About Us

Girls on the Run® is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

Girls on the Run of Greater Detroit is an Independent Council of Girls on the Run International, which has a network of 200+ locations across the United States and Canada.

Our Mission

We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.

Our Vision

We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

Our Core Values

Girls on the Run honors its core values. We strive to:

  • Recognize our power and responsibility to be intentional in our decision making
  • Embrace our differences and find strength in our connectedness
  • Express joy, optimism and gratitude through our words, thoughts and actions
  • Nurture our physical, emotional and spiritual health
  • Lead with an open heart and assume positive intent
  • Stand up for ourselves and others

Our People

Staff

Kate Lynch
Program Director, Girls on the Run & STRIDE of Greater Detroit
kathryn.lynch@ymcadetroit.org

Hayley Wertz
Livonia, Farmington, Milford, Carl’s YMCA Communities-Community Program Leader, Girls on the Run & STRIDE of Greater Detroit
hayley.wertz@ymcadetroit.org

Tyera Blalark
North Oakland County – Community Program Leader, Girls on the Run & STRIDE of Greater Detroit
tyera.blalark@ymcadetroit.org

Sheila Gerard
Business Office Manager, Girls on the Run & STRIDE of Greater Detroit
sgerard@ymcadetroit.org

Tracy O’Brien
South Oakland County & Birmingham- Community Program Leader, Girls on the Run & STRIDE of Greater Detroit
theresa.obrien@ymcadetroit.org

Jamie Jackson
Detroit, Plymouth/Canton, & Downriver Communities – Community Program Leader, Girls on the Run & STRIDE of Greater Detroit
jamie.jackson@ymcadetroit.org

Arycka Legreair
Macomb County – Community Program Leader, Girls on the Run & STRIDE of Greater Detroit
arycka.legreair@ymcadetroit.org