Breakout Sessions
Monday, June 24 - Tuesday, June 25

All sessions will be available on a first-come, first-served basis (while space allows).
Monday, June 24, 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
More Than One Way to Keep SEL Alive and Well
Sharon Bradley, Director, Family and Social Services, Plano Independent School District
 
Every state now incorporates SEL into its academic standards in some way. However, in recent years, SEL has been attached to lightning rod issues that has caused pushback for this vital work in childhood development. In this session, participants will learn the four R's (Research, Relevance, Rebrand, and Recovery) to help turn opposition into OPTIMAL support for social-emotional learning in Girls on the Run programming.
Reading and Interpreting Financial Statements and KPI's to Inform Council Governance
Melisa Galasso, Founder & CEO, Galasso Learning Solutions
 
Financial statements tell a story about the organization. Many nonprofit leaders don’t leverage their financials to the fullest extent. The good news is we can help you unlock and interpret these financial statements and you don’t have to go it alone!  We’ll discuss how to use your balance sheet and profit and loss statement to understand your council’s financial status and review best practices in financial reporting.  We’ll also provide helpful methods to evaluate your council from KPIs and trend and ratio analysis. We’ll close with how to leverage your board for financial success!​
Presentations, Panels, and Public Speaking: Building a GOTR Platform
Deborah Pleva, Senior Director of Communications, Girls on the Run HQ
 
A platform is a stage that helps you and your council get noticed and have a more significant impact. It builds awareness, engagement, and community. In this session, you will learn how to enhance your public speaking skills, identify important GOTR topics to discuss, find relevant events and speaking opportunities, decide which events or panels to attend, and make the most of the GOTR HQ resources available to you.​
Be an Inclusion Champion: Disability Inclusion in GOTR Programs & Events
Cayla Hammaker, Senior Education Manager, Move United
Jessica Pullar, Education Manager, Move United
 
​This session builds on the disability inclusion series on GOTR Learning Academy, and the disability inclusion section of the Coach Guide developed in partnership with the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD). Led by representatives of Move United, attendees will receive recommendations and turn-key resources to include participants with disabilities in current programming and end-of-season 5K events. This includes guidelines, adaptations, and modifications from Move United’s Adaptive Track & Field Guide for Schools, and the inclusive sport fundamentals course. Move United is a national leader in the adaptive sports movement, using sports to push what’s possible so everyone has equal access to sports and recreation in their community.
Council to Council Breakout: Unstoppable Us: The Power of the Pink Envelope
Jodi Aurand, Program Director, Girls on the Run Northwest Indiana
Amanda Burleson, Program Manager, Girls on the Run Northwest Indiana
Tanya Frazee, Director, Individual Giving, Girls on the Run HQ
 
Unstoppable Us is a unique community-focused fundraising tool that has been fruitful for councils of all sizes with a wide range of scholarship rates. Join GOTR Northwest Indiana to learn how they execute a successful and sustainable Unstoppable Us program, expanding their reach while helping girls realize the value of giving back to their community through the power of a pink envelope. You’ll also walk away with knowledge of Unstoppable Us implementation options, insightful council outcomes data, and available resources.
Monday, June 24, 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Pinwheel Best Practices: Effective and Strategic Program Management
Michael Reale, Founder & CEO, Pinwheel
Sarah Heins, Director of Training & Implementation, Pinwheel
 
In this hands-on session, attendees will learn how to maximize Pinwheel features and functionality to optimize program management systems at your council. Bring your laptop to learn new ways to use Pinwheel as a comprehensive program management tool for all of your pre-season, in-season, and post-season needs. Tips for using reports to inform program strategy and planning, and site and coach support will also be provided.​
Mindset and Method: Setting the Vision and Crafting a Plan for Market Growth
April Massett, VP, Council Development, Eastern Region, Girls on the Run HQ
 
Spinning your wheels trying to serve more girls in your community? It’s time to look at  growth in a new way! This session will help attendees assess their market potential and craft a responsive plan to reach that potential through impactful programs, partnerships, and people. Strategies to fuel and foster a growth mindset, leverage data and collaborate  to ensure every staff member realizes the integral part they play in developing the council and deepening impact in  the community will also be discussed.
Cultivating Inclusivity: Engaging Latina Girls in our Program
Maria Solis, Founder and CEO, Latinos Run and Latinas Run
Zoilabella Calo, Ambassador, Latinos Run Phoenix
 
