The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce is proud to have numerous nonprofit businesses in our membership. Learn more about our December Member of the Month, Girls on the Run of Mid and Western Maryland.
Girls on the Run has fun, evidence-based programs that inspire all girls to build their confidence, kindness and decision making skills. Dynamic lessons instill valuable life skills including the important connection between physical and emotional health.
A conversation with Jasmine Reynolds, Program & 5K Event Director
Tell us more about Girls on the Run and its mission.
Girls on the Run is a physical activity based youth development program dedicated to empowering girls in 3rd through 8th grade to be joyful, healthy and confident through the use of running. GOTR inspires girls of all abilities to recognize their individual strengths while building a sense of connection in a team setting. Volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development to enable girls to adapt to whatever comes their way. At the end of the season, the team completes a 5K together, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and sets a confident mindset into motion!
Through Girls on the Run, there have been over 6,000 girls served in Mid and Western Maryland since 2011. And over 2 million lives have been transformed in North America since 1996. Girls on the Run Mid and Western Maryland, serves Frederick, Washington, Garrett and Allegany Counties
How did you get involved with Girls on the Run?
I found out about Girls on the Run through Hood College’s service fair. I needed an internship but I also wanted to connect with my community so what better way then to intern and volunteer! Eventually a position opened up while I finished up undergrad and happily applied, got offered the position and accepted.
Working for GOTR has been a big passion of mine, especially seeing the girls’ faces cross the finish line and watching their confidence spark for reaching their goals; it’s a feeling that never gets old.
What do you like most about being part of the Frederick community and a member of the Chamber?
Frederick is such a unique area, it is bursting with such pride. There are so many wonderful people who make working and serving the community truly inspiring.
We [organizations] know that at the heart of what we do no matter the industry, connections matter. Building positive inclusive relationships, something we teach at GOTR, is essential to growing oneself and the community we live in. Being a Chamber member has allowed GOTR to make connections, learn from others and contribute to a better Frederick.
What do you want Girls on the Run to be known for?
Empowering every girl to know and activate her limitless potential! Results show Girls on the Run empowers girls to build healthy physical and mental habits that last long beyond the program.
How can people in the community support Girls on the Run?
By getting involved with Girls on the Run – whether signing up your girl, telling a friend, coaching a team, volunteering at a 5K, attending an event or making a financial gift – you are intentionally supporting all girls in your community.
The biggest way to support is to consider volunteering! Whether it’s being a mentor to young girls as a Coach for our spring and fall seasons or helping to cheer girls on at the finish line, there’s many positive roles you can play in girls’ lives.
Are there any upcoming events you’d like the Chamber membership to know about?
Our spring program registration will open the first Saturday of February 2023! The season will begin mid March and end early June.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.