Jayla N., 10, from Girl Scouts of Greater New York is determined to take on the world one skill at a time. This well-rounded Girl Scout Junior is representing the cookie program on the back of all the NEW Girl Scout Cookie boxes! Jayla couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of a Movement that not only teaches girls how to set goals and make savvy business decisions but also helps them give back to their communities.
“To be featured on the new Girl Scout Cookie box is an honor,” Jayla said. “I am proud to be a part of the Girl Scout legacy. Girl Scouts play a big role in shaping self-esteem, courage, and the many skills that young girls and women will use in their lives. Having me on the box as a multiethnic girl is also a great way to show the world that Girl Scouts is a diverse environment for everyone.”
When asked about her cookie box photo] shoot experience Jayla added, “It was so much fun, because we got to do different types of shoots. I was also able to meet girls from other troops. I even got to wear different types of outfits that showed girl power.”
Jayla revels in the joy of sisterhood and teamwork on the new Thin Mints®️ and Caramel deLites®/Samoas® Girl Scout Cookie boxes!
Being part of a team is one of the many things Jayla loves about being a Girl Scout. Last cookie season Jayla’s troop used their cookie money to go on a camping trip. This year the nature-loving innovator hopes to use cookie earnings to give back to her community by planting more trees and flowers in her neighborhood garden and beyond. “The world is too caught up in technology and new brands,” Jayla said. “I think it’s really important to make time for the earth.”
When she’s not running her cookie business or doing community service projects, Jayla enjoys working on STEM activities, like building robots out of Legos, and learning to code through the programs offered at her school.
“I am a proud Girl Scout because it’s a great all-girl environment where you learn the importance of helping others,” Jayla said. “It’s very comforting, being around nature, doing science experiments, and having fun!”
Not only is Jayla a goal-setting, nature-loving science enthusiast, she also enjoys playing the piano, swimming, and learning ballet at The Ailey School in New York City, one of the first dance companies to showcase black dancers. The rich history of this groundbreaking company inspires her! A dancer since age two, Jayla said that dancing has allowed her to see the benefits of hard work. Is there anything this Girl Scout can’t do?
Like Jayla, her mom and greatest supporter, Lynnette, is also a fan of staying connected to the earth, giving back, and working as part of a team. “I think that in this day and age children are very privileged,” Lynnette said. “Teaching kids to be of service to other people and stay connected to the earth and to things that matter to the human spirit is of utmost importance for our family. For Jayla, Girl Scouts is a safe space, and I like that the girls work as a team and support each other.”
Through her experience as a successful cookie entrepreneur, Jayla has learned to set goals, work hard to reach them, and never be afraid to take chances. Jayla’s number one tip and takeaway from her Girl Scout cookie entrepreneur experience? “Be fearless. Don't be afraid to ask other people to support your goals!” Additionally, Jayla thinks that running her own cookie business through the Girl Scout Cookie Program is a great way to learn independence and business skills that will set her up for success today and in the future—you got that right, Jayla!
We can’t wait to see what Jayla does with her ever-growing skillset, ambitious spirit, strong work ethic, and love of nature in the future. We’re delighted to have such a curious, kind, and adventurous girl on all new cookie boxes, serving as an inspiration to young girls everywhere—keep shining, Jayla!