Breakout Sessions
Monday, June 27 - Tuesday, June 28

All sessions will be available on a first-come, first-served basis (while space allows).

For information on Sunday's Pre-Summit Workshops, please visit the 'Pre-Summit Workshops' page.
Monday, June 27, 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Mid-Level to Major Gifts: Your Journey with Individual Giving
Darnell Burtin, Founder, The Burtin Group LLC
 
What is a mid-tier gift?  What is a major gift?  How does your council define each and what enables one to move from mid-tier to major gift?  This session will help attendees define mid-tier and major gifts and provide direction on moving a donor through the pipeline to a major gift ask.  We will discuss how to craft a portfolio strategy for your council and also provide tactics to identify “diamonds in the rough” and leverage their inclination (and your council’s capacity) to give to Girls on the Run. Last but not least, we will discuss how best to include board members as part of your major gift cultivation strategy.
Navigating Cultural Conflict in the GOTR Ecosystem
Dr. Erica Hernandez-Scott, Interim Executive Director, Washington State’s Professional Educator Standards Board
 
There are a number of people in the GOTR ecosystem. Our program participants, coaches, families, schools, donors, board members, vendors and staff and all represent a variety of perspectives and experiences. In this session, we will explore the roots of cultural conflict, what it looks like in the GOTR ecosystem, and how to help coaches and fellow council staff navigate through it.
Conversational Intelligence®: Powerful Communication Techniques that Build Trust
Mary Stelletello, MA, MBA, PCC, Founder, Vista Global Coaching & Consulting
 
Getting to the next level of greatness in any organization depends on the quality of its culture, which depends on relationships, which depends on conversation. Everything happens through conversation! In this session, attendees will explore the relationship between neuroscience and quality conversations, called Conversational Intelligence® (C-IQ). Mary will identify conversation styles designed to teach how to move a conversation from “Me” to “We” using tools like the C-IQ Conversational Dashboard. Attendees will leave this session feeling more comfortable to have courageous conversations.
Healthy Governance to Build a High Performing Board
Jackie O’Hara, Director, Council Development, Eastern Region, Girls on the Run HQ
 
Designed for board members and council directors, this session will help attendees assess current governance operations in order to identify essential activities your entire board can adapt or enhance. This interactive session will delve into the responsibilities and best practices of board committees to fuel outcomes whether your council is large or small. Helpful resources and tips to create a responsible, engaged, and high performing board that leads with an intentional annual process will also be shared. Opportunities to share both best practices and “fail forward” moments will leave you feeling ready and confident to take your board governance to the next level.
Monday, June 27, 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM
Insights from Evaluation: Using Data to Tell a Powerful Story
Dana Williams, Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy,  Girls on the Run HQ
 
At Girls on the Run, we have an incredibly powerful story to tell from both our heads and our hearts! The organization’s wealth of data serves as a compelling foundation for marketing communications and messaging. Quite simply, passion is reinforced with statistics while facts are humanized with testimonies and quotes. In this session, attendees will learn and explore techniques to infuse data into compelling story telling. We will review available resources and the various ways councils can collect and use local data to drive connection through communication.
Expect the Unexpected: Hosting a Safe and Secure 5K Event
Michael Nishi, Chief Operating Officer, Chicago Event Management
 
Safety is always top of mind when it comes to protecting our constituents, but are you really prepared for all the potential scenarios that could impact your council at an event or training? During this session, attendees will learn a practical, scalable approach to planning for the most likely scenarios that could put participants at risk including in-depth standards for weather and participant medical safety. Best practices for responding to an adverse incident will be shared and attendees will walk away better prepared to engage constituents in pre-event safety planning, and with an enhanced ability to proactively prevent and respond to incidents when they do occur.
Council to Council Breakout: Successful Strategies for Board Diversification
Juliellen Simpson-Vos, M.ED, Council Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Strategic Advisor, Girls on the Run HQ;
Panel: Girls on the Run Chicago, Girls on the Run Las Vegas, Girls on the Run San Diego, Girls on the Run Upstate South Carolina
 
