229. She Belongs: Empowering Girls to Lead with Confidence and Courage

Madison Kosh, Millennial, is the Senior Director of Program and Training at Girl Scouts, Heart of Central California. A dedicated mom of two, she is passionate about championing girls’ ambition and creating meaningful group experiences. With over a decade of outdoor leadership experience and seven years of leadership within Girl Scouts, Madison is committed to equipping girls with the skills and confidence to navigate the world, find their voice, and create lasting change in their communities. Her deep love of the outdoors has shaped her journey—from Girl Scout to wilderness guide, outdoor retail expert, camp director, and now Senior Director of Program and Training—fueling her mission to empower the next generation of leaders.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:0:00 Introduction1:05 Madison’s Leadership Start5:43 Girl Scout Journey9:00 Why for Girl Scouts11:51 Parent’s Leadership Thoughts 14:53 Biggest Challenges16:37 GenZ Impact20:31 Gen Alpha Impact24:26 Programs29:08 How to Support Girl Scouts31:16 20-Something Self AdviceQuotable Moments:“Nothing challenges you more as a leader than taking a group of people out into the wilderness where you’re in survival mode.”“We need to teach young girls how to be confident and have the skills needed to live in this world.”“Who do you think runs this whole camp?”“All the things that parents are looking for their child to have are within Girl Scouts.”“GenZ is craving that connection but they are so busy!”"There’s a trend in Gen Alpha research that shows that persistent sadness and hopelessness in teenage girls increased from 36% in 2011 to 57% in 2021. (CDC)"“In prior years the #1 response was mom as a child’s key role model.”“We are trying to create a space for every girl or everyone who associates as a girl or associates with the Girl Scout experience.”“We’re really creating a space where girls can come and be themselves as nurture that and give them the skills to be resilient, be confident when they walk into any room, and she knows that she belongs and can succeed. Having personal growth and a strong sense of self that can keep her emotionally anchored through both good and tough times.”“Also girls get a bigger understanding of the world – a global element.”“Buy Girl Scout cookies!” “Happy Birthday, Madison!”Three Episode Takeaways:1. It’s important for girls to have interaction with women in strong leadership positions. 2. Parenting is challenging. The encroachment of technology and the belief that the world is unsafe and increasingly divided can lead to parental fear and isolation. The focus is on family and want their kids to develop skills, and new styles of leadership. Most important is having the child be their authentic self. Mental wellness is a primary concern. 3. Research indicates that people know what Girl Scouts is but they don’t know what Girl Scouts do outside cookies. We have a lot to learn from GenZ. The data indicates: strong entrepreneurship, high anxiety, skepticism, and high agency (“I can do this”). They crave downtime and the ability to do nothing and want to build relationships/friendships. Gen Alpha is all in on technology as a way to learn. They aspire to be influencers, do not see mom as a role model and are looking.  Episode Resource:Ep. 7, Girl Scouts: More than just cookies?”https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/zY0gryNR9SbHow to reach Madison & Support Girl Scouts:[email protected]://www.girlscoutshcc.org/https://girlscouts.org(find your local Council)FB & Insta https://www.facebook.com/GSHCC1/LinkedIn: company/girlscoutshccHow to reach Yo: Our website:www.girltaketheleadpod.com You can send a message or voicemail there. We’d love to hear from you!email:[email protected] FB group: Girl, Take the Leadhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/272025931481748/?ref=share IG:yocanny YouTubeLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/yocanny/