Alumna Stories - Leigh Larson
When did you start with Girl Scouts? Why did you want to join?
I was a Girl Scout in Fort Worth, Texas, from kindergarten through fourth grade. I joined for the fellowship, skill learning, and leadership development. I loved the sleepovers at the zoo or at the museum, the carol-singing at the senior homes for the holidays, and the memories of bonding with other girls my age in all of our after-school activities. My brother was also a Scout and went on to get his Eagle.
What is your proudest Girl Scout achievement?
My proudest Girl Scout achievement came in the second grade: I sold so many Girl Scout cookies that I won the prize of attending Girl Scout camp for free (shout out to my mom who helped me deliver all of those cookies!). I fondly remember joking in the dining hall and singing songs around the campfire with all of those Girl Scouts that summer. I proudly wore the Girl Scout vests to school on the days of our meetings. Girl Scouts empowered me to start a recycling petition in elementary school. My schedule filled up with competitive soccer and I did not have time to continue my journey in Girl Scouts, and I cried that day. I still have my Brownie vest at my childhood home in Texas.
What are you up to now?
I graduated as a Presidential scholar and Jefferson scholar from the University of Texas at Austin. After serving in the US Air Force Reserve Chaplain Candidate Corps and for Disciples of Christ churches in Denver and Great Falls, MT, I have grown my social media presence to almost 100k followers to discuss women's history, advocate for marginalized communities, and promote theological discussion. I am an avid writer, and my recent paper, "Secular Democracy and Women's History in America," was a finalist for the 2025 Stone-Campbell Journal. I was awarded the Stone-Campbell Journal Promising Scholar award and Senior DoC student award.
My love of humanitarian work and travel has taken me to Botswana for climate change and wildlife advocacy, Mexico for border/immigration advocacy, and Pakistan for advocacy of women and child refugees of war. I serve on the board for the Rotary and Junior League chapters in Great Falls. I am the author of three children's books, "Adventures of Miss Leigh & Professor Huckleberry," about national parks, with copies sold in Glacier National Park and in local bookstores. I will graduate with my Master's in Theological Studies and continue into my Doctor of Ministr5. y, both at Phillips Theological Seminary. My favorite hobby is hiking and camping around Montana and the Rockies with my dog, Professor Huckleberry. You can find me on YouTube, Instagram, Substack, or TikTok under the handle @followtheleighder.
If you could give a young Girl Scout of today some advice, what would it be?
If I could give any Girl Scout some advice, it would be that service, leadership, and women's advocacy are lifelong endeavors. The world needs passionate and compassionate leaders who care to make a difference. Be your authentic self, and pursue life for the sake of living it. You are the only thing holding you back. Find your people, find your passion, and go for it.
