Embodied Learning for Girls' Empowerment

Organizes two annual 5K events—one in Albany and one in either Schenectady or Troy—to celebrate program completion, with over 2,100 total participants including girls in the program, coaches, running buddies, and volunteers. Events were held in both 2023 and 2024.

Supports alumni in securing athletic scholarships to attend colleges and universities such as Georgetown University and St. John's University, and promotes long-term academic success, with many alumni advancing to law, medical, and graduate schools. Alumni return annually to mentor current team members.

Manages all aspects of team operations including athlete registration with USATF and AAU, meet entries, procurement of supplies and uniforms, financial administration, and travel logistics for competitions. Uses donations to cover operating expenses and athlete fees for competitions and uniforms.

Organizes and supports athlete participation in regional, national, and international track and field events, including the AAU Junior Olympics and the Colgate Women’s Games. The program has prepared nationally ranked athletes, including finalists and medalists, and has sent teams to competitions in locations such as Des Moines, Detroit, and internationally to countries including China, Germany, France, and Italy.

Provides long-term track and field coaching for girls aged 6 to 17, including athletes as young as 8, with training programs conducted in Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The program emphasizes athletic development, personal growth, and mentorship, and includes on- and off-track components such as yoga, aerobic, and anaerobic workouts.

Engages former program participants as assistant coaches, mentors, and leaders within the program, fostering intergenerational mentorship, leadership development, and continuity of support for current girls in training.

Hosts an annual Mentoring Day that connects program participants with professional women from diverse career fields through keynote addresses, small-group discussions, and networking sessions to support career visualization and leadership development.

Offers hands-on family nutrition workshops led by a certified nutritionist to promote healthier eating habits and family engagement, with participants adopting improved dietary behaviors during the program.

Tracks and reports measurable improvements in participants’ physical fitness, social-emotional learning (including positive identity, social capital, and social skills), self-confidence, goal orientation, and academic-related executive functions such as self-control and cognitive regulation.

Provides free participation in all program components, including classes, training, equipment, uniforms, and door-to-door transportation. Supplies running shoes, sports bras, swimsuits, and other necessary gear to participants in need to ensure equitable access regardless of socioeconomic background.

Develops and implements the Science of Triathlon Integrated Curriculum, which integrates STEM concepts into physical training to enhance executive functioning and academic performance, particularly in science.

Organizes annual triathlon events in which all program participants complete a youth-distance race, demonstrating accomplishment and physical achievement. Also organizes a separate super sprint triathlon for youth aged 10–17 to raise funds for the organization.

Operates a free, community-based program that trains middle school girls, primarily in 6th grade, to complete a youth-distance triathlon consisting of a 300-yard open water swim, 6-mile bike ride, and 1.5-mile run. The program fosters self-respect, self-confidence, positive body image, healthy lifestyle choices, and personal empowerment through structured physical training, goal visualization, and an evidence-based curriculum focused on social-emotional learning and mindfulness.

Facilitates after-school programs for girls in 3rd-5th grades that combine physical activity with life skill development, culminating in a community impact project and a 5K run. Programs are delivered to groups of 8-15 girls at local schools or community facilities.

Offers a program for middle school girls in 6th-8th grades focused on emotional and physical health, social connection, and personal development, culminating in a 5K run. All participants in the Heart & Sole program complete a 5K at the end of the season.

Hosts a non-competitive 5K event at the end of each season where participants complete the 3.1-mile course at their own pace, typically between 30 and 50 minutes. The event includes safety measures such as on-site ambulance and additional activities like face painting, bib decorating, and hair styling stations.

Engages over 100 volunteer coaches each season and provides them with access to manuals, policies, forms, and resources to support program delivery. Volunteer coaches deliver the curriculum to teams each season.

Supports teams of girls in designing and carrying out community service projects as a culminating component of the program, fostering civic engagement and leadership skills.