All non-profit organizations strive to have strong boards of directors that are able to effectively advance their missions. But how do we define strong? Today, the best boards are those that reflect the community served, optimize diverse skill sets and perspectives, and elevate the relevancy and capacity of your council.  Building a strong, impactful board of directors takes intentional effort. Sharing best practices from sister councils, this session will help attendees reimagine and refresh board recruitment strategies for their council.  Four councils will share their experiences diversifying their boards and the beneficial outcomes that have resulted from this intentional work.​
Culturally Responsive Behavior Support: What, Why & How
Dr. Erica Hernandez-Scott, Interim Executive Director, Washington State’s Professional Educator Standards Board
 
In this session, attendees will take both a wide lens and hands-on view of supporting and fostering a culturally responsive behavior approach. We’ll start by building a foundational understanding of behavior – what it is, the ways to support it, and why it is so often misunderstood. Through investigating the impacts of zero-tolerance behavior/discipline approaches inside schools and afterschool programs, we’ll better understand how certain approaches to behavior perpetuate inequities at high costs to our kids and communities. Then, we’ll turn our attention to the power of doing things differently by taking a culturally responsive behavior approach. Concrete strategies on what it looks like and means to apply this approach within the Girls on the Run context will also be shared. Session attendees will practice supporting coaches in using this culturally responsive behavior approach. You’ll have an opportunity to apply specific tools and strategies to support coaches in navigating cultural conflict and other common challenges in bringing this work to life on the ground.
Using Coaching Skills to Build Staff Leadership
Mary Stelletello, MA, MBA, PCC, Founder, Vista Global Coaching & Consulting
 
We currently have five generations in the workplace serving as staff, volunteers and board leaders. As work is approached differently by the generations, organizations are examining traditional approaches to management and leadership. One strategy gaining momentum is the shift from a more traditional management model to a shared leadership framework. Using a coaching approach fosters leadership at all levels of the organization and builds a foundation for leadership succession within the organization. This interactive session will develop attendees’ coaching and listening skills to strengthen staff and board relationships to better achieve our mission. Attendees will learn the five components of Emotional Intelligence, understand the distinction between managing and leading, and practice foundational coaching skills.​
Monday, June 27, 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM
Council to Council Breakout: Strategic Staff Recruitment for Impactful Change
Juliellen Simpson-Vos, M.ED, Council Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Strategic Advisor, Girls on the Run HQ
Panel: Girls on the Run Atlanta, Girls on the Run MidMichigan, Girls on the Run Tampa Bay, Girls on the Run Richmond
 
Diversifying our staff to be more representative of the individuals we serve is a key organizational objective at Girls on the Run. Across the organization, we have a huge opportunity to enhance our relevance and impact by implementing more intentional recruiting, hiring and retention strategies.  Attendees in this session will hear first-hand from four councils who have been successful in diversifying their teams. They’ll share their best practices as well as the positive outcomes that have come as a result of their efforts. Attendees will walk away with this session with a better understanding about the resources offered through the Council Leadership Initiative as well.​
Saving Our Environment, One Step at a Time: Sustainability & 5K Events
Michael Nishi, Chief Operating Officer, Chicago Event Management

As an organization dedicated to children, we feel a profound responsibility to protect the planet. In this session, we will look at the importance of creating sustainable events and key ways to build environmentally sound practices into them, from choosing sustainable materials to implementing measures to reduce the waste that goes to the landfill. Mike will explore ways to engage sponsors, source responsible materials, and recruit volunteers to support these efforts. Attendees will leave this session feeling empowered and ready to set zero waste goals at their future events.​
Building Effective Development Teams
Darnell Burtin, Founder, The Burtin Group LLC
 
One of the greatest challenges facing any growing non-profit organization is creating high performing fund development teams.  Often times we hear…”I wish we had better systems, a larger fundraising team, more grant writers….” And the list goes on and on.  This session will delve into the tough questions surrounding what makes a successful development team and address how to create sustained success rooted in robust strategic planning. Attendees will learn how to build a development team of staff, board and volunteers in a modestly sized or growing environment and will learn how to cut through the minutia with small, yet effective teams.
Insights from Evaluation: Using Data to Ensure a Meaningful GOTR Experience
Dr. Allison Riley, PhD, MSW, SVP Programming and Evaluation, Girls on the Run HQ;
​Dr. Elena Simpkins, PhD, Research and Evaluation Specialist, Girls on the Run HQ
 
