STAFF: 

Council Director -  Zarine Anklesaria, councildirector@gotr-milwaukee.org

Many of us can attribute our individual achievements to the positive influences and mentorship we received when we were younger. I know I certainly owe my successes to those who have taken the time to guide me through life’s events, both positive and negative. Girls on the Run gives accomplished women the opportunity to mentor young girls, encouraging them to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle and emphasizes the importance of developing strong friendships with other women. Girls on the Run shows young women that they are beautiful, empowered, and have every reason in the world to be confident in their abilities. I wish this program had existed when I was younger, and I am so incredibly excited to be able to offer it to girls in the Greater Milwaukee Community. 

Site Coordinator – Nancy Spransy, sites@gotr-milwaukee.org

EXECUTIVE BOARD:

Stacey Meyer – Board Chair, president@gotr-milwaukee.org

The girls who participate in Girls on the Run take away so much more than completion of a 5k, they gain a new appreciation for themselves and those around them. Having been involved in both athletics and after-school activities throughout my school years, I know the impact these activities can have on the development and self-esteem of a girl. Everyone faces challenges growing up and Girls on the Run gives girls the tools they need to succeed and steer themselves in the right direction. I am excited and grateful to be part of Girls on the Run because it really does change lives.

Jen Costa – Board Vice-Chair

I became involved with GOTR 3 years ago because I’ve personally experienced and counseled girls dealing with “girl box” issues.  I feel strongly about being involved with an organization that provides the tools young girls need to build confidence and feel good about being “in their own skin”.  Aiding in the growth of this chapter is vital to not only these girls’ futures, but ours as well.  

Ann Marie Gamperl – Treasurer, treasurer@gotr-milwaukee.org

Having been involved in athletics my entire life, I understand that staying active and achieving a healthy lifestyle can play a vital role in a young girl’s self esteem.  I love that Girls on the Run instills these important lessons at such a crucial age and teaches girls to celebrate themselves.  Having a strong sense of self will be a pillar to each of them as they experience life and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of an organization that aides in that process!

Secretary, secretary@gotr-milwaukee.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Samantha Maldonado

Having a young daughter of my own, I understand the need and focus of preparing our daughters and young girls for the future, GOTR does just that. I believe in what GOTR is striving to accomplish and I am proud to be part of the driving force in helping our youth feel confident about themselves and their future. We need to encourage our young girls to be active and GOTR fulfills the need to for the sense of accomplishment these girls need as well as provides an environment focused on their well-being. I am proud to be on board and promote this innovative approach at preparing our young girls, and to have the opportunity to show my daughter that she has options in building who she is.

Lori Maldonado

I cannot imagine a more fitting organization for me.  I am a middle school counselor and understand the importance of young people maintaining both emotional and physical health.  Additionally I am a very active person and running is just one of the many ways I stay physically active and healthy.  GOTR allows me to be a part of something that connects with me both personally and professionally.

Lori Bokowy

Sara Schnoor

As a child growing up with a ridiculous lack of hand-eye coordination, I stayed as far away as I could from team sports, which for a young girl in the early 1980’s meant that there were few other prospects for fitness activities outside of my regular gym class.  For this reason, my passion for physical fitness came much later in life. 

I was drawn to Girls on the Run not only because of the 5k training opportunity that it provides to young girls, but also the self-esteem component.  Our participants have the chance to incorporate fitness into their lives at a young age and learn to be comfortable in their own skin while participating.  If only I would have had a program like this back then!  

Leia Scoptur

I have spent most of my adult life working with children from all walks of life. However, through my work as a counselor with at-risk kids and with my work through the Milwaukee Public Schools, I saw first hand how children can make bad choices so easily because they lack the foundation of self-respect, self-esteem and confidence.  I was drawn to Girls on the Run, because I think girls are especially vulnerable to peer and societal pressures.  This programs gives girls the skills, resources and safety to grow into confident and self-assured young women.  These girls can then share the message with others and their family.  The additional benefit of athletics and running helps send an even clearer message of healthy living to the girls and gives them an outlet for dealing with stress and other things life throws their way.

Kara Scott

Leila Wright

I chose to get involved with Girls on the Run because as soon as I started learning about the program I fell in love with it.  Growing up I was very shy but was involved in athletics so I was able to overcome of my shyness and make friends.  I understand that not all girls are athletic and not all girls want to participate in sports; Girls on the Run seems like the perfect program for them.  Growing up as a girl is tough, and girls can be really nasty to each other so it is great to be part of an organization that is trying to change that one girl at a time.