Meet the Brooklyn Girl Scout Who Reigned as NYC’s Cookie Champion
In a city of over 8 million people, 12-year-old Jasmine Rodriguez from Brooklyn has risen to the top as New York City’s undisputed Girl Scout cookie champion. The ambitious seventh-grader sold a staggering 4,217 boxes during the 2024 season—outpacing thousands of peers through innovative sales tactics and grassroots community engagement. Her achievement marks the highest single-season sales record for the Greater New York region in nearly a decade.
The Recipe for Cookie-Selling Success
Rodriguez’s strategy blended old-school hustle with digital savvy. While maintaining traditional booth sales outside Brooklyn supermarkets, she leveraged social media campaigns targeting local businesses and created a neighborhood delivery system. “I mapped out all the apartment buildings within 15 blocks and organized routes by floor,” Rodriguez explained. “Customers could order through my Instagram page and get same-day delivery.”
Key elements of her winning approach included:
- Customized bulk orders for 28 local businesses
- A referral program rewarding customers who recruited friends
- Weekly “cookie grams” sent to nursing home residents
- Bilingual marketing materials (English/Spanish) for her diverse community
Community Support Fuels Record Sales
The young entrepreneur’s efforts resonated deeply in her Sunset Park neighborhood. Local bakery owner Maria Fernandez purchased 120 boxes to distribute with children’s meals. “Jasmine didn’t just ask for sales—she showed how the program builds leadership skills,” Fernandez noted. “How could we say no to that?”
According to Girl Scouts of Greater New York data:
- 2024 citywide cookie sales reached 1.8 million boxes
- Average scout sells 155 boxes annually
- Top 1% of sellers (like Rodriguez) account for 18% of total revenue
Life Lessons Beyond Thin Mints
While the cookie program famously funds troop activities, Rodriguez emphasizes its deeper value. “I’ve learned to handle rejection, manage money, and solve problems creatively,” she said. Her troop leader, Sarah Chen, observes that cookie sales build confidence: “These girls aren’t just selling snacks—they’re running micro-businesses with real-world stakes.”
Financial literacy experts confirm the program’s educational benefits. A 2023 Junior Achievement study found that:
- 82% of Girl Scouts report improved money management skills
- Cookie sellers demonstrate 23% higher entrepreneurial interest than peers
- Sales experience correlates with stronger college application profiles
Balancing Schoolbooks and Sales Spreadsheets
Rodriguez maintained honor roll status while devoting 12-15 weekly hours to cookie sales during peak season. Her parents established clear boundaries: “Homework comes first, then cookies,” said her father, Carlos Rodriguez. “But when she sets a goal, she’ll move mountains to achieve it.”
The young champion’s discipline impressed education specialists. Dr. Lisa Wong, child development professor at NYU, notes: “High-achieving students like Jasmine often transfer skills between domains. The planning required for cookie sales directly supports academic success.”
The Future of Girl Scout Entrepreneurship
Rodriguez’s achievement comes as Girl Scouts nationwide modernize their programming. The organization recently introduced digital badges for e-commerce and STEM, while maintaining traditional outdoor and craft activities. “We’re preparing girls for tomorrow’s economy,” said GSGNY CEO Meridith Maskara. “Jasmine exemplifies how cookie sales teach 21st-century skills.”
Looking ahead, Rodriguez plans to mentor younger scouts and expand her business acumen. “Maybe I’ll start a real company someday,” she muses. “But first, I want to help my troop visit the Space Center next year.”
For readers inspired by her story, the Girl Scouts welcome new members and volunteers year-round. Visit www.girlscoutsnyc.org to support the next generation of young leaders.
See more BuzzFeed Insider
