Being Executive Director of Girls on the Run Piedmont has taught me more than any job ever could. When people hear "Executive Director" or "CEO," they usually say something like, "Wow, you’re the boss" or "You must be rolling in it." I usually just laugh. The truth is, I probably have more bosses than anyone I know. I report to the board. I answer to Girls on the Run Headquarters. I support my staff, make sure our coaches feel appreciated and equipped, and do everything I can to help caregivers trust us and have a great experience. I cheer for our volunteers and advocate for our girls. And no, nonprofits don’t pay well. Trust me, no one goes into this for the paycheck. And if you're curious, my salary is public info. Go ahead and Google it...I’ll wait. But if I had to choose between a big paycheck and giving more to the girls, I’d choose the girls every time. This job may come with a fancy title, but really it’s about service, relationships, and keeping the mission alive with equal parts heart and hustle.

And honestly, I love it! I get paid in hugs and high fives. I get paid knowing that I’m helping support two of the best young moms I know as they balance life, work, and passion with just a little extra income. I’m old enough to be their mother, and sometimes I act like it. Anyone who was at the recent Wicked Bottom 5K can confirm that, as I repeatedly told a very pregnant Katie to go sit down. Of course, like any determined young woman, she didn’t listen. Later, I found a photo of her leaping across the finish line. Nobody listens to mom. LOL.

These amazing women, this council, I’m beyond proud.

We started with almost nothing but heart. No budget to speak of, just a deep belief that every girl deserved this chance. From day one, I promised we would never turn a girl away because of money, and we have kept that promise. We have handed out running shoes to girls whose families could not afford them. 

We’ve quietly made sure sports bras found their way to girls needing just a little more comfort and confidence. And when our community partners have been in need, we’ve quietly shown up with what we could, whether it was supplies, space, or just a steady hand in a tough moment.

We started with 43 girls in Fauquier County. Now we serve more than 430 across seven counties. We survived a global pandemic, held practices in masks, danced in parking lots, and found new ways to connect when the world felt heavy. We just kept showing up.

In 2024, our council was honored as Nonprofit of the Year by the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce. That moment wasn’t just a recognition...it was a celebration of every coach, girl, supporter, and sponsor who helped us grow from a handful of girls to a thriving community.

But sometimes, I worry we have made it look too easy. Like we don’t need help. The truth is, now more than ever, we do. We are still that scrappy, love-filled organization, but the needs around us have grown. And we cannot meet them alone. Our costs have skyrocketed. Our families are able to afford even less. Some of our main funders have lost their government support. There are so many programs in grave danger of going away and I am fighting tooth and nail that we won’t be one of them.

This year, we launched our Path to Possibility campaign to keep that momentum going. Because the truth is, our work does not end when the 5K is over. We are in this for the long haul. Our first girls are now women. They are joining the workforce. They are volunteering. One of them is even preparing to take the MCAT for medical school in a few weeks. Way to go, Kendall!!!! And I could cry I am so proud of them all.

We don’t always get to hear how their stories unfold. So if you are a former GOTR girl or the proud parent of one, I would love an update. Even if you feel like it is not a big deal, I promise it is to us. Seriously, email me anytime. Nothing makes my day like hearing what our girls are up to now.

Because here is what I have learned in these 18 years of GOTR. When girls are empowered, communities change. When we give them a space to grow, to fail, to try again, and to cross that finish line, whether it is literal or not, we raise up a generation of strong women that will change the world.

We’ve come so far, but we can’t go farther without you. Our small but mighty team makes it look effortless, but the truth is, we need your help. Join Team Possible with a gift of $37/month and help us ensure that no girl ever hears "you’re not enough." Not on our watch.  Thank you for joining us on this journey.