LOS ANGELES — Laurie Levenson grew up in Inglewood, outside of Los Angeles.

“And as a kid from the inner city, I didn’t come from a fancy area or a fancy school,” she said.

The former federal prosecutor and current law professor said she found her way in life by joining the Girl Scouts. Levenson said she is now giving back what the scouts gave her by leading Girl Scout Troop 1085, a group of young women who are homeless or who are in transitional housing.

“Scouts is all about finding the best you,” Levenson said. “And I’m just lucky enough to be with the best scouts.”