Joyful Journeys

This week on Joyful Journeys, our Director of Development, Catherine Keller, sits down with former Washington Capitals player Karl Alzner and his wife, Mandy, to discuss their passion for giving back and the story behind the Alzner Foundation!

Sports have always played an important role in Karl and Mandy’s lives, from their own childhood experiences to watching their children grow through athletics. Inspired by the positive impact of sports, they established the Alzner Foundation to support youth sports programs throughout the DMV, helping make organized sports more accessible to children in their community.

Through the ge...

This week on Joyful Journeys, Girls on the Run NOVA's Director of Development, Catherine Keller, and Communications Manager, Sammy, sit down with Violet Carter from Rosendin to discuss her unexpected journey into the electrical trade and her passion for empowering the next generation.

Through the Rosendin Foundation, Rosendin has been a dedicated supporter of Girls on the Run NOVA for multiple years, providing financial support to help further our mission. Violet has taken that commitment a step further by volunteering at GOTR camps and activities, introducing young girls to the electrical trade and encouraging them to explore new...

In this episode of Joyful Journeys, Communications Manager Sammy sits down with Rachel Yep of the Clarendon Run Club to explore how a shared commitment to community has grown into a meaningful partnership with Girls on the Run NOVA.

Together, they discuss the Clarendon Run Club's volunteer experience at the GOTR NOVA 5K, the energy and encouragement their members bring to participants, and the power of showing up for the next generation. The conversation highlights how simple acts of service can create lasting connections and why investing in community benefits everyone involved.

Whether you're a runner...

This week on Joyful Journeys, our Director of Engagement, Ashleigh, sits down with women from the Heavy Construction Contractors Association (HCCA) to discuss what it means to build connection, confidence, and community as women working in a male-dominated industry.

For nearly 70 years, HCCA has supported the heavy construction industry, and today, the women within the organization are creating opportunities to connect, support one another, and build camaraderie across the field.

That shared commitment to creating supportive spaces made a partnership between HCCA and Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia a natural fit. From organizing snack...

Julie Leonard joined Enterprise Knowledge as its first Human Resources hire at the height of COVID. This week, she joins GOTR NOVA Director of Development Catherine Kellar on Joyful Journeys to share how a connection between two organizations has grown into an impactful partnership.

Since 2022, Enterprise Knowledge has contributed nearly $10,000 to GOTR NOVA through sponsorships and creative fundraising efforts. Their annual step challenge alone has raised more than $7,000!

Julie shares how the missions of EK and GOTR NOVA align through a shared belief in embracing our differences and finding strength in our connectedness. That connection comes...

What turns a first introduction to Girls on the Run into years of involvement and support? This week on Joyful Journeys, we’re joined by monthly donors Jen and Tamara to hear how they first discovered Girls on the Run and why the mission continues to resonate with them today. 

Having both grown up attending all-girls schools, Jen and Tamara understand the positive impact that supportive, empowering environments can have on young people. They share how that experience influences their decision to give back and help create similar opportunities for the next generation.

Jen reflects on how...

This week on Joyful Journeys, our Executive Director, Caroline, is joined by three outstanding members of the Girls on the Run NOVA Board of Directors: Olga Autote, Esther Beard, and Patty Troppe!

Get to know Olga, Esther, and Patty as they look back on the dream jobs they imagined for themselves growing up—from marine biology and dolphin training to becoming the first woman president or an F-15 pilot—and share the journeys that ultimately led them to where they are today.

While their careers may have taken them in different directions than they once imagined, each...

This week on Joyful Journeys, we're joined by three incredible community leaders from Clark Construction, Wegmans, and LMI.

Colleen Kerins, Chris Holland, and Christen Smith share why their companies invest in Girls on the Run NOVA and in the next generation of confident, compassionate leaders. While their organizations may operate in different industries, they all believe in the power of supporting today’s youth and strengthening our community through volunteer service.

From volunteering at our celebratory 5K to serving on our Board of Directors and Associate Board, their commitment goes far beyond sponsorship.

Tune in...

This week, we're joined by three members of the Girls on the Run NOVA Coach Advisory Council (CAC), a dedicated group of volunteer coaches who help shape the future of our program by providing valuable feedback, ideas, and perspective.

While they come from different backgrounds, careers, and stages of life, they all share one thing in common: a passion for empowering kids to recognize their limitless potential.
Tune in to hear what first inspired them to become coaches, the moments that have stayed with them, and why they continue coming back season after season.

Feeling...

Welcome to a new season of Joyful Journeys, where we’re highlighting some of our superstar supporters! In this episode, we’re hitting the pavement with Light Horse Track Club—and we mean that literally. They recorded this episode while out on a run!

Hear from Light Horse Track Club co-founder and Executive Director Dustin Sweeney, along with club members Chelsea and Andy, about the partnership between Light Horse and Girls on the Run. Andy also has a special connection to GOTR as he gets ready for his first season coaching his daughter’s team.

Listen in to he...

Katie Ramboyong joins us on Joyful Journeys to share her family’s deep connection to Girls on the Run! Katie’s story truly embodies the spirit of GOTR, as she was a participant in elementary school, a 5K volunteer in high school, her sister was her teammate, their mom coached the team, and her dad ran beside her as her Buddy Runner. As Katie says, it was a whole family affair! 

