For more than a century, the Girl Scouts organization has helped girls develop courage, confidence and character. Today, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri supporters extend that legacy with a forward-looking focus: preparing girls not only to navigate a changing world, but to help shape it.
“Girl Scouts today is about preparing girls not simply for the world they're growing up in, but for the world they will help lead,” says Dr. Natissia Small, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri.
Serving more than 30,000 girls and adult volunteers across 28 counties and the City of St. Louis, the organization reaches urban, suburban and rural communities. Its work reflects a conviction that geography or circumstance shouldn't determine a girl’s access to opportunity. That commitment is especially meaningful as girls encounter complex social pressures. Girl Scouting offers a grounding force through belonging, mentorship, relationships, leadership experiences, outdoor exploration and opportunities to step outside their comfort zones.
“We provide girls space to discover who they are before the world defines it for them,” Natissia says.
The organization also has evolved alongside the educational landscape. Comprehensive programming in STEM, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, career exploration and leadership development connects present interests with future possibilities. AdvanceHER combines mentorship, workforce readiness and post-secondary education and career exploration, while partnerships with Gateway Global, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and St. Louis CITY SC expose girls to diverse industries and pathways.
“Sometimes one experience changes the trajectory of a girl’s perspective,” Natissia explains, citing a mentor, workplace visit or meaningful conversation can expand what she imagines for herself.
The broader impact extends beyond individual participants. Girls developing confidence, judgment, adaptability and vision today will become tomorrow’s educators, scientists, entrepreneurs, executives, healthcare professionals, innovators and civic leaders.
In a season centered on gratitude, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri offers a compelling reminder: investing in girls is also an investment in the communities they will one day lead.
“We welcome the opportunity to work alongside partners who share our commitment to investing in girls and preparing them to lead, thrive and shape the future.” —Dr. Natissia Small, CEO
Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri describes its volunteers as the heart of the Girl Scout experience. Their contributions create opportunities for girls to encounter new ideas, build meaningful relationships, develop confidence and envision futures they may not yet have considered.
Community members can participate in many ways: leading a troop, mentoring a girl, volunteering at camp or an event, serving on a committee, sharing professional expertise or introducing girls to a career field or industry. Meaningful involvement doesn't require extensive prior knowledge of Girl Scouting; it begins with a willingness to invest time, experience, encouragement and perspective.
For businesses, universities, nonprofits and community organizations, partnership can be equally consequential. A workplace visit, conversation with a professional or introduction to an unfamiliar career may expand a girl’s understanding of what's possible for her future. These experiences can also help girls connect their interests with tangible educational and professional pathways.
The value of that investment is both personal and regional. By creating access to mentors, experiences and leadership opportunities today, communities help cultivate the confidence, talent, innovation, resilience and perspective they will depend upon tomorrow.