As the leader of digital marketing at Itron and the past board chair for Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and North Idaho, I recognize the importance of supporting STEM careers for young women. To help bring STEM resources to girls in our community, Itron partners with Girl Scouts to sponsor and support activities and events that inspire the next generation of leaders. Although we have not been able to gather in person lately, we have found many opportunities to connect and collaborate virtually with Girl Scouts over the past few months.

In celebration of International Women's Day in March, myself and women from several Itron locations led a virtual event for Girl Scouts to earn their Resourcefulness patch. During the workshop, the Girl Scouts learned about Itron and our company purpose, how to make electricity with an empty soda can, brainstormed how they can reduce, reuse and recycle to help our planet, and learned some tips on how to prepare for careers of the future. The Itron team shared stories about their personal careers in STEM and how they contribute to helping manage our planet's energy and water resources to create a more resourceful world. 

Itron also recently engaged with Girl Scouts by sponsoring  girlConNW , an event hosted by Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho to provide an opportunity for girls in grades 6-12 to network and listen to women leaders in fields such as STEM, activism, business, media, art, wellness and more. Marina Donovan, lifetime girl scout and vice president of global marketing at Itron, presented the keynote address. Marina's keynote, titled "One Tough Cookie – from Girl Scout to Trailblazer," shared her personal journey in figuring out what matters most, and how she overcame life challenges and obstacles along the way to pursue her passions.

In April, Itron participated in a virtual Girl Scout STEM festival for troops across the United States. More than 13,000 girls attended a sold-out four and a half hour meeting with keynotes, break-out sessions and exhibitor booths. Itron was an exhibitor alongside 28 other companies and our booth was run by a few talented Itron women who helped answer questions about Itron and how we contribute to creating a more resourceful world.

Itron is also a proud sponsor of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and North Idaho’s new STEM Mobile, a learning experience on wheels aimed at providing girls in rural areas the opportunity to participate in STEM-based projects.

I am grateful for Itron’s continued partnership with Girl Scouts to inspire resourcefulness and mentor future female leaders.