Girls on the Run

Strong, confident, and connected girls become strong, confident, and connected women. This week on Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community (MPC), host Jill Economou welcomes back Tina Jones, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Southeast Wisconsin, to discuss the ongoing youth mental health crisis and how early intervention, positive relationships, and physical activity can help girls build the resilience they need to thrive.

Tina shares how the conversation around youth mental health has evolved since her first appearance on MPC in 2019, what research is teaching us about anxiety, loneliness, confidence, and belonging, and why protective factors like caring adult mentors, movement, and community support are more important than ever. She also explains how Girls on the Run goes far beyond running by combining evidence-based social-emotional learning with physical activity to help girls in grades 3-8 develop confidence, healthy habits, and life skills that last well into adulthood.

The conversation explores powerful findings from a new Girls on the Run alumni study, the importance of keeping sports fun for young participants, inspiring success stories from program graduates, and the many ways volunteers, donors, coaches, and community members can help empower the next generation of leaders.

Episode Highlights:
2:19 | Protective factors that help girls navigate today's mental health challenges
3:02 | Tina's personal connection to the Girls on the Run mission
4:14 | Parenting lessons and the importance of caring adult role models
5:30 | Why Girls on the Run is about much more than running
6:35 | Mental health awareness versus prevention and early intervention
7:37 | Why the program focuses on girls in grades 3 through 8
8:14 | The link between physical activity and emotional well-being
10:58 | How Girls on the Run plants the seeds for lifelong healthy habits
11:06 | Inside the eight-week after-school program experience
12:11 | Goal-setting, teamwork, community service, and training for a 5K
13:08 | The powerful life lesson behind finding your "happy pace"
14:48 | One of the biggest reasons girls drop out of sports today
16:06 | What Girls on the Run learned from its new alumni study
16:46 | Alumni data showing the program's lasting impact
18:04 | Skills former participants still use years later
19:48 | Ava's story: building confidence and finding her voice
22:05 | How the organization serves more than 150 schools across southeastern Wisconsin
24:52 | Recruiting, training, and supporting volunteer coaches
27:11 | What Tina has learned during 14 years of leading the organization
29:37 | What greater community investment in girls could mean for the future
30:49 | Volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, and ways to get involved
31:40 | The SoleMates program and combining fitness goals with philanthropy
32:16 | How to connect with Girls on the Run Southeast Wisconsin

GIRLS ON THE RUN SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN

Girls on the Run Southeast Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident through a research-based program that integrates running and physical activity with social-emotional learning. Serving girls in grades 3-8 across seven counties in southeastern Wisconsin, the organization helps participants build confidence, develop healthy relationships, strengthen emotional well-being, and discover their limitless potential. Through caring coaches, supportive teammates, and meaningful life lessons, Girls on the Run equips girls with the skills they need to thrive both now and in the future.

Website: gotrsewi.org

ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP

Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.

Website: ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.