By In preparation for our annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, we’re highlighting some of the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles volunteers who go above and beyond every day. Volunteers are the cheerleaders, guides, and mentors for girls, helping them develop essential life skills and confidence that girls will carry the rest of their lives.
Meet Korina Arvizu, a troop leader for Troop 8615, a multi-level troop in Boyle Heights.
How long have you been a volunteer?
I have been a co-leader Since February 2017 and a co-service unit manager (SUM) since May 2019. But I’ve been volunteering in my community since I was in junior high.
What made you decide to volunteer with GSGLA?
My son’s teacher, Jennifer, who is also the mom of my daughter’s best friend, asked me to start a troop for our daughters. My daughter reminded me that I would do anything for her. Ultimately it was the need I saw in our community that was the final deciding factor.
What unique talent/skill/personality trait do you bring to your volunteer role?
According to my co-leader and co-SUM, Jennifer, as well as my wife, I am “the social one.” I find it easy to connect with people in general, so it helps with both the girls and their parents. I’m also an architect, contractor and urban planner, so I can create graphics, design, draw, build, and plan, which helps with everything in Girl Scouts. I am also bilingual in Spanish and English, which helps in serving our East LA Boyle Heights Service Unit. My personality is easy going and always trying to find balance, while striving to improve.
What is your favorite thing about Girl Scouts?
Spending time with my daughter, making lifelong connections, and being a mentor to so many brilliant and beautiful girls.
What is your favorite memory from a volunteer role?
That’s a hard question, but I have to say it was learning Camping Skills the Girl Scout Way with Sky and Coyote. Not only was it a clear reminder that learning is a lifelong journey—because as seasoned campers we learned a lot of new things—but I feel like my co-leader and I bonded that weekend, and many of those same skills have made for great memories with our own troop.
Know a rock-star Girl Scout volunteer who deserves to be honored at GSGLA’s Volunteer Recognition Ceremony on April 25? Submit your nominations now! Council-level nominations are due Dec. 6, and supporting endorsements are due Dec. 13. Service unit-level awards may have due dates established by the service unit. Nomination forms and more information are at girlscoutsla.org/VolunteerRecognition.
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles 