Hi all!
My name is Michaela Kinney, and I am running the NYC United Airlines Half Marathon on March 15, 2026, with the nonprofit organization Girls on the Run!
For those of you who don't know much about Girls on the Run NYC, let me introduce you:
The nonprofit organization was founded in 1996 by Molly Barker, a woman inspired by her own childhood experiences and her work as a teacher and coach. What started as a local program serving 13 girls in Charlotte, North Carolina, has now grown into an international force impacting the lives of more than two million girls over the past 25 years.
Children today are exposed to longstanding gender stereotypes, societal obstacles, and cultural challenges that can be detrimental to their emotional and physical health. GOTR helps girls recognize their potential and rise above limiting gender expectations. Your donation will help in huge ways by assisting GOTR programs to continue their work, which enhances less fortunate girls' social, emotional, and physical skills and behaviors to successfully navigate life experiences.
If you know me, it makes sense why I would be running for this organization. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by strong women (my Grandmama, my Nan, my mom, and all my aunts!!) who have made a huge impact on my life and the woman I am today. Also, attending Our Lady of Mercy, an all-girls Catholic high school on Long Island, I learned the importance of empowerment and leadership among young women from all my coaches and teachers, which has shaped my values and aspirations for the future. Along with that, meeting my best gal friends at Mercy (of now 10 years!!) who never shy away from supporting me—I am beyond grateful. This nonprofit organization will give girls the chance to have this type of experience, which is what I would want for any girl.
With all that being said, I thank you for taking the time to read this and for donating!
