Maria Duran

AS MARIA DURAN would be quick to point out, taking a genuine interest in the lives of others is key to building relationships.

As one of her responsibilities as a program facilitator for the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona-Yuma County, she conducts troop meetings for at-risk girls.

“I have a few girls whom I worked very closely with,” she said. “One I had asked where her glasses were and she stated, ‘You remember I wear glasses,’ and that’s when my heart dropped. ‘Of course I remember,’ I told her. I then started to state how I remember this person’s hair was pink or this person’s brother was mad at them last week.

“Their faces lit up and so did mine. I gave them this space where they were given the attention and care that they deserved. After building relationships with them, walking up to their meeting spaces, I am greeted with pearly whites and immediately, ‘What are we going to do today, Ms. Duran?’ That anticipation and engagement is better than any other reward.”

Duran has served in her current position for about a year.

Before that, she was a Girl Scout for more than seven years and a volunteer troop leader for more than two years.

Her other duties with Girl Scouts include recruitment, helping run the cookie program and other, grant-funded programs, and running the retail shop that raises funds for Scout programs.

“I love working with the youth and their families, giving young girls inspiration and encouragement, being their mentor, being able to provide support to the leaders at so many levels,” Duran said. “I love that I get to share new skills and new experiences with the girls.”

Duran’s goals include finishing her higher education, starting a non profit organization and owning a small business.

She believes there is more than one path for a young professional to follow to reach his or her goals.

“Big or small, accomplishments come in all sizes,” Duran said. “There is never a wrong time to start over. It might be the best decision you ever made.”