-led board is vital to our movement because it gives girls the opportunity to share their voices and give a unique perspective on how to make a difference in the world."

MAanya Kasera is a member of the Girl Advisory Board for GSNWGL. A passionate and dedicated junior at Kimberly High School, Aanya works to build her community and make a difference in the lives of those around her. She is working towards her Girl Scout Gold Award, in which she is working to share her story as an immigrant from India and empower children in her community to be proud of their own unique stories. She is implementing a cultural education and appreciation program for kids, hoping to emphasize the importance and joys of cultural diversity Outside of Girl Scouts, Aanya is actively involved in state and national leadership positions in HOSA Future Health Professionals, Stem Without Boundaries, and the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America. Aanya hopes to pursue a career in the healthcare field so she can continue to make a difference in her community. Aanya's hobbies include expressing herself through the Indian classical art form of Bharatanatyam, writing stories, conducting mental health research, spending time with her Shih Tzu Poodle, and traveling the world.

Alyiah is a high school sophomore, Girl Scout Senior, and member of the Girl Advisory Board for GSNWGL. She has been a Girl Scout for over a decade, primarily as a Juliette. Alyiah has attended Camp Birch Trails every summer for 11 years and enjoys participating in travel opportunities through Girl Scouts. Last summer, Alyiah joined Girl Scouts on their Destinations trip to Panama and hopes to go to Italy-Germany in the summer of 2024

Alyiah's passions include art, academics, and activism, all of which she has been able to channel through Girl Scouts. It is her hope to spread beauty, information, and love everywhere she goes, and inspire others to do the same.

I believe the Girl Advisory Board is important to the progression of the organization as one of the core Girl Scout values is leadership, and through the Girl Advisory Board, kids have the opportunity to feel represented as such.

Aanya Kasera - Kimberly, WI

Alyiah Medina - Wausau, WI