2021 Honorees

Maddy Dietz - 2021 Changemaker Award Honoree, Interlochen Arts Academy

Maddy is a senior at Interlochen Arts Academy, and is a Girl Scout Juliette and GSRV Press Corps founder. She moved to Minnesota from Texas and took an active role at Girl Scouts River Valleys right away. Maddy is on the Girl Leadership Board and Gold Award recipient, using the curriculum she wrote for that to teach creative writing workshops. She is a nationally recognized poet, an avid writer, and is passionate about equity in creative education.

Maddy believes that a Changemaker will listen and consider other people while making change. If they’re trying to make change in a vacuum, they’re only making change for themself. It’s vital to include other people in the work they do. She also believes a Changemaker is brave, trying things even if they’re 95 percent certain it won’t work out and making room for that five percent chance.

May Xiong - 2021 Changemaker Award Honoree, Roseville Area High School

May is a senior at Roseville Area High School and has been a Girl Scout since her eighth-grade year. She is the president of her school’s Hmong Club, Peb Haiv, and is a leader in the school’s Asian Cultural Show as well. May leads by example and believes in being an advocate for all. She recently testified in front of Minnesota legislators for the Girl Scout Bill because she believes that Girl Scouts should be accessible to every girl.

May’s definition of a Changemaker is confident, dependable, honest, and strong. They are willing to learn and want change, they are open to self-growth and criticism. They use the joy they receive to spread to others; they share out of kindness. Most importantly they make sure to listen to everyone and use their voice to express and advocate for those who can’t.