Girl Scouts Compete In 'Cookiepreneur Challenge' With Local Leaders

WORCESTER, MA — Local Girl Scouts had the chance to compete in the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts' first annual "Cookiepreneur Challenge" on Wednesday night at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

In a Shark Tank-style event, four girls presented themes, strategies, and promotional ideas for the next Girl Scout cookie season, which runs from January 16 to March 25. The competition featured Girl Scouts Tessa Gasco of Milbury, Avery Smith of Worcester, Allie Cusack of Westfield, and Summer Ushinski of Worcester, who pitched their ideas to a panel of local leaders.

Worcester City Manager Eric Batista, Director of Marketing & Innovation at Polar Beverages, Lisbet Crowley, and Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programs at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Ardian Preci, among many other leaders, sat on the panel.

The four girls were chosen after submitting marketing plans for the upcoming Girl Scout Cookie Season. They even had to come up with marketing ideas for the newest Girl Scout cookie, "Exploremores," as well as the ways they are giving back to the community.

“One of the biggest things that impacted me was how much they like to give back to the community,” said Batista. “We had the opportunity to really witness the great work that these young women are doing – how smart they are, how unique, their charisma, their ability to stand in front of a crowd and pitch and have great ideas.”

Fourth-grader Tessa Gasco was crowned the winner after impressing judges with her Cookie Carnival booth design. The idea included games and fun elements.

“Tonight was really exciting,” Gasco said after the event. “I had a lot of fun.”

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