Confidence grows when girls know they have people cheering them on. 

That belief is at the heart of Girls on the Run Los Angeles (GOTRLA), and it's one of the reasons the Gamma Eta Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta has found such a meaningful connection with the organization. Through volunteerism, mentorship, and community involvement, chapter members are helping young girls recognize their strengths while discovering the power of encouragement themselves. 

For Chapter President Ally Plata, the partnership reflects values that already define the chapter. One thing that makes Gamma Phi Beta special, she says, is the strong sense of community shared among its members. "A fun fact about our chapter is that even though we're a pretty big group, we're all super involved in different things across campus and somehow always end up supporting each other at everything," Plata said. "Whether it's philanthropy events, sports, internships, or just showing up for one another, our chapter is really close-knit in a way people probably wouldn't expect." 

If there is one word Plata would use to describe the chapter, it's supportive. That culture of encouragement extends far beyond chapter meetings and campus events. It shapes the way members engage with their community and the causes they care about, making Girls on the Run Los Angeles a natural partner. 

A Shared Mission of Empowerment 

When Gamma Phi Beta first connected with GOTRLA, the alignment was immediate. "I think what inspired us most was the mission behind Girls on the Run and how much it aligns with what we value as a chapter," Plata explained. "We care a lot about building confidence, empowering young women, and creating supportive environments, so it felt like a really natural partnership." 

At Girls on the Run, participants build social, emotional, and physical skills through a curriculum designed to help them navigate life's challenges with confidence. For Gamma Phi Beta members, supporting that journey has become an opportunity to put their own values into action. Through volunteer events and interactions with participants, chapter members have seen firsthand how encouragement can help young girls believe in themselves and their abilities. 

"Every event reminds us how important encouragement and mentorship can be at that age," Plata said. The partnership has become more than a volunteer commitment. It's a reminder that confidence is often built through small moments: a kind word, a supportive mentor, or a community that believes in you.

A Finish Line Filled with Joy 

One of Plata's favorite memories with Girls on the Run came at the celebratory 5K, the culminating event that marks the end of each season. For many participants, crossing the finish line represents much more than completing a race. It's a celebration of perseverance, growth, and self-belief. "Seeing how excited and proud the girls were crossing the finish line was honestly really emotional," Plata shared. "Even just helping them get ready beforehand with things like face paint, hair, and cheering them on made the experience so rewarding." The day is filled with excitement, encouragement, and countless reminders of what girls can accomplish when they have a supportive community behind them. Volunteers, families, coaches, and friends line the course, creating an atmosphere where every participant feels celebrated. 

For Gamma Phi Beta members, witnessing that moment of accomplishment is a powerful reminder of why their involvement matters. The smiles, cheers, and proud finish-line moments reflect the very heart of the Girls on the Run mission: helping girls recognize that they are capable of more than they may have imagined.

Turning Values Into Action 

Community involvement remains a priority for Gamma Phi Beta because it allows members to actively live out the principles they discuss every day. "I think our chapter really believes that words only go so far without action behind them," Plata said. "We talk a lot about empowerment and supporting women, and community service gives us the chance to actually live that out." 

Whether volunteering at events, supporting GOTRLA participants, or simply showing up for others, chapter members understand that meaningful impact often starts with small acts of kindness. "Being involved reminds us that even small acts of encouragement can make a huge difference in someone's life," Plata added. 

That lesson is one that resonates deeply with the Girls on the Run community. A high five, a conversation, or a few words of support can help a girl feel seen, valued, and confident in her abilities. By investing their time and energy into the community, Gamma Phi Beta members are helping create those moments while strengthening their own commitment to service and leadership. 

Learning From the Girls They Serve 

While volunteers often arrive hoping to inspire participants, many leave feeling inspired themselves.

For Plata, one of the most meaningful aspects of the partnership is the mutual impact it creates. "I think it's been really mutually empowering," she said. "Our members go into it hoping to encourage the girls, but we leave feeling inspired too." 

Watching participants take on challenges, celebrate their growth, and support one another has encouraged chapter members to think more intentionally about confidence and mentorship in their own lives. "It's helped a lot of us become more intentional about mentorship, confidence, and the way we support younger girls and each other," Plata said. Those experiences serve as a reminder that empowerment isn't a one-way exchange. When communities come together to support young people, everyone involved has the opportunity to grow. 

Stronger Together

Plata sees a clear connection between the values of the Panhellenic community and the mission of Girls on the Run Los Angeles. 

"Panhellenic promotes unity, empowerment, and building strong women, which is exactly what Girls on the Run does as well," she explained. "Both organizations are centered around creating supportive communities where girls feel confident, encouraged, and capable of achieving things they may not have believed they could do on their own." 

As Gamma Phi Beta's partnership with GOTRLA continues, Plata hopes their involvement encourages others to discover the impact of community service and mentorship. "I hope it encourages other chapters to realize how impactful community involvement can be, not just for the people you're serving but for your members too," she said. "Partnerships like this create such genuine connections and remind all of us what Panhellenic is really about: uplifting and empowering others together." 

Through service, encouragement, and a shared commitment to helping girls thrive, Gamma Phi Beta's Gamma Eta Chapter is helping build a future where every girl knows her potential is limitless and every finish line is just the beginning!