Join us for an enlightening breakout session featuring ambassadors from Latinas Run, a dynamic organization dedicated to empowering Latina women through fitness. In this session, attendees will learn valuable insights and strategies to build meaningful relationships and address barriers, fostering a more inclusive and accessible environment for Latina girls and  coaches. Come be inspired, through real-life experiences and stories, to create an inclusive space where Latina girls can thrive.
Five Steps to a High-Performing & Engaged Board
Jackie O’Hara, Director, Council Development, Eastern Region, Girls on the Run HQ
Elizabeth Catlin, GOTRI Board Vice Chair
 
Designed for board members and executive directors, this session will review all the ingredients necessary to create a high-performing board with engaged board members. We will review best practices around board governance operations, including board recruitment, orientation and onboarding, expectations and responsibilities, board committees, and board evaluation. This session is best for new Girls on the Run board members or board members and executive directors with minimal prior board experience. It also can serve as a comprehensive refresh for experienced board members.
Council to Council Breakout: Working Smarter, Not Harder to Create a Special Event That Will Energize & Engage While Raising Critical Funds!
Hillary Jarcik, Director, Council Development, Western Region, Girls on the Run HQ
Candice McIntosh, Executive Director, Girls on the Run Flint Hills
Kathleen Cannon, Executive Director, Girls on the Run Minnesota
 
​Special events can be daunting. Will our ROI make it worthwhile? Can we engage volunteers in a meaningful way? Will our event stand out from the sea of other events in town? Can we be intentional about who fills the room? The answer to each of these questions is YES! Join GOTR Minnesota and GOTR Flint Hills to learn how they have created special events that attract and wow guests, generate revenue and energize employees and volunteers. Attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of how to start or revamp special events to be more inclusive, fun, committee-driven, and financially impactful. Presenting councils will share examples of planning documents, sponsorship campaigns, targeted guest strategies to fill the room, budgets, and more!
Monday, June 24, 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Restorative Practices for Effective Team Communication and Conflict Resolution
Sharon Bradley, Director, Family and Social Services, Plano Independent School District
 
Internal conflict with team members is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Applying restorative practices can result in improved team dynamics, enhanced collaboration, and stronger organizational performance. Whether addressing an ongoing issue, responding to a specific incident, or simply making a tough decision, attendees will learn practical tools, resources, and strategies to cultivate mutual understanding and find resolution. Come and learn how to facilitate responsive, resolution-focused conversations with your staff that ensure a safe and collaborative culture. Yes, conflict is inevitable, but it can make us stronger.
Maximize Giving Using Pinwheel Donor Dashboards
Jennifer Speak, Chief Operating Officer, Exit Row Solutions/Pinwheel
McKenna Olson, Director, Council Development, Central Region, Girls on the Run HQ

Fundraising is critical to any non-profit organization and requires effective oversight to maintain and grow. Attendees of this session will learn how to optimize giving and donor stewardship with Pinwheel Donor Dashboards. The session will provide an overview of the tool, pro tips, and instructions on how to use donor dashboards to maximize fund development. Real-life examples and best practices from councils will also be shared.​
Effective Site Recruitment Strategies: Marketing and Operational Best Practices
Dana Williams, Vice President, Marketing and Brand Strategy, Girls on the Run HQ
 
Sites are essential to advancing the mission of Girls on the Run. This session will highlight proven methods for recruiting new sites and showcase effective stewardship processes and best practices to retain existing sites. Attendees will learn how to use data to assess the “stickiness” of a site and determine which sites should be targeted for strategic outreach. Marketing and communication strategies that raise awareness, educate, influence, and address obstacles will also be shared.
Council to Council Breakout: The Priceless Power of Structured Volunteer Groups: How to Create, Activate, Manage, and Utilize Dedicated Volunteer Groups
Mary T Callahan, Chief Executive Officer, Girls on the Run Greater Houston
Meagan Kukowski, Executive Director, Girls on the Run Maricopa & Pinal Counties
 
Creating an engaged and structured group of volunteers will help your council build capacity to move the Girls on the Run mission forward. Harnessing their collective power takes planning to ensure the group is effective and feels supported. Join GOTR Greater Houston and GOTR Maricopa & Pinal Counties to hear how they structure these groups (Friends of Greater Houston and The Pace Team) to foster engagement, activation, and increase ROI. Attendees will learn the benefits these groups provide, how the groups are managed, and best practices learned along the way. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to create, launch, and organize a core group of volunteers that serves your council’s needs, increases capacity, and provides meaningful roles to dedicated volunteers.​
A Goal-Driven Approach to Program Evaluation
Femi Vance, Senior Researcher, American Institutes for Research

