Nicole Castagna loves nothing more than a challenge, a great project and “to see endings and accomplishments.”

The Leola, Lancaster County native has been a Troop Leader, Service Unit Lead and Product Program Leader. As a member of the Fund Development Committee for Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania (GSHPA), she has hit her stride.

“It’s easy to ask for support for something you really believe in, and you’ve seen make a difference in your life and your children’s lives,” she explained.

A “can do” people-person, Castagna’s skills and enthusiasm translated to help steer the Women of Distinction committee to launch the Women of Distinction event in 2022.

At past dinners, GSHPA honored women who have made an impact – either directly or indirectly – to Girls Scouts through their professional lives or service to the community.

For the Girl Scouts 110 year anniversary in 2022, the Women of Distinction Awards dinner became a fundraising gala, too. The goal was to raise $110,000.

“We wanted to do it bigger and better. We wanted the event to become a fundraiser, which it had never been before,” Castagna explained.

The Women of Distinction committee, made up of several women leaders representing all areas of the Girl Scouts organization, were key in helping to raise funds for the event.

Castagna said the response exceeded the fund goal expectations, and proceeds will benefit Girl Scout programming and financial assistance.

The 2024 event will be held in April.

With Girl Scouts’ four pillars of distinction in mind: STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) outdoor experiences, life skills and entrepreneurship “we found women who exemplified [these endeavors] and had some connection to Girl Scouts,” she explained.

“To know there are people out there who understand the importance of Girl Scouts – while they may not be Girl Scouts themselves – they know what it provides for girls,” she said.

Castagna has been a troop leader since 2009 and has had three daughters participate in Girl Scouts.

During her time as Service Unit Lead, Castagna and others created a scholarship so graduating Girl Scouts could take advantage of the lifetime membership program.

“It encourages them to stay involved. All of our girls have taken advantage of this program,” she explained.

The lifetime membership is a way for young adult girls to easily help out during their college years with events and during summer vacations.

Castagna continues to serve as a troop leader for high school Senior/Ambassadors. Many of her girls began their journey with Castagna as Daisies in Kindergarten.
“My second group of girls graduates this year, and it’s going to be hard,” she said of the strong bonds they have nurtured.

A deeper Girl Scouts organization experience was a natural fit after her daughters had grown. She wanted to use her experiences and talents to continue serving GSHPA.
“I knew all the pain points we had as volunteers, and the pain points from the business perspective that Girl Scouts has. I wanted to jump in to help bridge the gap,” she said.

Through fundraising and awareness, Castagna said she hopes to reach many more women about the value of supporting Girl Scouts in their communities.

Another goal is to find ways to engage women who have been Girl Scouts.

“How do we keep the alumnae involved and make being a Girl Scout as an adult relevant, important and active,” she mused, “there really isn’t any better way to show the little ones what the big girls can do.”