As a daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and therapist, empowering young people, especially girls, to believe in themselves has always been deeply personal to me. I see every day how powerful it is when a girl feels confident in her voice, secure in who she is, and supported by her community. On November 1, I’ll be running the New York City Marathon in support of Girls on the Run NYC, an extraordinary organization that combines physical activity with social-emotional learning to help girls develop confidence, compassion, and resilience. Girls on the Run is about so much more than logging miles.
Through an intentional curriculum and team-based training, participants learn to build healthy relationships and practice empathy, navigate peer pressure and social challenges, set goals and work toward them with perseverance, recognize their strengths and celebrate their individuality, and develop the courage to stand up for themselves and others. By the time they cross their 5K finish line, they’re not just stronger runners—they’re stronger humans.
Training for the marathon has reminded me that growth happens one step at a time. There are early mornings, sore muscles, moments of doubt, and then breakthroughs. That journey mirrors what these girls experience: learning to push past discomfort, trust themselves, and keep moving forward even when things feel hard. Every mile I run is dedicated to expanding access to this transformative program so that more girls, regardless of background, can participate. Your support helps fund scholarships, provide trained coaches and mentors, and ensure every participant has the tools and encouragement she needs to thrive. If you’re able, I would be incredibly grateful for your donation. No gift is too small; every contribution helps build confidence, connection, and opportunity for the next generation. Thank you for cheering me on, supporting this mission, and believing, like I do, that when girls are empowered, entire communities grow stronger.