Note from the Executive Director

I was deeply touched to receive so many kind notes and well wishes following the last newsletter. Thank you so much for the warm welcome into this community! I hold deep gratitude for each of you, as well as the staff and board, for being supportive in this transition, and sharing your vision for what could lie ahead for us. I’m thrilled to report that generally, there is consensus in your feedback, and the future is bright. We are excited to forge ahead with our assessment of our program, taking the time now to focus on how we can grow sustainably and responsibly while maintaining the highest quality delivery of the program for our participants, so we can continue to serve San Diego County for decades to come.

You all will have a role as the assessment progresses, so stay tuned for information about how we will be requesting your feedback. In the meantime, my door is always open. Please don’t hesitate to send me an email with your thoughts, or reach out to schedule a time to chat or to meet. It has been my greatest joy beginning to get to know the members of this community that make it so special, and I look forward to continuing to share space with you in the months ahead. 

With gratitude, 

Natasia

Congratulations, Kayla!

We are thrilled to announce that Kayla Smith has been promoted into the role of Volunteer and Community Manager within our programs team. This is a new role at GOTRSD. The Volunteer and Community Manager is responsible for coordinating all Girls on the Run participants, families, and volunteers, as well as expanding our reach to a broader group of participants and families. 

Kayla has soared as our Program Coordinator for two years, and with her success in that role, coupled with her deep commitment to our IDEA principles and core values, we know she will shine in this new capacity. 

Please extend a hearty GOTR congrats to Kayla as she begins this new chapter! 

Thank You to Our Volunteers!

We celebrated our volunteers at the end of July with an evening at Pure Project in Balboa Park. It was wonderful to convene volunteers, staff, and board members to revel in Girls on the Run being so much fun! We were grateful for the opportunity to show our volunteers our appreciation for their hard work and commitment to our program participants over shared food, drink, and camaraderie. Many lucky attendees came away with opportunity drawing prizes as well! Special thanks to our prize donors You & Yours Distillery, Simply Luxe Professional Organizing, Dr. Bronners, Lisa Spencer Nutrition, REI, Wave FC, Dark Horse Coffee, 1502 Candle Co., and to Stephanie Glanz, one of our all-star volunteers, for co-sponsoring the event. We look forward to gathering with everyone again soon! 

Community Impact Project: Spotlight - Team Cadman

A critical component of the GOTR curriculum is learning about the community and the importance of giving back. Our GOTR participants have engaged in a variety of community impact projects that made a meaningful difference in the communities we live in. 

This month, we are spotlighting Team Cadman’s community impact project. The team partnered with the San Diego Humane Society. Participants made 50 dog toys from shirts they collected from their friends and family for this cause, and donated them to the Humane Society for use at the shelter. Thank you Team Cadman for your efforts that contribute to making a difference in the world around us!  Thank you also to all of our coaches that provided vital guidance through the Community Impact Project lesson. 

Want to shine a light on your team’s community impact project? Email natasia@gotrsd.org and you may see it featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post!

Join Our Board of Directors! 

Bring your perspective, passion, and professional skills to give back to GOTR! As a board member, you’ll have a unique opportunity to help steward our organization for future growth.

All are welcome to apply–we strive to be an inclusive organization that represents the communities we serve. To ensure diversity of perspectives and approaches, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals, people 18 and older, and residents of all gender identities from all parts of San Diego County are encouraged to apply.

Our board is currently seeking leaders with one or more of the following attributes:

Deep connections in communities of color currently unserved or underserved by GOTRSD
Current and former education professionals, especially administrators, social workers/counselors, or district leaders
Natural relationship and community builders
Individuals with professional experience in legal, DEI and/or HR disciplines
Parents or guardians of past or current GOTR participants
Experience serving on a nonprofit board or as a long-term volunteer with a nonprofit organization in a leadership capacity 
Individuals who are bilingual or multilingual

Apply today!

Shop Kendra Scott, Support GOTRSD

You are cordially invited to join Kendra Scott staff and Girls On The Run San Diego staff for socializing, sips, sweet treats and shopping at the Kendra Scott location in the Westfield UTC Mall on Saturday, September 2, from noon to 3 pm. 20% of all sales will be donated to Girls On The Run San Diego to support our amazing mission! 

Please feel free to invite your friends and family! RSVP to Sandy at sandy@gotrsd.org. 

Join Us At The Game

Join us at Snapdragon Stadium for the match between San Diego Wave FC and Houston Dash on Sunday, September 3 at 5 pm. Tickets are complimentary for GOTRSD community members who RSVP by August 24 to Annya at annya@gotrsd.org. We look forward to seeing you there, and to cheering on the Wave! 

Support GOTRSD Through San Diego Gives!

Girls on the Run San Diego is honored to be a part of San Diego Gives for the first time in our history! We all know how important it is to eat local and shop local – join the movement to GIVE local. On Thursday, September 7, this 24-hour online event promotes nonprofit sustainability and shines a light on the tremendous work of local nonprofits throughout San Diego County like Girls on the Run. Double your giving impact! A generous donor from the San Diego Girls On The Run Community has agreed to match the first $1,000 of donations made. You can participate via our MightyCause SD Gives page!