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Girls on the Run is a nonprofit organization that promotes self-assurance, well-being, and happiness in young girls by engaging them in enjoyable physical activities like running. They create a safe space for girls to learn important life skills and make lasting connections. For Hispanic-Latino girls, Girls on the Run provides support and empowerment, helping them overcome obstacles and embrace their cultural heritage. The program has a positive impact on self-esteem, confidence, and health. By participating, girls become agents of change within their families and communities. The organization is inclusive and values diversity. It encourages girls to be proud of who they are and make the world a better place. Hi everyone, my name is Roxana and I am a current junior studying exercise science and have a passion for running myself similar to the nonprofit Girls on the Run. Girls on the Run promotes self-assurance, well-being, and happiness in young girls, but what is their objective? The objective is to motivate young girls to cultivate joy, maintain a good health, and develop self-assurance by engaging in enjoyable physical activities like running. Feel free to engage with this nonprofit with their website at www.girlsontherun.nj.org. My website has a welcoming space for anyone who wants to become a better version of themselves, just like Girls on the Run's commitment of inclusivity, affordability, and accessibility. Welcome back to Empowering Diversity, Girls on the Run's Path to Inclusion podcast, where I will explore stories of empowerment, inclusion, and community impact. I am your host, Roxana, and today we're delving into the world of Girls on the Run, an organization dedicated to inspiring young girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident through running. Girls on the Run is more than just a running program. It is a movement that encourages acceptance and celebrates differences, giving girls from all walks of life the tools they need to be proud of who they are and reach their full potential. But how does Girls on the Run work? Well, Girls on the Run creates a safe space for girls to learn important life skills and make lasting connections with teachers and peers through a program that focuses on physical exercise, social and emotional learning, as well as community service. But how do Girls on the Run commitments to inclusion and diversity impact the Hispanic-Latino community? For many girls in this community, navigating adolescence can be challenging, especially in the absence of adequate guidance and support, where cultural barriers, language differences, and socioeconomic factors often contribute to the feelings of isolation and self-doubt. On a little more personal level, I can speak on my experience growing up in a Hispanic community. My whole life, I never was involved in any type of physical activity, nor was I involved with different girls, and nor was I able to really grasp or understand what it meant to be healthy and well. Not until fast-forwarding into eighth grade, where I actually started playing the sport. But it is true that a lot of what the Hispanic community, specifically the girls that are in this community, tend to go through is this feeling of not really fitting in. But the reason for this is because there are no people or girls that look like us that are usually forming part of these groups. And primarily it's because our families are coming from different countries, and we, the girls, like myself, have to make that start to change and to have representation. But moving forward, this is where Girls on the Run would come in. By creating a safe and inclusive space for girls to come together, Girls on the Run offers a lifeline of support and encouragement, helping them to overcome obstacles and embrace their cultural heritage with pride. Through culturally responsive programming and mentorships, Girls on the Run addresses the unique needs of the Hispanic-Latino girls and empowers them to thrive for both on and off the tracks. It has also been seen through studies that programs like Girls on the Run can have a big effect on a girl's self-esteem, confidence, and health as a whole. Girls on the Run gives Hispanic and Latino girls the tools they need to face life's challenges and follow their dreams of determination and strength by giving them a feeling of belonging and positive role models. But the impact doesn't stop here. As girls develop the skills and confidence to advocate for themselves, they become agents of change within their families and communities, inspiring others to follow their lead and break the cycle of generational inequity, which is similar to what I mentioned based on my personal experiences. And to add on to this, through participation in Girls on the Run, Hispanic or Latino girls not only discover their own strengths and resilience, but they can also become part of the start for positive social change. This is major because it correlates very well with what I want for my website, which is www.rtequilalfa3.wixsite.com, to try to teach anyone that falls under this community that changes can be done, but it can only be done by exposing ourselves more and to learn about the greatness that physical activity, health, and well-being can do. Which is why change is very important. Girls on the Run is more than just a running program. It's a movement that encourages girls to be proud of who they are, as well as value differences to make the world a better place. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, like mentioned, Girls on the Run is actually present in the Hispanic community now that it reaches forward to make sure that everyone is included. It works to make the future better for all girls, including those from a Hispanic group. Thank you for tuning in today's podcast. I hope the discussions I shared resonated with you and inspired action. And to our Hispanic or Latino listeners, your involvement is crucial in shaping a brighter future for our families and communities. Let's work together to empower new generations, fostering their well-being and growth. Stay engaged with the website and stay informed. Let's make a difference together. Gracias por escucharme y hasta la próxima.