When Nora Gorczyca’s daughter started at Fairburn Avenue Elementary, she knew she wanted to bring Girls on the Run to the school. Having seen the program in action at other schools where she had worked, she had witnessed firsthand the positive impact it could have on girls.
Today, as Fairburn’s Girls on the Run site liaison, Nora has the joy of seeing that impact up close, and watching girls discover just how much they are capable of.
Building confidence, one step at a time
“Girls on the Run is so much more than a running program,” Nora shares. “It gives girls an opportunity to build confidence and self-esteem, form meaningful friendships, stay active, and work together toward the shared goal of completing a 5K.”
For Nora, one of the most rewarding parts of the program is watching the fifth-grade girls naturally step into leadership roles. They encourage the younger participants, offer support, and become mentors and role models. The friendships that form between girls of different ages are a reminder of the power of bringing girls together to learn and grow.
Celebrating what girls can accomplish together
After Fairburn’s first Girls on the Run 5K, the school held an assembly to recognize the participants and celebrate their accomplishment. The girls were incredibly proud of themselves, and Nora could see a real difference in their confidence.
“They had worked toward something challenging together and discovered what they were capable of accomplishing,” she reflects.
A program that stays with them
Nora believes in the power of programs like Girls on the Run to help girls find their voices, stand up for themselves and others, build community, and learn to navigate challenges with confidence. These are skills that extend far beyond the running trail and can shape how girls see themselves and show up in the world.
“I believe every girl deserves the opportunity to participate in a program like Girls on the Run,” Nora says. “The friendships, confidence, leadership skills, and sense of accomplishment they gain can stay with them long after the program ends.”
Running also offers something girls can carry into adulthood: a healthy, lifelong activity that can connect them with others and continue to bring joy and a sense of community.
As a mom, Nora is grateful that her own daughters have had the opportunity to participate in Girls on the Run. And as a site liaison, she gets to see those same benefits extend to girls throughout the Fairburn community.
At Girls on the Run of Los Angeles County, we are grateful for volunteers like Nora who help bring our program to their schools and create opportunities for girls to grow, connect, and discover their strengths.
Find out more about how to bring Girls on the Run to your school. Questions? Contact program@gotrla.org.