Andrea shares her inspiring journey as a Girl Scout working on her Gold Award project focused on advocating for animal welfare, specifically for dogs in Florida. With the state ranking fourth in county shelter deaths due to overcrowding, Andrea discusses the critical issues surrounding impulsive pet ownership and the lack of spaying and neutering. To combat this, she created a comprehensive pet owner's guide in collaboration with her school, offering resources, tips, and tricks for the community to help reduce shelter overcrowding. Andrea also reflects on her lifelong passion for animals, influenced by her family's experiences with pets and the pressing need for support in animal shelters. She highlights her partnership with Howling Hounds Sanctuary Rescue, a local organization dedicated to housing dogs in a nurturing environment. Tune in to learn more about Andrea's impactful project and how you can contribute to animal welfare in your community.

More from Andrea:

I am an Ambassador in Girl Scouts with a strong passion for leadership, service, and creativity. Over the years, Girl Scouts has given me incredible opportunities to grow, travel, and discover what inspires me. Last summer, I traveled to New York City on a Broadway-focused Girl Scout Destination, where I had the chance to see four amazing shows and fall even more in love with theater. Experiences like that have shaped who I am and what I hope to do next. This spring break, I plan to tour colleges across Florida because I hope to stay close to home for my next chapter. I'm excited to explore different campuses and find the right fit for my future. Next year, as a senior, my troop and I will be celebrating our high school graduation with a cruise—something we've looked forward to for years. Outside of Girl Scouts, I hope to spend this summer auditioning for local theater productions and getting back on stage. Performing is something I truly miss, and I'm ready to keep practicing, growing, and stepping into new opportunities.

https://petprojectgs.wixsite.com/2manypawnotenoughome

https://www.facebook.com/groups/700149011903399

https://www.instagram.com/gs.pet_project/

Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Lia discusses her passion for promoting neurodivergence awareness and the need for sensory-friendly spaces. She created 20 fidget bins, filled with calming tools like calming strips, water timers, and Pop-Its, which she distributed to libraries, schools, and after-school programs. Lia highlights her vision of helping others understand the experiences of neurodivergent individuals and the importance of creating inclusive environments. Tune in to learn about her impactful work and the significance of supporting neurodivergent communities.

More about Lia:

Lia created Sensory Friendly Futures for her Gold Award project to promote neurodivergence awareness, inclusion, and acceptance within her community. She designed and created fidget bins for neurodivergent individuals and placed them in her local libraries, schools and after school programs to create welcoming and calming spaces for self-regulation. In addition, Lia developed educational materials to teach the community about sensory needs, stimming, and the importance of creating supportive environments for all. Her goal was to make public spaces more inclusive and to inspire others to embrace neurodiversity with understanding and compassion. Through Sensory Friendly Futures, Lia hopes to create a world where everyone feels safe, seen, and valued for who they are. Her project can also be found on her Instagram: @sensoryfriendlyfutures and website. After High School, Lia plans to get a B.S in Legal Studies & go to Law School!

sites.google.com/view/sensoryfriendlyfutures

instagram.com/sensoryfriendlyfutures/