Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenna West.
Hi Brenna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a lifelong Girl Scout, and Girl Scouts is where my leadership journey began. As a Girl Scout, I learned that I had the capacity for leadership and that just because I was a girl, didn’t mean I couldn’t take the lead. My troop was strong from kindergarten all the way through 8th grade. In high school, I found myself at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School in Chicago, one of the largest all girls Catholic high schools in the nation. This was another all-girl space where I had the opportunity to explore my leadership skills, and where my gender was never a limiting factor when it came to leadership opportunities. From there, I attended Western Illinois University where I joined Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. Yes! Another all girl space where I was empowered to lead. These all girl spaces provided me safe places to explore my leadership capacity, passions, and discover who I am as a leader. Professionally, I found myself at Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan in 2018, and I’ve never looked back. It’s so enriching to be giving back to the organization that was so critical to my leadership journey and the trajectory of my life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think any successful leadership journey is smooth; it’s the hardest of times that sharpen you as a leader. As a young professional woman, I struggled with imposter syndrome and wondering if I was even cut out to lead. At 31, I am still considered “young,” especially for a CEO role, but over the years I have bolstered my confidence and no longer struggle with imposter syndrome. In fact, I am so proud of how hard I have worked to get to where I am, and I am thrilled for the message it sends to girls that a young woman is the CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. Just because you are young and identify as a woman, doesn’t mean you cannot lead in big ways on your mission to change the world. I hope I serve as a reminder for girls of what is possible for them, too.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan helps girls build courage, confidence, and character so they can make the world a better place. We are best known for our world-famous Girl Scout Cookies, but there is so much that people don’t know about Girl Scouts. Often, people assume that Girl Scouts sell cookies, go to camp, and do crafts — but in reality, Girl Scouts are building critical life and leadership skills that set them apart from their peers. I wish more people knew that Girl Scouts is not just some cutesy after-school program; it’s a bold opportunity for girls to grow into their favorite versions of themselves. What sets us apart is that we put girls in charge of their own experiences and offer them chances to lead, from our littlest leaders at 5 years old, all the way up to our graduating 12th graders. There is something for every girl here, and we’re honored to be a trusted partner in their leadership journey.
What does success mean to you?
I define success as being relentless in pursuit of a goal, persevering on the path of learning as you strive for that goal, being flexible enough to change course when needed, and having fun along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gshom.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gshomf
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSHOM
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenna-smith-west/