From crying through her first 5K to crying across the finish line at her first marathon, Katie’s dad has been by her side every step of the way...

This week on Joyful Journeys, we’re joined by Julia, who has worn many Girls on the Run hats over the years! From coach to SoleMate to her current role on a committee with our sister council, Girls on the Run DC, she has always found meaningful ways to keep GOTR in her life. Her story is a wonderful reminder of the many ways to get involved with the organization and how each experience can fuel a deeper passion and commitment.

This week on Joyful Journeys, we’re joined by Kelsie Humbert, who shares how the positive team mindset she first discovered through Girls on the Run has carried into her high school cross country and track experiences.

Kelsie reflects on the valuable life skills she gained from the program, like active listening and using “I feel…” statements to foster understanding instead of conflict, which continue to shape who she is today.

Tune in to hear some of Kelsie’s favorite Girls on the Run memories and how she’s using what she learned to uplift and inspire her

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Kathleen Ecker, a former Girls on the Run coach whose journey with the program began when her daughters joined the team. She shares the joy of staying connected with her former participants and watching them grow, as well as the meaningful lessons the program instills, even for kids who aren’t big fans of running. From her time as a Gamma Phi Beta at George Mason University (GOTR NOVA's current philanthropic partner) to weaving GOTR’s life skills into her own home, Kathleen reflects on the deep, lasting impact of the program on h...

In this heartwarming episode, we hear from a mother-daughter duo whose Girls on the Run journey has come full circle. Kai fondly recalls making tie-dye shirts and tutus with her team, and the unforgettable moment when her dad proudly wore his to the 5K. After moving to a new area, GOTR helped Kai find her footing and new friendships, while her mom, Becky, coached and discovered how powerful the program is beyond running.

Together, they reflect on the growth they witnessed season after season. How the curriculum not only shaped the girls but also brought the team closer...

In this episode of Joyful Journeys, we’re joined by Julia Troppe, a Girls on the Run NOVA alum who takes us down memory lane, sharing about high-fiving teammates after practice laps and proudly wearing her 5K shirt after crossing the finish line. Julia shares how GOTR sparked her lifelong love of movement and group-based activities, and taught her that community can be found anywhere, even among strangers at a fitness class. Tune in to hear how one special song still motivates her on runs today and how the friendships formed through GOTR continue to shape her journey.

In this episode, we’re joined by Hailey Wilcott, a former Girls on the Run participant whose journey has come full circle. Now a sports photographer on the side working with some of the biggest teams in the D.C. area, Hailey shares how the lessons she learned as a young girl in GOTR continue to influence her life today.

Hailey talks about how the people around her—coaches, teammates, and her support system—shaped her GOTR experience and gave her the confidence to chase her dreams. Her story is a vibrant reminder that when you follow your passio...

This episode comes to you from an unexpected (and awesome) location, the steampunk studio! Thanks to a serendipitous connection, we met Mimi and Cailor, two Girls on the Run NOVA alum who had no idea they shared this connection.

Tune in to hear how their worlds unexpectedly collided and what these creative trailblazers are up to now as they design, disrupt, and repeat.

Katelynn Argo - Girls on the Run participant, Junior Coach, and BIG supporter. Join us as we chat with Katelynn Argo, a former Girls on the Run participant, Junior Coach, and passionate supporter of the program. Katelynn shares how GOTR helped her find community after moving to a new state and laid the foundation for her future career. Her story highlights the power of teamwork, confidence, and leadership skills built from a young age.

This week on Joyful Journeys, we're joined by Maya Cohn, who discovered her passion for running at just 8 years old through Girls on the Run. Now, more than a decade later, she's chasing that same joy all the way to the marathon finish line. Tune in to hear how GOTR sparked a lifelong love of running and the lessons she's carried with her every mile since.

Raphaella Henson-Vendrell joins Joyful Journeys to share how Girls on the Run taught her to dream big and believe in herself. From working at a nonprofit to coaching high school XC & track to leading her running club, Raphy is all about making a positive impact. Her biggest takeaway? Success isn’t one-size-fits-all—forge your own path!

Taylor Thompson—GOTR alum, SoleMate, mom, and dedicated runner—joins Joyful Journeys to share how Girls on the Run ignited her passion for running and shaped her unstoppable "I can" attitude. She also gives a special shoutout to the people who have inspired and pushed her to new heights.

This week on Joyful Journeys, Deanna Payne shares how her first impression of Girls on the Run—thinking it might be boring—quickly changed once she got started. Instead, she discovered joy in every lesson, a love for movement, and life skills that have stayed with her into adulthood.

Meet Cara Alcorn—former GOTR participant, dedicated GOTR coach, and fearless 14er challenger! Hear how GOTR shaped her as a kid and continues to inspire her every day. Don’t miss her incredible journey!

Join us for a heartfelt journey through the history of Girls on the Run NOVA with Lesley Green, owner of mb logistics & events and a dedicated supporter since the early days.
 