​Often we miss the opportunity to think of evaluation beyond showcasing how girls benefit from Girls on the Run programming. This session introduces a goal-driven evaluation approach, aiming to shift the focus from narrow assessments of participant benefits to a strategy that aligns with broader organizational and programmatic objectives. At the end of this session, you'll be equipped with the tools and insights needed to pursue your council’s goals with confidence and purpose. Evolve your measurement approach, produce actionable knowledge, and harness the true potential of evaluation as a transformative force within Girls on the Run.
Tuesday, June 25, 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Beyond the Finish Line: Crafting and Marketing Transformative 5K Experiences
Nicole Christenson, National Race Director, Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series
 
The Girls on the Run 5K is the starting line of something extraordinary in the lives of our participants, families, coaches, community runners, and sponsors. Join Nicole Christenson, race director from the renowned Rock 'n' Roll Running Series for this informative session on creating and providing stellar 5K experiences that wow all involved. Attendees of this dynamic session will hear tried and true strategies to elevate their Girls on the Run 5K experience, making it the cornerstone of positive change in the lives of participants and the community at large. Learn to plan with purpose, market with impact, and create a 5K experience that sparks lasting inspiration.
Motivating and Empowering Employees Through Performance Enablement
Michelle Jackson-Holland, MPA, PHR, SVP Human Resources and Belonging, Girls on the Run HQ
 
Employees are the foundation of any organization and managing employee performance is critical to organizational sustainability, employee satisfaction, and impact. Unfortunately, traditional performance management techniques are outdated and uninspiring and do not spur innovation and peak performance from staff. That’s where performance enablement comes in - it’s time to look at performance management in a different way.
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Designed for council leaders and people managers, this interactive breakout session will provide attendees with tools, templates, and best practices for unlocking staff potential and influencing performance, improving engagement and retention, and fostering organizational alignment between individual goals and council strategic objectives
Mission Possible: Using Mission Advancement Markers to Achieve Goals
Jackie O’Hara, Director, Council Development, Eastern Region, Girls on the Run HQ
McKenna Olson, Director, Council Development, Central Region, Girls on the Run HQ
 
Using data to inform decision making is essential to making a transformational impact in the lives of girls. GOTRI’s Mission Advancement Markers (MAMs) are Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) designed to support councils in setting strategy and measuring progress. During this session, council leaders will gain a clear understanding of our MAM categories and targets and begin to assess their own council’s MAM data. Attendees should bring a laptop and be prepared to pull data live together. Time will also be allocated to share council strategies and learn best practices to achieve MAM goals.
Council to Council Breakout: Empowering Pathways: A Case Study in Indigenous Representation and Inclusivity
Mariah Zavala, Business Development Specialist, Mountain Mojo Group
Kelly Teeselink, Council Director, Girls on the Run Northern Arizona

Join us as we delve into a powerful case study of a Girls on the Run council with the largest reservation in the United States in its territory. Hear how the council developed and executed a strategic plan to bring authentic Indigenous representation to its leadership, revive programming on the Navajo Nation, extend outreach to the Hopi Reservation, and amplify Indigenous presence at the Girls on the Run 5K. By exploring the transformative journey of this council, attendees will gain valuable insights to foster inclusion and representation within their own councils.
Tuesday, June 25, 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
Igniting Impact: Crafting a Powerful Case for Support
Liz Wian, Senior Vice President, ​Partnerships and Development, Girls on the Run HQ
 
​As a mission-driven organization, we make transformational change happen. But do the movers and shakers in your community know what makes GOTR great? It’s time to capture your community’s attention. In this session you will learn storytelling strategies that strengthen your case for support. Participants will leave with an understanding of the unique selling points of Girls on the Run, able to identify target audiences and influencers in your community, and enhanced skills to convey the essence of Girls on the Run to funders and donors. Leveraging urgency and impact to drive supporter engagement, this session will delve into best practices that resonate deeply, evoke empathy, and inspire action. Learn how to enhance, customize, and turn storytelling into storyselling.
From Funnel to First Day: Using Technology to Streamline the Coach Journey from First Contact to First Practice
Annie Ryan, VP, Technology and Reporting, Girls on the Run HQ

