Raphaella Henson-Vendrell joins Joyful Journeys to share how Girls on the Run taught her to dream big and believe in herself. From working at a nonprofit to coaching high school XC & track to leading her running club, Raphy is all about making a positive impact. Her biggest takeaway? Success isn’t one-size-fits-all—forge your own path!

Taylor Thompson—GOTR alum, SoleMate, mom, and dedicated runner—joins Joyful Journeys to share how Girls on the Run ignited her passion for running and shaped her unstoppable "I can" attitude. She also gives a special shoutout to the people who have inspired and pushed her to new heights.

This week on Joyful Journeys, Deanna Payne shares how her first impression of Girls on the Run—thinking it might be boring—quickly changed once she got started. Instead, she discovered joy in every lesson, a love for movement, and life skills that have stayed with her into adulthood.

Meet Cara Alcorn—former GOTR participant, dedicated GOTR coach, and fearless 14er challenger! Hear how GOTR shaped her as a kid and continues to inspire her every day. Don’t miss her incredible journey!

Join us for a heartfelt journey through the history of Girls on the Run NOVA with Lesley Green, owner of mb logistics & events and a dedicated supporter since the early days.
 
Lesley shares her inspiring story of how her involvement with GOTR NOVA evolved over the years, revealing how her passion for the mission not only shaped her roles within the organization but also sparked profound personal and professional growth.
 
Don’t miss this uplifting conversation celebrating the impact of GOTR NOVA and the people who make it extraordinary!

Happy 25th anniversary, Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia! This year, Joyful Journeys is celebrating by highlighting someone special from every year of our history. Join us as we reflect on the incredible journey that has shaped GOTR NOVA into the organization it is today.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into our history through the voices of GOTR NOVA's five past and current Executive Directors. Hear their stories, memories, and reflections on the challenges and triumphs that transformed a grassroots effort—once run from a home—into a thriving organization making a lasting impact in our community.

Celebrate our legacy with us as we honor the women who laid the foundation for our mission and the growth that continues to inspire every step forward.

Today on Joyful Journeys, GOTR alum Eliana and current participant Blake take the mic! Join them as they share heartfelt memories and the lasting impact of Girls on the Run in their lives—from building confidence to navigating college life.

Plus, get excited for the next season of Joyful Journeys as we celebrate GOTR NOVA’s 25th anniversary!

Compromise Requires Love" with Donya Gordon

In this week’s episode of Joyful Journeys, attorney Donya Gordon shares her wisdom on the art of compromise. With years of experience helping clients find common ground, Donya offers practical tips for reaching meaningful resolutions. Her key takeaway? Compromise must be mutual—it’s not about always giving in, but finding balance on both sides.

This week, we're excited to welcome Lisa Hershaft from Fairfax County Public Schools to discuss the importance of friendships! As a Social Worker, Lisa dives into how kids build friendships, what makes a good friend, and how the digital age and life post-pandemic have shaped the way kids communicate.

She also offers practical tips for helping kids create positive social circles and safely navigate social media.

Unlocking the Secrets to Effective Communication with Teaira Abston

In this episode, Teaira Abston, founder of Dreamcatcher Creative Studio, shares her expertise on mastering communication. From active listening to boosting emotional intelligence, she breaks down the essential skills for avoiding miscommunication and building strong connections. As a branding expert helping women entrepreneurs, Teaira applies these strategies daily and offers valuable insights we can all use to elevate our communication game.