The Appreciation Pin recognizes a registered adult Girl Scout’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This service, which has had a measurable impact on one geographic area of service, helps reach and surpass the mission-delivery goals of the area.
Alexandra Prsha
Alexandra Prsha started her troop in the fall of 2019 to give her daughters the same Girl Scout experience she had as a child. Once a troop of 10 Daisies, it has now grown into a multi-level troop of 26, and Alexandra has expanded her leadership to the service unit level. She enjoys camping and introducing her Girl Scouts to new experiences.
Anne Burnett
Anne Burnett’s mother volunteered with Girl Scouts, and she always knew she wanted to do the same, even as a youth Girl Scout enjoying the experience. When she had a daughter, she wanted to bring that same joy to her. Even now, after her daughter has bridged to adults, Anne continues to give back at the service unit level to support Girl Scouts in San Diego and Imperial counties.
Brenda Maas
Brenda Maas has three daughters and has seen the positive impact Girl Scouts has on them and on the community. She loves to make connections with the girls and other volunteers and even led her troop through the “best camping weekend ever.” Outside of Girl Scouts, Brenda Maas is a well-known accounting professional who currently serves as controller for a women-owned business with global presence.
Brooklyn Cave
Brooklyn Cave began volunteering in Girl Scouts as a co-leader at age 17, right after high school graduation. Since then, she’s continued to love making a positive impact and helping give girls opportunities they might not otherwise have. Brooklyn now has four daughters of her own and admires the way they’ve grown into “cool and amazing” young adults.
Elisa Hilliard
Elisa Hilliard discovered Girl Scouting during a lunchtime "In-School Girl Scouting" session her elementary school in San Ysidro and remembers feeling special and included as an immigrant child being introduced to an American tradition. Today, she delivers the power of Girl Scouting to her three daughters, the 23 other members of her multi-level troop, and the Sunny Trails service unit.
Ginger Busto
Ginger Busto has spent over 20 years working as a scientist and promoting a love of science within her troop. Earning badges that involve community service have been at the heart of those experiences, and she loves to offer opportunities that girls might not otherwise get. She knows that “the girls that are hardest to reach are the ones that need us the most.”
Julia Robles
Julia Robles has learned skills alongside her Girl Scouts for many years. She’s also gained confidence to serve in whatever role is needed. Julia knows that strong female leaders have a positive impact in our communities; to highlight this, she led her troop to earn the Bronze Award and to complete numerous service projects over their time in Girl Scouting.
Lily Valmidiano
Lily Valmidiano knew she was meant to be a Girl Scout volunteer when she observed timid girls in her troop quickly growing out of their shells into confident entrepreneurs during the cookie season. She shares the importance of gratitude with Girl Scouts and continues to give back, because she knows that change is possible when you have someone who believes in you.
Melissa Bennett
Melissa Bennett believes that anything is more fun with a gaggle of Girl Scouts. As a service unit manager and all around Girl Scout volunteer, she loves to see the twinkle of excitement in a Girl Scout’s eye as she discovers her interest in something for the first time. Outside of Girl Scouts, Melissa is an Ob/Gyn Physician at Kaiser Permanente specializing in menopausal medicine.
Nancy Mowry
Nancy Mowry was an educator at the primary level for 18 years before jumping into the role of parent. For 21 years, she's been an active participant in organizing school functions, helping in classrooms, and of course, leading a Girl Scout troop. She remains amazed at what her girls have been able to do as they work towards their Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
Nicole Ries
Nicole Ries spent her summers as a Girl Scout at Rawhide Ranch and always knew she wanted to be a troop leader to help shape the leaders of tomorrow. Understanding that Girl Scouts have the power to change the world, Nicole continues to give back through her service unit leadership roles, ensuring every adult and Girl Scout knows just how valuable they are.
Trista Zeis
Trista Zeis’s mom was her Girl Scout leader, so everything began with her example. When Trista had a daughter, she knew she wanted to continue the tradition. She has been a troop leader for over 11 years and has served on the service unit leadership team. A lover of travel, she always encourages girl-led opportunities to travel, show leadership, and expand their horizons.
