Girl Scouts River Valleys Announces 2025 Changemakers Honorees

MINNEAPOLIS, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Women's History Month, Girl Scouts River Valleys is proud to announce the 2025 Changemakers honorees—eight trailblazers who exemplify the values we instill in our Girl Scouts every day. This year's honorees embody Courage, Confidence, Character, and Curiosity, demonstrating what it means to lead with authenticity, power, and purpose.

The 2025 adult and youth Changemakers honorees are:

Courage

• Sheletta Brundidge – A fearless advocate and media powerhouse, Sheletta Brundidge uses her platform to elevate voices, champion underrepresented communities, and inspire bold action. Her courage is a beacon for those seeking to create lasting change.
  
  
• Yailen Cazales Roldan (youth) – Yailen channels her passion for history, storytelling, and law into bold leadership and advocacy for justice. Whether competing in mock trial or mastering multiple instruments, she embraces every challenge with bravery and determination.

Confidence

• Carla Vernón – As a visionary leader at The Honest Company, Carla Vernón brings unwavering confidence to the corporate world, challenging norms and forging new paths for women of color in executive leadership. She leads with conviction and empowers others to do the same.
  
  
• Julia Hidalgo-Salazar (youth) – Julia's confidence shines in her leadership, from excelling as a top cookie seller to serving her community. With a passion for service and global exploration, she fearlessly takes on new challenges to grow and inspire others.

Character

• Kelly McQueen – With steadfast integrity and a commitment to service, Kelly McQueen of PNC exemplifies what it means to lead with character. Through her work in finance and community engagement, she demonstrates the power of ethical leadership and resilience.
  
  
• Savannah Blair (youth) – A lifelong Girl Scout, Savannah leads with integrity, mentoring younger Girl Scouts and serving her community with dedication. Her passion for early childhood education reflects her commitment to shaping future generations with kindness and care.

Curiosity

• DeAnna Cummings – A driving force in the arts and philanthropy, DeAnna Cummings of the McKnight Foundation has built a career rooted in curiosity—exploring, learning, and advocating for creative and cultural equity. Her work inspires innovation and transformation in communities.
  
  
• Megan Baker (youth) – Megan's curiosity drives her to explore the world through leadership, learning, and storytelling. Whether leading in Youth in Government or writing her next story, she is always seeking new knowledge and meaningful connections.

"These four dynamic women don't just own the spaces they occupy—they redefine them. They bring power and empower others simply by being unapologetically themselves," said Marisa C. Williams, CEO of Girl Scouts River Valleys. "We are in awe of their impact—not just in their industries but in the way they show up for their communities. It's an honor to celebrate their contributions and share their stories." 

Equally inspiring is the next generation of changemakers—four remarkable youth leaders who exemplify courage, confidence, character, and curiosity. Their passion, resilience, and commitment to making a difference prove that leadership knows no age.

The Celebrate Changemakers Breakfast, taking place on May 22, 2025, will recognize these extraordinary leaders, honor their impact, and celebrate the rising generation of young changemakers shaping the future.

About Girl Scouts River Valleys
Girl Scouts River Valleys serves more than 16,500 girls across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, providing transformative leadership experiences that inspire girls to be bold, curious, and change the world. Through programs in STEM, entrepreneurship, outdoor adventure, and civic engagement, Girl Scouts develop the skills to lead with courage, confidence, and character.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kristen Neurer, Vice President of Member Engagement
Girl Scouts River Valleys
651-280-8009
[email protected] 

SOURCE Girl Scouts River Valleys