#USA #Minneapolis #Girl Scouts #Changemakers #Women's History Month

Celebrating Changemakers: Honoring Leaders of Courage, Confidence, and Character

In a grand tribute to Women's History Month, the Girl Scouts River Valleys is thrilled to unveil their 2025 Changemakers honorees. This year’s selection spotlights eight remarkable individuals who not only embody core values of courage, confidence, character, and curiosity, but also act as trailblazers inspiring others towards impactful leadership. The stories of these honorees serve as powerful reminders of the difference informed, passionate individuals can make in their communities and fields.

Honoring Courage

Sheletta Brundidge

Sheletta Brundidge stands out as a fierce advocate and media powerhouse. Through her influential platform, she elevates diverse voices and champions underrepresented communities. Her unyielding courage inspires those around her to take bold strides towards effecting meaningful change.

Yailen Cazales Roldan (youth)

Demonstrating bravery in both her advocacy endeavors and scholarly pursuits, Yailen excels in various realms including history and law. Her leadership shines brightly as she engages eagerly with challenges, fueling a passion for justice.

Celebrating Confidence

Carla Vernón

As a leading force at The Honest Company, Carla Vernón exemplifies unwavering confidence in a challenging corporate environment. She continuously inspires others, especially women of color, to pave their paths in executive leadership without hesitation.

Julia Hidalgo-Salazar (youth)

Julia showcases her confidence through her leadership and commitment to community service. As an outstanding cookie seller and community participant, Julia personifies fearless ambition and inspires her peers.

Embracing Character

Kelly McQueen

Kelly embodies integrity and commitment, reflecting the essence of character in her role at PNC. Her dedication to ethical practices and community engagement manifests the transformative power of responsible leadership.

Savannah Blair (youth)

A true advocate for younger scouts, Savannah embodies the principles of integrity and caring service. Engaging in early childhood education, she strives to shape the next generation with kindness and awareness.

Fostering Curiosity

DeAnna Cummings

Leading in both the arts and philanthropy, DeAnna Cummings’ career resonates with curiosity. As a change agent, she advocates for cultural equity, fostering innovation in her community through exploration and artistic expression.

Megan Baker (youth)

Driven by a profound sense of curiosity, Megan actively seeks knowledge and connections. Her roles in youth government and storytelling reveal her dedication to leadership and continuous learning.

CEO of Girl Scouts River Valleys, Marisa C. Williams, expressed immense admiration for the honorees: "These four dynamic women do not just occupy spaces—they redefine them, empowering others through their authentic selves." Williams emphasized the celebration of not just the adult honorees but also the emerging leaders in the youth category, recognizing the critical impact of changemakers at every age.

Join us for the Celebrate Changemakers Breakfast on May 22, 2025, where we will honor these extraordinary individuals and their unparalleled contributions to society. Together, we will recognize the rising generation of transformative young leaders who are on course to redefine tomorrow's landscapes.

About Girl Scouts River Valleys

The Girl Scouts River Valleys organization serves over 16,500 girls across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Through transformative programs in various fields like STEM, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement, they encourage young girls to lead with confidence and character.

For further information about the Changemakers and the impactful programs offered by Girl Scouts River Valleys, please contact:
Kristen Neurer
Vice President of Member Engagement
Girl Scouts River Valleys
Phone: 651-280-8009
Email: [email protected]