At Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin, leadership does not begin someday. It begins now.

Our Junior Board gives high school students the opportunity to use their voices, ideas, and experiences to support the next generation of girls. Through volunteering, coaching, community outreach, event support, and board involvement, these young leaders help bring the Girls on the Run mission to life in meaningful ways.

This month, we are proud to celebrate several of our incredible Junior Board members: Annika, Nina, Samora, Alaina, Adalyn and Sydney.. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to service remind us that leadership can show up in many forms, from mentoring a young girl at practice to helping a shy child feel included at a community event.

Full-Circle GOTR Journey

For Annika, Girls on the Run has been part of her life since elementary school.

She first heard about Girls on the Run as a fifth grader at Riverside Elementary School, where she participated in the program during the spring 2019 season. Years later, when Riverside needed additional coaches, one of Annika’s neighbors, who was also a GOTR coach, reached out to see if she would be interested in becoming a junior coach.

Annika said yes, and that one opportunity grew into something much bigger.

Over the years, she has served Girls on the Run in several roles, including participant, junior coach, coach, and Junior Board member. Her journey reflects the full-circle impact of the program: a girl who once experienced the lessons herself returning to help others feel supported, encouraged, and empowered.

“What keeps me coming back each season is knowing that I’m making an impact on these young girls by mentoring them in a way that I would have greatly benefitted from as a fifth grader,” Annika shared.

For Annika, the most meaningful moments are not always big or dramatic. They happen in the everyday interactions with her team.

“While I don’t have a specific moment, the daily interactions with each of the girls on the team make me smile, laugh, and help me get through my week,” she said.

Her time on the Junior Board has also helped shape her as a leader. By collaborating with peers and board members who all share a common goal, Annika has grown more confident in sharing her ideas and advocating for what she believes will benefit the program.

These skills are something she plans to carry with her into college and into her future career as a teacher.

To Annika, Girls on the Run means “empowering girls to know their worth to help them succeed in future endeavors.”

And to anyone considering joining the Junior Board, her advice is simple:

“Do it! Whether it be applying for a Junior Board position, or simply volunteering at a GOTR event, you won’t regret it. Being part of the GOTR board has been a highlight of my time in high school. I’ve become friends with many of the board members and I’ve made lifelong memories!”

Growing Confidence Through Service

For Samora, serving on the Junior Board has been an opportunity to grow as a leader while making a meaningful impact in her community.

“My experience on the Junior Board shaped me as a leader by strengthening my confidence in teamwork and coming up with solutions to every problem immediately,” Samora shared. “It gave me an opportunity to make a very meaningful and positive impact on my community.”

Her reflection speaks to the heart of what the Junior Board is all about. Members are not only supporting Girls on the Run, they are also developing real-world leadership skills that will continue to serve them beyond their time with the organization.

To Samora, Girls on the Run means “inspiring girls to be confident and encouraging them to always be themselves.”

Running Toward Growth and Change

Alaina sees the Junior Board as an opportunity to be part of something bigger than herself.

“It is an amazing opportunity to work alongside people who want change and growth for future generations,” she shared. “You get to see how so many different people come together and help girls who are not always supported.”

Her words reflect the power of community and the importance of showing up for young girls as they navigate challenges, build confidence, and discover their own strength.

To Alaina, Girls on the Run is about learning to move through life with courage and purpose.

“Girls on the Run means learning to run with what life gives you,” she shared. “It helps teach how to deal with conflict and challenges. It also means running toward something, whether it’s your own goals or pushing someone else to fulfill theirs.”

Creating Moments of Connection 

For Sydney, one moment that has stayed with her happened during a community outreach event. She helped run a spin-the-wheel activity for kids, many of whom were shy at first.

Instead of simply asking them to participate, Sydney and the other volunteers joined in with them.

“Seeing them open up, smile, and have fun made the experience really meaningful to me,” Sydney shared.

That moment captures something special about Girls on the Run. Sometimes, empowerment begins with a small invitation to feel included, supported, and seen.

To Sydney, Girls on the Run means “creating a supportive community where girls can grow in confidence, be themselves, build connections with girls both similar and different from themselves, and feel empowered.”

Thank You to Our Junior Board

We are incredibly grateful to Nina, Annika, Samora, Alaina, Sydney and Adalyn and all of our Junior Board members for their service, leadership, and dedication to Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin.

Their work helps create spaces where girls feel encouraged to use their voices, build meaningful connections, and recognize the strength they already have within themselves.

Thank you to our Junior Board for leading with heart, showing up for our community, and helping inspire the next generation of girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident.

Are you a rising junior interested in making an impact in your community? Apply to join the Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin Junior Board and help inspire the next generation of girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident.

As a Junior Board member, you’ll build leadership skills, support GOTR events and programs, and work alongside other young leaders who are passionate about confidence, connection, and community.

Applications are now open for rising juniors. Apply today and take the next step in your leadership journey!