Feb. 28, 2023

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Bailey Brooker, director of communications at Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons. 

Name: Bailey Brooker

Age: 28

Hometown: Woodward, Iowa

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I lived in Sioux City for a few years, and while looking ahead, Sioux Falls felt like a natural next step.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I’ve grown to love Sioux Falls. It has everything to make it feel like a big city, tons of restaurants, shopping, entertainment, etc., and it has a number of  state parks and other great outdoor activities within driving distance, which are a big plus as well.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Our mission. We work to build girls of courage, confidence and character who work to make the world a better place. If that isn’t a worthy cause to work toward every day, I don’t know what is.

How did you get connected to your industry?

My background is in journalism and mass communication. After working as a television news producer for a number of years, I was looking for a change. With my current role, I still get to utilize my love of storytelling and journalism experience to share the Girl Scout mission.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Inclusive, mission-focused and fun!

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

 I enjoy remodeling homes and have made major improvements to my last two houses.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

My favorite way to give back is by volunteering at different community events. And for part of the year, I support local girl entrepreneurship by buying a questionable amount of cookies. :-))

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Dunkin.

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

I am a huge animal lover, so if I were to start a business, it would have to be an animal rescue. There’s always animals in need, and to be able to give them a safe place to stay until they find their forever homes would make my heart happy.

Most importantly, what’s your favorite Girl Scout cookie?

Tagalongs! It’s hard to beat that chocolate and peanut butter combo!