From Iowa to the United Nations

Kate Betsworth, president of the Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska board of directors and assistant vice president of workforce resource initiatives at Union Pacific Railroad, plays a significant role in that leadership. She represents Hawkeyes in the above equation, because Remsen, Iowa, with a population of just over 1,500, is where she learned much about giving back and serving her community.

“Growing up in a small town and a close-knit community, there was always a cause we got behind and involved with. We were raised to serve and give of our time,” Betsworth explained.

Time is just one of the gifts Betsworth has shared during her nine years with the Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska. Over the course of her tenure, she has spearheaded many efforts, including the creation of a new committee made up of the Scouts themselves.

“This wasn’t just about creating a new committee. It was about giving the young women in our council a voice,” Betsworth said. “Their participation on the committee allows them to share what is important to them and share it directly with the board of directors.”

That feedback has led to many initiatives, such as the annual artVenture Fundraiser. The popular statewide event provides opportunities for Girl Scouts across Nebraska to partner with local artists to create pieces of art. Those artworks are then auctioned to the public, with all proceeds benefitting Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska.

Under Betsworth’s creative leadership, the board and staff of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska have also created a way for adult women to relive their summer camp glory days. Through the event “glamp!,” women of all backgrounds and interests are invited to unplug and reconnect to the outdoors and to the Girl Scouts.

During the adult campout, participants can choose to do activities like hike, eat s’mores, and zipline through the trees. Event proceeds help keep summer camp affordable for all Girl Scouts.

“The ‘glamp!’ event is a ton of fun,” Betsworth said.

Sarah Waldman, CEO of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska, recognizes the difference Betsworth makes as a leader.

“We are so fortunate to have Kate spearheading ‘glamp!.’ She has infinite amounts of energy and is truly committed to not just the glamp! and artVenture events, but to supporting the entire organization,” Waldman said.

Emma Bitterman is a Scout whose camp experience was just the beginning of a Girl Scout journey that took her all the way to The United Nations. 

“I’ll never forget the day when I opened up my acceptance letter finding out I was one of 16 girls across the United States to be part of the Commission on the Status of Women and United Nations Women Gender Equality conference,” Bitterman shared.

Bitterman’s experience as a delegate was thanks to a special partnership.

“I couldn’t have done any of it without the help of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska and Girl Scouts USA,” Bitterman said. “This organization has truly helped shape my life in so many ways. I don’t think I can ever thank enough of the amazing women mentors who have impacted me in a variety of positive ways throughout the years.”

Betsworth feels the same about Bitterman. Hearing her share that experience was just another reminder of why she remains passionate about her work with Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska.

“I am very inspired by the growth we see in our girl leaders,” she said. “The work of Girl Scouts encourages them to use their voice, gain confidence, and dream of what they can do. And we do that at every age and every stage throughout their life.”

For more information about Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska and events like artVenture and glamp!, visit girlscoutsnebraska.org.

This article originally appeared in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of B2B Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.