Blog

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 graduting from high school and rolling off the Board: 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.

Every girl deserves to cross the finish line feeling strong, supported, and seen. That’s exactly what Gamma Phi Beta helps make possible as a national partner of Girls on the Run. Through their local chapter’s role as Wonder Walkers, they ensure no girl is left behind—on race day and beyond.

During Women’s History Month, we are proud to celebrate Anilla Alexander, the inaugural chair of the Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin Young Professionals Board. Through her leadership, a new generation of community leaders is helping expand opportunities for girls to build confidence, connection, and courage.

At Girls on the Run, our volunteers are the heart of our program — showing up week after week to help girls discover their strength, confidence, and voice. This February, we’re excited to spotlight Julie Ristow, a dedicated community coach at Milwaukee College Prep, who has been part of the Girls on the Run family for three spring seasons since 2024.

January: National Mentoring Month 

Why Mentoring Matters: 6 Reasons to Become a Mentor

When you were young, did you have a mentor in your life? Someone who constantly reminded you of your value, showed you the ropes and took the time to listen? If you answered yes, you are likely smiling right now and fondly remembering a great lesson your mentor taught you. If not, you are perhaps wondering what that type of impact must have been like. This year, help more girls answer ‘yes’ to this question. We promise that you will reap just as many benefits – including increased overall happiness – in the process. And in case you need 5 other reasons to become a mentor, please check out our list below!

We can't say THANK YOU enough to our Girls on the Run and Heart & Sole coaches who dedicated 10 weeks to their teams, encouraged them when things got tough, and will cheer them on as they cross the finish line in TWO days!! 💜🤩 Meet Kristin from Silver Spring Intermediate who has been coaching with us for 5 years! ⁠

Our coaches are what make this program a success and it wouldn’t be possible without such caring and committed volunteers like them 💜🤩 Meet Beth from Burdick Elementary who has been coaching with us for 5 seasons! Check out what she has to say about coaching and her experience throughout her coaching journey!⁠