Joyful Journeys

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. In this episode, she shares the heartwarming story behind those tears, and the joy and growth they represent. Though running wasn’t her favorite part of GOTR as a child, the lessons she learned stuck with her. Today, she still carries one in particular with her every day and credits Girls on the Run for helping her discover a lifelong love of physical activity and confidence in motion.

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 teammates!

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 her family and community.

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 together. Kai opens up about a powerful high school experience where, despite being the last to finish a race, she felt uplifted by her coach and teammates, which fueled her commitment to always cheer for the final runner.From staying in touch with fellow coaches to cheering on former teammates now competing in college, Becky’s passion for the program continues to shine. And now, as a coach herself, Kai has come full circle, guiding girls through Camp GOTR this summer.

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 passions and surround yourself with the right people, your work truly can feel like joy.

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 our community.Celebrate our legacy with us as we honor the women who laid the foundation for our mission and the growth that continues to inspire every step forward.

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 GordonIn 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 AbstonIn 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.