Girl Scout Goes Gold and Bridges the Digital Divide

Nazeefa Loladia, a dedicated high school Senior at Lambert High School and Girl Scout, has successfully earned the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award—the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve—through her powerful and impactful project focused on fixing the digital divide. Her project combined passion, community action, and global impact, touching the lives of hundreds of children and families.

Nazeefa is a member of Troop 14494 within Johns Creek's Two Bridges Service Unit, where Keri Michaelis serves as troop leader.

Her initiative had three main components:

*Collecting and Donating Devices:*

Nazeefa led multiple device drives and collected laptops, MacBooks, and other digital devices—both working and non-working, valued at over $5,000. She partnered with Inspiredu, a nonprofit based in Atlanta, which refurbishes and redistributes these devices to underserved families who lack access to technology and internet services. This step alone helped many children gain the tools they need to access education and resources that would otherwise remain out of reach.

Nazeefa’s project also extended internationally by collaborating with Leap to Shine, an India-based nonprofit committed to closing the digital gap. Leap to Shine provides new tablets to underserved families in India, helping them access educational apps and opportunities.

*Creating Educational Tutorial Videos*

Understanding that access to devices is just one part of the solution, Nazeefa worked with Leap to Shine to create 15 easy-to-follow tutorial videos. These videos, distributed via WhatsApp, taught children and their parents how to operate their tablets and navigate educational apps. This ensured that the devices were not just delivered but also effectively used to improve education and learning.

*Raising Awareness on Cybersecurity*

The third aspect of Nazeefa’s project focused on educating youth about cyber safety. She conducted workshops for over 120 students at the elementary and middle school levels, teaching them about online safety, responsible internet usage, and ways to protect themselves in the digital world.

Through these combined efforts, Nazeefa’s project has made a lasting impact on communities both locally and globally. She has empowered families with technology, taught them how to use it effectively, and ensured they know how to stay safe online.

Nazeefa’s project is a testament to what today’s youth can accomplish when they are passionate about a cause. At such a young age, she has demonstrated leadership, compassion, and vision—qualities that reflect the true spirit of the Girl Scout Gold Award. Her efforts will continue to benefit families for years to come and inspire others to work toward bridging the digital divide.