Our History

The story of Girls Gotta Run Foundation is much the same as the community it serves – a story of tenacious women and men coming together to overcome barriers and empower a new generation of female leaders and runners.

In 2006, Girls Gotta Run Inc., was established as the first and only 501(c)3 non-profit organization with the mission of providing support for impoverished Ethiopian girls who are training to be professional runners.  After reading an article in the Washington Post about girls using running to change their lives in Ethiopia, retired women’s studies Professor, Dr. Patricia Ortman founded the all-volunteer organization with the humble mission of providing funds for shoes and athletic gear for these tenacious girls.  

In 2012, Kayla Nolan joined the organization as Executive Director, building Girls Gotta Run’s signature Athletic Scholarship Program model alongside community members in Ethiopia and expanding the organization’s impact. Girls Gotta Run adapted its mission to invest in girls who are using running and education to empower themselves and their communities in Ethiopia. Girls Gotta Run has continued to develop its program model to best fit the needs of the community, including integrating the Mother’s Savings Group and the Alumni Project to ensure the program’s sustainability.

In 2020, Girls Gotta Run welcomed a new Executive Director, Danielle Taylor.

Since it’s inception, Girls Gotta Run has seen 96% of its program participants in its two program locations avoid early marriage, complete the Girls Gotta Run program in full, and enter higher levels of education.