Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Wilkerson.
Hi Chelsea, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey to Girl Scouts wasn’t a straight line, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. I’ve spent more than two decades in the nonprofit sector, beginning my career in Minneapolis/St. Paul facilitating after-school programs for Spanish-speaking children. From the very beginning, I was drawn to mission-driven work that uplifts communities and creates lasting impact.
When I moved to Miami in 2004, I continued in fund development and organizational capacity building, serving in leadership roles at several nonprofits, including Casa Valentina and Our Kids of Miami-Dade/Monroe. Those years gave me a deep understanding of the power of local organizations to shape lives—especially when it comes to youth and families.
In 2017, I joined Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida as CEO, and it truly felt like coming home. This organization is unapologetically focused on girls—on building their confidence, leadership, and voice—and I knew instantly that I was where I was meant to be. Over the past eight years, I’ve had the honor of working alongside a passionate team, dedicated volunteers, and inspiring Girl Scouts as we’ve reached new milestones, including celebrating our 100th anniversary in 2023. It’s been an incredible ride, and I’m so proud of the work we’ve done to honor our legacy while building a bold future for the next generation of girl leaders.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
If the road is smooth, you’re probably not growing. Like most leadership journeys, mine has come with its share of challenges—each one shaping me in meaningful ways and helping me evolve as a leader, colleague, and parent.
Professionally, one ongoing challenge has been balancing a strong vision with the reality that meaningful change takes time. I’ve always had a deep desire to expand our reach and serve more girls across South Florida, and while progress is exciting, it often moves slower than I’d like. Building organizational capacity, developing new programs, and allocating resources with intention all require patience, persistence, and collaboration.
Some moments stand out—like leading our council through the COVID-19 pandemic, which demanded creativity, resilience, and a whole new way of thinking about engagement and safety. More recently, shepherding the organization through our 100th anniversary year was both an incredible honor and a massive undertaking. That experience reminded me just how powerful our legacy is—and how much opportunity lies ahead.
On a personal level, finding harmony between work and family continues to be a learning experience. I’m a proud mom of two amazing kids, and I’m committed to showing up fully for them while also giving my best to the mission I care so deeply about. I haven’t figured it all out, and I don’t expect to. I try to lead with intention, heart, and a healthy dose of perspective.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have the incredible honor of serving as CEO of Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida, the preeminent leadership development organization for girls in Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys. We’re part of a powerful national movement that began in 1912, with roots in our own backyard dating back to 1923 when Alligator Troop 1 formed in Coconut Grove. In 2023, we proudly celebrated 100 years of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
What makes Girl Scouts unique is our unwavering focus on girls—everything we do is designed specifically for their growth, voice, and leadership. Our programming is hands-on and holistic, grounded in four key pillars: STEM, Outdoors, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship. Whether a girl is building a robot, launching a business, learning first aid, or scaling a rock wall, she’s developing the kind of confidence that sticks with her for life.
We are especially proud of our legacy in helping girls become changemakers in their communities. Our highest award, the Girl Scout Gold Award, recognizes young women who develop and lead sustainable projects that tackle real-world issues. These aren’t just service projects; they are community transformations led by teen girls.
What truly sets Girl Scouts apart is our girl-led, girl-centered approach. Girls are at the center of every decision and experience. They lead. They choose their path. They discover what matters to them and take action.
Our brand is about empowerment, leadership, and belonging—and we want every girl in our community to know that there’s a place for her in Girl Scouts. Whether she’s interested in environmental science, coding, community advocacy, or just wants to make new friends around a campfire, Girl Scouts offers a space to explore, grow, and lead.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Absolutely! Mentorship and authentic connection have played a huge role in my professional journey. One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is this: look for people whose values you admire, not just titles you recognize. Some of the most meaningful mentors I’ve had weren’t the most high-profile individuals, but they were generous with their time, honest in their feedback, and deeply grounded in purpose.
When it comes to networking, I’ve found the most success by approaching it as relationship-building, not self-promotion. Show genuine interest in others, listen more than you speak, and follow up with intention. Some of the strongest connections I’ve made started with a simple conversation over coffee or a shared goal in the community.
I also really value peer mentorship. Surrounding yourself with people who are walking similar paths—even if they’re in different fields—can be incredibly grounding. I’ve learned just as much from peers as I have from formal mentors.
And finally, be open to mentoring others, too. It’s a two-way street. Supporting someone else’s growth keeps you grounded, gives you fresh perspective, and reminds you why the work matters in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.girlscoutsfl.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlscoutstropicalflorida/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSCTF
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gsctf/
- Twitter: https://x.com/GSCTF
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GSCTF
Image Credits
Carina Mask for Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida
