Local Girl Scout featured in national Girl Scouts of America PSA

A new Girl Scouts of America PSA is aiming to shine light on how today’s busy girls are searching for ways to pursue their passions and beliefs in real life.

The PSA aired on October 30th during and the NBC network. One local Girl Scout was featured in the national PSA to represent Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest Troop 55883.

Natalie Balboa has been involved with Girl Scouts for 7-years. Her passion for border issues is what helped her get a spot in the national PSA.

“It was surreal, it was crazy. I couldn’t believe it was happening,” said Natalie when asked about how she felt to be a part of the PSA.

After hearing about immigrant families being detained at the border, Natalie knew that she wanted to help in any way possible.

“What stuck out was hearing why they wanted to come here what it was like back home and how they could get a better life in America,” explained Natalie.

She decided that she would use this idea for her Bronze Award Project which is a 20-hour service project that teaches young girl scouts to find a problem, think creatively to solve it and take action.

Natalie, along with the help of her troop, created welcome bags filled with toiletries, snacks, and other essentials for the families.

Her effort resulted in enough donations to distribute more than 900 bags through Annunciation House shelters, and it also led to an invite to New York City.

“When we learned that they wanted to bring Natalie to New York to participate it was a brand new experience for us,” said Lily Balboa, Natalie’s mom.

Natalie traveled to New York to participate in the PSA alongside other Girls Scouts.

“My favorite part was probably meeting the other Girl Scouts because what they did to get there was also very amazing, ” said Natalie.

The PSA will run on both advanced and connected TV, including Hulu, Roku, and Samba TV, as well as social media channels.

When asked what she had planned for her future Natalie wasn’t sure, but she did have a message to other young girls.

“I think they can do anything, as long as you put your mind to it you can do anything!”

CLICK HERE to watch the full PSA and to learn more about the Girl Scouts of America.