Why We Give: A Blossoming Partnership
Komatsu—a global company that uses innovation and community connection to create advanced machines and integrated technologies that address societal needs—is no stranger to Girl Scouts. Supporting local Girl Scout programming since 2002, Komatsu has evolved their contributions over time to address present needs, shifting to support STEM programming in 2021. Last April, Komatsu employees from their sustainability committee and their family members hosted their first-ever volunteer opportunity with GSWISE. Over 40 Girl Scouts attended their Tree Promise event, where they made paper seed balls and paper bead keychains, learned how to plant a tree at home, and earned a Tree Promise badge.
“We aim to invest in things that make our city great; we partner with organizations that make our communities more well-rounded, offer cultural experiences, and shift support to address current community needs,” shared Cathy Stagmer, Manager of Social Responsibility at Komatsu and Girl Scout alum. “We have a lot of female staff who feel their own sense of power in inspiring the next generation, so the spirit of this event was to help young girls find their passion in STEM. The skills that Girl Scouting promotes—like confidence, independence, a sense of exploration, community connection, and wanting to take care of our earth—are all values Komatsu holds, so this event and partnership align so well.”
Komatsu recently received the Community Support Certificate at GSWISE’s Celebration of Volunteer Achievement for their thoughtful volunteer opportunities and environmental-focused contributions within the Girl Scout community. Cathy hopes to continue looking for ways to grow the partnership, including possibly offering a badge or leadership activity to do with girls in the future that includes Komatsu employees speaking on their careers that involve forestry and STEM.
“I love to see how some Girl Scout traditions have continued since I was a young Girl Scout. It’s also heartening to see how Girl Scouting has evolved to address societal needs,” explained Cathy. “Girl Scouting provides unique opportunities for girls to develop leadership skills and pursue new interests and experiences that help empower them in male-dominated spaces. My involvement over the years has been so inspiring.”
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