Lesley shares her inspiring story of how her involvement with GOTR NOVA evolved over the years, revealing how her passion for the mission not only shaped her roles within the organization but also sparked profound personal and professional growth.
 
Don’t miss this uplifting conversation celebrating the impact of GOTR NOVA and the people who make it extraordinary!

Happy 25th anniversary, Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia! This year, Joyful Journeys is celebrating by highlighting someone special from every year of our history. Join us as we reflect on the incredible journey that has shaped GOTR NOVA into the organization it is today.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into our history through the voices of GOTR NOVA's five past and current Executive Directors. Hear their stories, memories, and reflections on the challenges and triumphs that transformed a grassroots effort—once run from a home—into a thriving organization making a lasting impact in o...

Today on Joyful Journeys, GOTR alum Eliana and current participant Blake take the mic! Join them as they share heartfelt memories and the lasting impact of Girls on the Run in their lives—from building confidence to navigating college life.

Plus, get excited for the next season of Joyful Journeys as we celebrate GOTR NOVA’s 25th anniversary!

Compromise Requires Love" with Donya Gordon

In this week’s episode of Joyful Journeys, attorney Donya Gordon shares her wisdom on the art of compromise. With years of experience helping clients find common ground, Donya offers practical tips for reaching meaningful resolutions. Her key takeaway? Compromise must be mutual—it’s not about always giving in, but finding balance on both sides.

This week, we're excited to welcome Lisa Hershaft from Fairfax County Public Schools to discuss the importance of friendships! As a Social Worker, Lisa dives into how kids build friendships, what makes a good friend, and how the digital age and life post-pandemic have shaped the way kids communicate.

She also offers practical tips for helping kids create positive social circles and safely navigate social media.

Unlocking the Secrets to Effective Communication with Teaira Abston

In this episode, Teaira Abston, founder of Dreamcatcher Creative Studio, shares her expertise on mastering communication. From active listening to boosting emotional intelligence, she breaks down the essential skills for avoiding miscommunication and building strong connections. As a branding expert helping women entrepreneurs, Teaira applies these strategies daily and offers valuable insights we can all use to elevate our communication game.

On this episode of Joyful Journeys, we’re joined by Ali Newman, marketing professional and GOTR NOVA Coach, to explore the topic of conflict resolution. Ali shares her top tip: 'Stay curious.' She explains how approaching conflict with curiosity, rather than judgment, can lead to more effective and empathetic resolutions.

This week, we’re joined by Rona Jobe, CEO and Founder of LVL-Up Strategies, a strategic consulting firm empowering small businesses to reach their goals. Rona lives and breathes goal setting—whether for LVL-Up Strategies or her clients—and she’s here to share her top insights with you!

Her #1 piece of advice? “Allow yourself to dream!”

We’re joined by local entrepreneur and GOTR supermom, Tanya Jaklis, to chat all things self-awareness! From sparking curiosity to mastering communication skills, Tanya dives into why it’s so crucial to help kids build these core foundations. The best part? The stronger those skills are now, the stronger they’ll be as they grow!

The wait is over, and we're rowing into a brand-new season of #JoyfulJourneys! Kicking things off with the incredible Claire Collins, American rower who recently represented Team USA at the Paris Olympics!
 
Get ready for some behind-the-scenes Olympic village vibes and a peek at how she unknowingly channels her inner GOTR spirit in every practice and competition.

As our Joyful Journeys mini-series wraps up in honor of Women's Equality Day, we're thrilled to spotlight three powerhouse women: Kristie Kelly, Sienna Britt, and Jazmyne Claggett of the DC Divas!
Tune in as they share their experiences navigating professional careers in male-dominated fields and excelling in a sport traditionally dominated by men. These trailblazers shine a light on the hurdles they’ve overcome, both on and off the field, and share their wisdom and hopes for the future of female athletes.

Trailblazers in action! Cheryl Long and Carly Hutchison from the Arlington Fire Department are breaking barriers and inspiring young girls to follow their passions, no matter the field. Their unique perspectives as women in a male-dominated industry are making a big difference!

Meet Kera Drabick, who traded in event planning for a hard hat and a supportive sisterhood! As a proud member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), she's here to share her journey of empowerment and breaking barriers in the construction industry. Tune in to hear her take on why men may populate the field, but they sure don't dominate it!

Meet Shanika McCloud: a powerhouse in the financial world, defying the odds in a male-dominated industry. Tune in to hear how Shanika offers a fresh perspective on financial advising, empowering women to take control of their financial futures.

Meet Shauna Moller: a trailblazing Manassas City Police Officer and inspiring Girls on the Run Coach! Tune in to hear her unique journey as a female officer breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Discover how her passion for community led to the start of a GOTR team powered by the dedication of police officers!

It is the final week of the spring 2024 Girls on the Run season and as our participants are preparing for the big celebration this weekend, we are joined by Nicol and Nia to chat about goals!

Goal setting is a large part of Girls on the Run, whether the participants realize it or not! They set and evaluate their goals EVERY practice by setting a lap goal and then reflecting on it at the end of practice.

This mother-daughter duo shares about the importance of goal setting from the early days of childhood into adulthood.