Gathering feedback and perspectives from participants, families and coaches is critical to advancing our mission. But data and input are only valuable when used! In this session you’ll learn strategies for turning your program evaluation data into actionable insights. After laying the groundwork for why collecting this type of information is important, attendees will learn strategies for turning the numbers and words from the report or spreadsheet into usable information that will help councils continue to provide a positive experience for everyone in our Girls on the Run community. This session will provide you with hands-on practice, so you are ready for action when the attendance data starts to roll in or when the end-of-season survey reports show up in your inbox!​
Council to Council Breakout: Beyond the Program: Creative Strategies to Strengthen Councils
Meghan Cavanaugh, Program Director, Girls on the Run Buffalo;
Joy Heuer, Executive Director, Girls on the Run Sierras;
Mary Uran, Executive Director, Girls on the Run Minnesota
 
We know our programs have the power to change girls’ lives. So how do we create opportunities to engage new champions so we can go beyond our existing constituents and deepen our service and impact in more communities? Join GOTR Sierras, GOTR Buffalo and GOTR Minnesota as they share unique and fresh approaches they have used to extend their reach. Attendees will discover three easy-to-implement and accessible initiatives that have helped these councils strengthen relationships with volunteers, donors and caregivers. You will walk away with ideas to innovatively amplify the mission, bringing the healthy, connecting spirit of Girls on the Run to more adults in your communities.
Tuesday, June 28, 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Council to Council Breakout: Work Smarter, Not Harder: Corporate Partnerships Keys for Success
Olivia Mathews, Executive Director, Girls on the Run Greater Boston;
Liz Wian, Vice President Partnerships and Development, ​Girls on the Run HQ
 
Funding from Corporate Partnerships is an essential component of contributed income, yet one that can be elusive or underutilized. This session is designed for anyone who wants to unlock the keys to successful corporate partnerships using existing tools and resources. Attendees will learn tried and true strategies to improve efficiency, successfully present the value of Girls on the Run and increase ROI in a variety of ways including board member motivation and support, growing new partner relationships, deepening existing relationships and how to always keep focus on high impact, low effort partnership activities.
Being an Ally: A Culture Workshop
Scott Lilly, Manager, Apple
 
We all want to be allies but do we know how? This session will guide attendees through what it means to be a meaningful ally. Sharing his personal experience working on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Apple, GOTRI Board Member Scott Lilly will facilitate this session that examines the critical role curiosity plays in effective allyship. He will also share best practices of being an ally including how to acknowledge and learn from mistakes. As we embrace and integrate IDEA at Girls on the Run, this will be a session you don’t want to miss!
Unpacking IDEA, Social Justice, and Cultural Responsiveness in GOTR Programming
Katarina Corda, MEd, MiT, Senior Director, Girls on the Run HQ
 
This session will begin with a review of the evolution of IDEA within Girls on the Run programming. From there, Katie will unpack key concepts and terms – social justice, culturally responsive, IDEA – and what this work looks like and means within the GOTR context. With this shared understanding and common language, attendees will then explore together how these concepts come to life within our curriculum, coach training, and programming in general. Leaning into attendees’ existing knowledge/expertise, we will then dig into specific examples, relevant research, and concrete tools that connect to our equity-centered approach. The session will conclude with a look ahead at the future of this work and our plans for evolving our approach to IDEA across programming.
Values-Based Communication in a Divided Landscape
Theresa Miller, Chief Engagement Officer, Girls on the Run HQ;
Deborah Pleva, Owner, Pleva Consulting, Girls on the Run HQ Board of Directors
 
There is a lot going on in the world today. All non-profit organizations must determine what stance to take on social and political issues, how to confront misinformation and polarization, and how to make decisions that have the potential to bring people of various ideologies together to advance their important missions. It is more important than ever that communication is inclusive, relevant, aligned with the brand and mission of Girls on the Run and guided by the organization’s core values. This workshop will provide guidance on developing a strategic communications strategy for your council. Attendees will walk away with a decision-making framework to help determine how and when to comment or respond about issues. Best practices regarding who should be included in crafting communications, preparing for potential responses, and engaging various audiences across channels and platforms will also be shared.
Community Engagement and Collective Impact:  Building Coalitions in Your Community
Julia Menefield Lankford, Director of Operations, Laureus USA;
Ben Schornack, Chicago Program Officer, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation
 
