Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Jordan Cadena of Thornton in the Metro Denver region volunteers at both the troop and service unit levels. She is also a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Jordan to answer a few quick questions about her volunteer experience. We hope you find her as inspiring as we did.
Why did you become a Girl Scout volunteer?
I became a volunteer to spend more time with my daughter and make a positive impact on girls’ lives.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
I started out just helping at meetings. Last year, I became a co-leader and service unit treasurer. This year, I have my own multi-level troop (with an incredible leadership team and very involved families). I am also the service unit treasurer and service unit product program manager.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
Oh man!! Haha! So much and I never stop learning. I have learned and grown as a mom and woman.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
I hope girls have learned how to be a good role model and teacher to younger girls. I hope they have learned how to be patient and compassionate, how to lead other girls, and celebrate others’ accomplishments. I hope they have learned how to set goals and know how to plan the process of achieving those goals. I hope they’ve learned to reflect and see where they can do more or make a positive difference or influence for/on others.
How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)?
Girl Scouts has helped me become a G.I.R.L. on many different levels. I find myself being more outgoing and ready to take on new tasks with a higher level of confidence. Being a troop leader and service unit team member encourages me to be innovative often. I’m always trying to find ways to do things better in my troop and make suggestions where I see fit in the service unit. I will go the extra mile to ensure the success of my girls, my families, and our leaders in the service unit. I hold myself to a higher level of discipline and accountability because of Girl Scouts. Whatever I can accomplish now, I know there is always more and that I am capable of more. I’m constantly looking for ways to learn, improve, make a difference and inspire.
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.