Our volunteer coaches are the heart of our organization. Embark on a journey through the application of technology to enhance the coach onboarding process from initial interest to their inaugural day. This workshop will provide insights into applying technology tools to support coaches every step of the way. We’ll start at the recruitment stage which includes lead generation and collection on your council’s website. Then, we’ll move to the application phase to coach registration and acceptance in Pinwheel. Next, we’ll cover coach training in GOTR Learning Academy and best practices to track and manage coach readiness. At the finish, we’ll review Excel skills to analyze coach data. After completing this workshop, you’ll have the technology resources and roadmap to guide coaches and streamline the coach journey.
Amplifying Impact: The Power of All Girls on the Run Programs
April Massett, VP, Council Development, Girls on the Run HQ
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Girls on the Run is so much more than…Girls on the Run. In this session, attendees will delve into transformative opportunities to deepen impact and fuel growth with Heart & Sole, Camp GOTR, and the Junior Coach Program. Explore the potential of these proven programs and learn more about how to successfully incorporate them to serve more girls.  This session will equip councils with the knowledge and tools needed to embrace these programs as powerful vehicles for growth, community connection, and a broader Girls on the Run impact. 
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Enterprise Risk Management for Council & Board Leadership​
Dawn Eber, Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Meris Sato, Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Katee Puterbaugh, Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers
 
This session is designed to provide a practical understanding of enterprise risk management (ERM) and risk governance, presented by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) – a global brand in governance, risk management, and compliance consulting. PwC generously donated their time and conducted GOTRI’s first enterprise risk assessment and facilitated the design of our ERM program. Council leaders will learn how risk management practices can be applied to various operational processes such as strategic planning, decision-making, and reporting. The presenters will use current and emerging issues, such as council capacity, coach recruitment and retention, organizational reliance on schools, and single-sex gender programming as practical case studies during the session. This will reinforce the pragmatic application of risk management strategies to build a risk culture, maintain operational efficiency, and meet strategic goals and objectives.
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If you are a council director or board leader ready to gain a greater understanding of risk management to share with your wider team, this is a great session to attend.
Tuesday, June 25, 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM
What's Now and What's Next: Envisioning Your Future
Allison Task, Author and Career and Life Coach
 
Leading a Girls on the Run council requires resilience, vision, and a steadfast commitment to the organization's mission. Many council leaders have navigated this role for 10 or more years – and have, at some point, likely asked themselves: What now? What next? This session extends an intimate connection opportunity for long-standing executive directors to explore their personal and professional development journey. Through deep self-reflection, attendees will co-create a space for meaningful dialogue and exchanging invaluable insights and wisdom. Attendees will explore their individual goals, values, passions, and priorities for the next one, three, and five years, laying the foundation to confidently forge a purposeful path forward.
Courageous Communication: Confronting Tough Topics with Care and Confidence
​Deborah Pleva, Senior Director of Communications, Girls on the Run HQ

Challenging conversations about sensitive topics and policies can make us feel unsure about how to best represent our values with constituents. This session will explore real-life situations councils have encountered and share a common framework for how to approach and navigate them. Attendees will also have the opportunity to practice communication techniques to gracefully manage the tough conversations no one really wants to have.​
Yoga Session
​Heather Blake, Chief Financial Officer, Girls on the Run HQ

Join us for a calming and revitalizing yoga session to help you unwind and recharge after a day filled with insightful presentations and stimulating discussions. Our multi-talented CFO and recently certified yoga instructor, Heather Blake, will guide you through gentle stretches and mindful breathing exercises, perfect for all skill levels. Don’t miss this chance to rejuvenate and prepare for a night of celebration at our exciting closing party at the Strat Tower!
Unlocking Your Limitless Potential with CliftonStrengths®
Scott Lilly, Senior Manager, Software Engineering Operations & Planning, Apple
​Brandon-Rashad Kenny, Esq, Vice President, National Black Talent Bank, Thurgood Marshall College Fund
 
You are unique. You are powerful. Be confident in who you are.

Over six decades ago, CliftonStrengths® creator and educational psychologist Don Clifton asked, “What would happen if we studied what was right with people versus what’s wrong with people?”. From that, CliftonStrengths® was developed – a globally recognized performance-based, individualized tool that builds self-awareness and strength and catapults individuals to take action to develop their full potential. This powerful methodology uses the simple formula of talent x investment = strength to help people discover what they naturally do best and optimize ways to develop and apply their greatest talents in everyday life.

Attendees will participate in an interactive session to understand what makes them unique, how their strengths unlock their potential, and how to leverage those talents to lead them to greater performance so they can strive in various environments. Attendees will need to complete the CliftonStrengths® assessment in advance and bring their individualized results to the breakout.

Note: This workshop will run from 2:45 - 4:15 PM and will require pre-registration for an additional cost of $10 per person. More information will be sent to all Summit registrants by mid-March.