During this interactive session, attendees will learn key tactics and strategies used by Laureus USA in Atlanta and Chicago to build effective coalitions that enhance the lives of youth through sport. As a global leader in Sport for Development, Laureus USA supports communities in identifying challenges facing its young people and harnesses the power of sport to address them. Laureus USA does this by bringing together and aligning key partners, community members and key stakeholders to catalyze sustainable results. Organizations and individuals opt-in to their collective approach to capacity building ensuring more young people have access to high quality, physical activity based youth development programs.  Attendees will learn community engagement strategies to build authentic, trusting relationships that enable them to be more accessible to more girls.
Tuesday, June 28, 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM
Council to Council Breakout: IDEA at the Heart of What We Do
Megan Wolfe, Executive Director, Girls on the Run Snohomish County
 
Join Megan Wolfe to learn how Girls on the Run of Snohomish County (GOTRSnoCo) has embedded IDEA work into all it does. Since its inception in 2015, GOTRSnoCo had internally discussed diversity of girls, coaches, and board members, and how it could do more to support girls of color.  In 2019, the council expanded its efforts to begin externally communicating its commitment to IDEA. This session will delve into how they are working to incorporate IDEA into the fabric of everything they do including program delivery, marketing, partnerships, HR, board development, financial policies, fundraising and more. GOTRSnoCo set out to normalize IDEA work in all aspects of their operations and the outcomes have been incredibly positive. During this session, attendees will learn how they set their course as well as effective strategies that can be incorporated at all councils.
Pinwheel Best Practices: Program Registration
Sarah Heins, Director of Training and Implementation, Exit Row Solutions;
Nicole Wright, Director, Council Development, Southern Region, Girls on the Run HQ
 
In this session, attendees will learn how to optimize program registration in Pinwheel through efficient category management, intentional messaging, and custom questions. Tips for boosting event revenue through store sales, effective donation and fundraising practices, and linked events will also be covered. In addition, ways to increase access to the program will be reviewed, such as Spanish options, payment plans, and lottery registration.
Chasing Rainbows: In Pursuit of Gender Inclusion in a Binary World
Anne Sutkowi-Hemstreet, MPH, Founder and Director, Rainbow Collective for Change
 
Gender has become hyper-defined over the last two decades, leading our society to delve more deeply into its understanding of gender as a social construct. There is growing awareness of the expansiveness of gender and the limitations of a gender binary based on one’s biological physical characteristics. This session will provide foundational knowledge for staff and board members on the construct of gender, definitions of gender (e.g. gender identity and expression), and sexual orientation. Building upon that foundation, this session will explore ways councils can be more inclusive in working with participants and their families.
Strategies and Tools to Build a High-Performing, Connected Culture
Michelle Jackson-Holland, MPA, PHR, SVP Human Resources and Belonging, Girls on the Run HQ
 
An inclusive, values-based, vibrant organizational culture is the foundational key to building a high-performing organization. Organizational culture directly impacts employee engagement, creativity, innovation, productivity, morale and satisfaction, all of which are the driving influences for overall performance in any organization. After years of intentional strategies and a people-centered approach to culture, GOTR HQ was thrilled to be recognized as a Best Place to Work through an externally led employee survey of over 1,000 companies. During this session, Michelle will share what those years of intentional work and culture-building have taught us. Creating a strong culture doesn’t happen overnight, yet with the building blocks of purposeful strategy and action, you can catapult your council’s success to a new level. In this engaging and interactive session, attendees will dig into what it means to have a high-performing, connected culture, and explore new and creative ways of engaging employees. You will leave having learned more from one another about how to harness the limitless potential of your teams and equipped with practical, innovative ideas for fostering a connected culture within your council.
Let’s Meet the Moment: How Girls on the Run Can Support Girls to Meet Their Most Pressing Needs
Dr. Sara Rimm-Kaufman, Ph.D., Professor of Education, University of Virginia
 
As we continue to navigate the lasting impact of the pandemic, there is recognition of the tremendous impact it has had on girls’ social, emotional, and physical health. There is also a growing awareness of the importance of strategies and programs that facilitate social emotional learning (SEL). This session will provide participants with a foundational understanding of SEL and how Girls on the Run fits into this framework. Sara will share what the most recent research says about key challenges faced by girls and their schools during this challenging time and showcase how Girls on the Run is addressing girls’ mental health concerns, teaching social and emotional skills, and promoting equity. Participants will learn language and strategies for partnering with schools, parents, communities and funders to meet pressing and shared SEL goals. Attendees will walk away with clear action steps for communicating the connection between Girls on the Run programming and SEL.