The Girl Scouts of Greater New York kicked off another successful cookie-selling season last month, featuring popular favorites like Thin Mints and Samoas. While buying a box of cookies is often associated with enjoying a delicious treat and discovering new flavors, it also supports the organization’s larger mission of fostering confidence, leadership, and entrepreneurship in young girls.
One standout is 15-year-old Julia L. from Kew Gardens, who has taken her business acumen to impressive heights. Since she was 11, Julia has consistently been the top cookie seller in Queens, selling 1,536 boxes last season alone.
According to the Girl Scout Cookie Council, Julia has sold more than 12,000 boxes since 2020. Her accomplishments have earned her a place on the Executive Cookie Committee, a prestigious group for girls who sell more than 500 boxes in a season. Membership in the committee opens up opportunities for professional development, involvement in planning the Girl Scout Cookie Program in New York, and more.
photo credit: Julia L.
However, Julia’s motivation to be a top seller goes beyond the opportunities presented to her. She is most inspired by the impact it has on other Girl Scouts and her community.
“Selling cookies is really important because it sets you up for success in the future, and it really provides you with a wide set of different skills,” said Julia. “I have sisters who were Girl Scouts, so seeing them sell cookies and how they were able to progress with that really inspired me, as well as wanting to make a change in my community.”
Julia’s troop is based in Forest Hills, where she often sells cookies door to door. She also regularly sets up a booth on Austin Street, an area filled with stores and heavy foot traffic.
“A lot of people tend to come by, and it’s just a really supportive community,” said Julia.
At first glance, cookie selling might seem like just another part of being a Girl Scout. However, for many girls, it sparks dreams of running their own business or taking on a leadership role. According to Karen Lundgard, interim CEO of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, the goal of the cookie-selling program is to help girls develop five essential skills: goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. Throughout her tenure with the organization, Lundgard has encountered numerous women in leadership positions who credit their first taste of entrepreneurship to their early experiences selling Girl Scout cookies, which inspired them to pursue careers in business.
photos credit: GSGNY
“We tell people all the time when you buy a box of Girl Scout cookies, it’s so much more than a box of cookies you’re buying,” said Lundgard. “There are so many business leaders that I’ve encountered throughout the years that have told me that selling Girl Scout cookies was their first experience in business, and that is something they cite as one of the reasons they got into [business] and one of the reasons they got excited about it.”
As one of the highest sellers, Julia has participated in many activities to learn and grow through the Cookie Executive Program, but one of the opportunities she emphasizes is using her cookie proceeds to help and uplift others in her neighborhood.
“My favorite part is not only learning all these new skills, but also the trips that I get to go on with proceeds, and also the way I’m able to give back to my community,” said Julia. “We used our cookie proceeds to start this Garden Initiative, where we created a garden, harvested fresh produce, and gave that to our local food pantry. During the pandemic, we used our cookie proceeds to start up this pillows and blanket drive for Elmhurst Hospital, and we raised over $20,000 in comfort items for patients.”
Julia has sold a few hundred boxes in just a month since this season’s cookie season started. She’s still finishing her midterm exams, but as soon as she has some more time, she intends to begin handing out flyers to connect with local businesses and nearby communities to continue selling. The season goes through the spring, and there’s still plenty of time to buy cookies. Even for girls who feel inspired to try to become a high seller like Julia, there’s never been a better time to start.
“I know it’s easier said than done, but I feel having confidence and people seeing your passion and understanding that what you’re doing is supporting so many people that already, in itself, is a way for them to want to help you. Make sure that you’re putting in the work and you’re dedicated, and if you have some setbacks, you’re willing to persevere and keep on going,” said Julia.
Cookie lovers can enter in their zip code and find local sellers here or visit Julia’s website by clicking here.
