Purina King William Hosts Girl Scout Troop 53 for Manufacturing Exploration Event in Partnership with WiM Virginia and Rosie Riveters
On Saturday, May 18, 2025, Nestlé Purina PetCare’s King William factory hosted Girl Scout Troop 53 for a hands-on manufacturing exploration event designed to ignite interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers. The event was made possible through a collaboration between the Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Virginia Chapter, Rosie Riveters, and several corporate partners, including Nestle Purina PetCare, Wind River Chimes, Global Metal Finishing, Dominion Energy, United Scrap Metal, and DuPont.
“This event is really important for us to show all young people that there is a place for them in the manufacturing industry,” said Jennifer Ney, Training Manager, Nestle Purina PetCare, Tidy Cats Litter Factory in King William, VA.
The program’s goal is to deliver essential STEM education to 100 girls in Virginia through the Girl Scout network, building confidence and creating awareness about career opportunities in the manufacturing industry. The initiative aims to empower the next generation of female leaders in manufacturing, a field projected by the U.S. Department of Commerce to face a shortage of 2.4 million workers by 2028.
During the event, 30 Girl Scouts, ranging in age from 4 to 18, earned 120 total badges across four categories: Manufacturing, Automotive Engineering, Showcasing Robots, and STEM Career Exploration. Activities included assembling balloon-powered cars, a visit from Purina’s robotic dog “Spot,” and presentations by Purina associates on the manufacturing process behind Tidy Cats® litter, as well as roles in production, maintenance, warehouse operations, and administration.
“Our goal is to ensure every girl can see herself as a future leader in manufacturing,” said Kimberly Noonan, Executive Director of WiM Virginia Chapter. “By opening doors and showing what’s possible, we hope to inspire the next generation of innovators and makers.”
The day concluded with a promotion ceremony for the troop, celebrating the completion of their STEM program and recognizing their achievements as they move up to the next Girl Scout level.
“We’re grateful that Purina has supported this program to help develop youth in Central Virginia,” said Troop leader LeeAnne McGee-Monger. “The Rosie the Riveter program is great because it exposes our Scouts to an industry that they may have never considered for their future previously.”