Boca Raton and Delray Beach Girl Scouts Recognized for Community Impact with Gold Award

Lilly Nguyen from Boca Raton and Ronica Deshmukh from Delray Beach have achieved the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor for Girl Scouts in grades nine through 12, for their innovative projects aimed at making a lasting difference in their communities. Nguyen's initiative, 'Heart to Heart,' tackled the critical issue of heart disease by providing free CPR training and resources, while Deshmukh's project, 'Shattering Stereotypes: Empowering Asian Voices in Media,' focused on increasing visibility and challenging stereotypes for Asians in creative industries.

Nguyen's approach to combating the leading cause of death in the U.S. involved not only hands-on CPR training sessions in accessible community spaces but also the creation of an online platform featuring tutorials and health tips. Her efforts have equipped individuals with the confidence and skills to respond to cardiac emergencies, addressing a significant gap in public health education.

Deshmukh's project highlighted the importance of representation in media by interviewing successful Asian professionals, including actor Rushi Kota from Netflix's 'Never Have I Ever.' Through her YouTube channel and social media, Deshmukh has sparked important conversations about diversity and the pursuit of non-traditional careers, inspiring young Asians to see themselves in roles beyond stereotypes.

The achievements of Nguyen and Deshmukh were celebrated at the 2025 Annual Gold Award Ceremony, where they were among 27 recipients recognized for their leadership and innovative solutions to community challenges. Their projects exemplify the Girl Scouts' mission to empower young women to become leaders and changemakers. For more information on the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida and their initiatives, visit https://www.gssef.org.