Gold Award Girl Scout: Rayna

Gold Award Project: Unconscious Bias Awareness for Teens

“I learned that I enjoy breaking down complex topics into engaging and understandable content and that I have the patience and persistence to tackle challenges. Most importantly, I learned that I am passionate about educating others and making a difference in how people understand and address unconscious bias.”

Rayna addressed unconscious bias—unintentional assumptions and stereotypes that influence decision-making and inclusion. To raise awareness, she created an interactive presentation that explained different types of unconscious bias and their real-world impact. Rayna incorporated engaging activities like “Guess the Bias,” “Stand Up If,” and open discussions to encourage self-reflection. Rayna developed a website with educational resources, quizzes, and social media content to reach a broader audience. She collaborated with teens who helped review resources from a youth perspective. She learned how to build a mobile application and created a beta version of a mobile app that features an educational lesson and quiz, allowing users to assess their own biases and track their learning. Rayna used surveys and open discussions to gauge participants’ understanding before and after her presentations. Responses showed that many expressed that they had never considered their own biases before but left with a new awareness. Rayna’s project will continue through her website, social media, and ongoing app development. By promoting education and self-reflection, Rayna’s project contributes to larger efforts and conversations toward diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools, workplaces, and communities.

View Rayna’s project online at: https://ubaware.org/