Ever since Sarah Lansdale was a little girl, she knew what she wanted to be when she grew up. Unlike most little girls, she didn't want to become a teacher, a doctor or a famous singer or actor. Instead, she decided that her real passion in life was her deep respect and appreciation for the environment. This passion was inspired much in part due to the Girl Scouts of Nassau County.

"I was a Girl Scout ever since I was in first grade and fondly remember camping at Camp Blue Bay," said Ms. Lansdale. "I am so thankful to have had that experience which helped me develop an appreciation and respect for nature." Ms. Lansdale joined Girl Scouts in first grade with a Uniondale troop. She moved to Garden City in 5th grade and joined a local troop there.

One of the Girl Scout projects that solidified Ms. Lansdale's love for the environment was earning her Gold Award, the highest honor that a young woman can achieve in Girl Scouting. "In my senior year of Girl Scouting, I was awarded my Gold Award for starting a recycling program at my high school," says Ms. Lansdale. "I was the founder of the Environmental Club and gathered school officials, teachers and student leaders together to start the recycling program. I believe that program is still in use today."

Ms. Lansdale's passion for the environment came from many sources - her parents, her friends and her own convictions, but undoubtedly the biggest source of inspiration was the Girl Scouts of Nassau County. "Girl Scouts not only inspired my love for the environment, it helped build my confidence, learn to speak up and out and gave me the conviction to see projects through, especially when earning badges," said Ms. Lansdale. " I was able to meet interesting people, work with other troops and learn about diversity, all tools that help me in my career today."

Ms. Lansdale remained a Girl Scout in Garden City into her adult years. Now a resident of Huntington, she has been a speaker at a past Gold Award ceremony and helped develop the Girl Scout Brownfields Buster patch program, a program designed to create awareness for the environment through a variety of environmentally oriented activities. A major component involves the girls' finding brownfield sites in their own communities, learning how they got that way and suggesting ideas for redevelopment.

As a leader in the green movement, Ms. Lansdale has accomplished her childhood dreams by applying her passion and making it her career. She is currently the Executive Director of Sustainable Long Island, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic development, environmental health and equity for all Long Islanders, now and for generations to come.

Donna Ceravolo, Executive Director of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County adds, "Young women like Sarah embody the true spirit of Girl Scouting. We take pride in having a hand in helping Sarah realize and accomplish her dreams. When we get the opportunity to expose girls to activities, friendships and life lessons that they might not otherwise have the chance to experience, we know we are doing right by our girls."

Ms. Lansdale adds, "I thank the Girl Scouts of Nassau County for their inspiration and for exposing me to career opportunities and people that support women in leadership and the environment today."