Sylvia Acevedo

Tech Executive and Former CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA

Sylvia Acevedo is a technology executive and the former CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. She is also a longtime advocate for underserved communities and girls' and women's causes. She began her career as a rocket scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and has also worked as a technology executive for multiple companies. Sylvia has written a memoir for young readers called Path to the Stars: My Journey from Girls Scouts to Rocket Scientist.

In this interview with Colorín Colorado, she talks about her bilingual, bicultural childhood growing up in Las Cruces, New Mexico and her sister's tragic illness that had lasting impacts on her family, how joining the Girl Scouts changed her life, and her work as a rocket scientist. She also discusses what Girl Scouts can offer young women today and the importance of giving all children opportunities in STEM. And in case you're wondering, Sylvia told Roger Sutton of Horn Book that her favorite Girl Scout cookies are Thin Mints!

Learn more more about Sylvia from the following:

Note: This interview was conducted by Lydia Breiseth, Director of Colorín Colorado — and an active Girl Scout from elementary school through high school!