Volunteer Diaries: Girls on the Run San Diego

Born and raised in Southeast San Diego, Lauryn Gabriel is a proud first-generation college graduate who says she values the opportunity to give back to the community that shaped her. She also volunteers on the marketing committee for the Young Nonprofit Network in San Diego. Having overcome two knee replacements and countless other challenges, Gabriel attributes her success to her faith, her family’s unwavering support, and her work giving back, particularly with Girls on the Run.

Girls on the Run San Diego is part of a global movement that helps third- to eighth-grade girls build their confidence and navigate life’s challenges through physical activity and social-emotional lessons. GOTRSD’s inclusive and research-based curriculum fosters healthy physical and mental habits, with trained volunteer coaches guiding the girls. As a program volunteer, Gabriel works directly with youth to develop skills that will last beyond their time in the program.

What made you want to work for this organization?

Last year, I underwent a total knee replacement on my left knee, marking a significant step toward regaining my mobility. Overcoming the mental and physical challenges of transitioning from being fully able-bodied to using a wheelchair was incredibly tough. I promised myself that by the end of my recovery, I would find a role that not only aligned with the woman I am becoming but also allowed me to impact my community and give back to the city that has given me so much.

In August 2023, while applying to numerous roles at a coffee shop, one opportunity stood out: Girls on the Run San Diego. This role offered the chance to work directly with girls in my community and extend the program to underserved areas that could greatly benefit from it. The organization’s core values resonated deeply with me, particularly: embracing our differences and finding strength in our connectedness, nurturing our physical, emotional, and spiritual health, leading with an open heart, and assuming positive intent. These values perfectly aligned with my personal journey and aspirations.

Moreover, this job came into my life during a time of profound personal healing. The same week I had my first interview for this role, I experienced the heartbreaking loss of my goddaughter, Caloni, who was just 8 years old. Despite the challenge, something drew me to this position. Every day I clock in, I keep her in mind—not only because she would have loved a program like this, but also because I saw so many of our core values reflected in her even at a young age. This role has been a source of healing and motivation for me, driving me to continue pouring into the lives of girls her age and beyond.

What do your job duties entail?

In my role, I have the opportunity to coordinate programming and outreach, as well as manage our social media accounts. This past spring, I was responsible for programming in the Escondido Unified School District, acting as the point of contact for 21 sites. This involved ensuring coaches were properly trained for the season and thoroughly understood the curriculum. Additionally, managing our social media became a passion of mine, as it allowed me to showcase the joy and impact this program has on our girls.

One of the key aspects that drew me to this role is the flexibility to learn and grow. This is particularly evident in the outreach portion of my responsibilities. My peers and board members often hear me emphasize the importance of community, which is at the heart of my work. Understanding the communities we currently serve and those we aim to reach in the future is crucial. My job involves figuring out how to introduce our Girls on the Run and Heart and Sole to new sites while focusing on how to best support them in implementing it.

Essentially, my role bridges gaps in various areas, whether it’s entering new spaces, forging new connections, or nurturing existing relationships to ensure our longevity. The multifaceted nature of this job brings me immense joy. While the title “Program Coordinator” can encompass many responsibilities, at Girls on the Run San Diego, it represents a unique blend of flexibility, community engagement, and the sheer excitement of seeing our girls complete their 5k.

The brightness that emanates from our council is not just due to our company colors but also our core values. This role has allowed me to create lasting experiences for the girls we serve and healing experiences for myself. I truly enjoy the work I do and the meaningful impact it has on our community.

Can you describe your favorite or most memorable experience while at GOTRSD?

I have two experiences that stand out to me. My favorite experience thus far has been completing our NCT (National Coach Training) to train the next generation of coaches. This training was held in Charlotte, NC, and I attended alongside our Program Operations Manager, Izabel. We both started at Girls on the Run a few weeks apart and have been inseparable since. This experience was particularly meaningful because it was the first time in a long while that I truly heard my own voice. Over the past four years, I have faced numerous challenges that many might not have overcome, but through faith and perseverance, I found my voice again at this training.

As this role is my first significant professional position, I initially experienced imposter syndrome, unable to believe where I had ended up after all I had been through. The training provided ample opportunities for speaking, networking, and learning, which empowered me and reaffirmed my commitment to the work I do. By the end of the training, women from councils across the country were approaching me, commending my eloquence and expressing their excitement for the future work at our council. This trip allowed me to embrace the differences in the room and find strength in our connectedness. It was the first time in four years that I felt truly seen for who I am, beyond my physical challenges and the post-graduate phase of self-discovery.

My second most memorable experience occurred during a site visit as the Liaison for Escondido Unified School District. I had developed a strong relationship with a coach via email and was eager to visit her site, Del Dios Academy of Visual and Performing Arts. Although I had to reschedule the visit due to physical therapy for my second total knee replacement, it turned out to be a profoundly memorable day.

Growing up in Southeast San Diego, I was accustomed to a sense of belonging within my community. When I arrived at Del Dios Academy, a young Black girl saw me and her face instantly lit up. In that moment, I knew what her smile meant—she felt a sense of belonging. Throughout the visit, she would glance at me, unsure about approaching me, which I understood as I had once been a sixth grader too. Eventually, I had the chance to talk with her, as well as with other girls on the team. She mentioned that she did not enjoy middle school due to the challenges of being historically underrepresented and facing unkind peers. I reminded her of the power of being a Black woman and encouraged her to embrace her identity, despite the challenges she might face in spaces where she may not be respected or accepted.

This site visit reinforced my purpose in this role. While my goal is to connect and build relationships within the broader community, I also aim to be a representation for young Black girls in our community who participate in this program. I am where I am today because of the Black women and men who poured into me growing up and continue to support me. There have been many times when I did not feel safe until I saw someone who looked like me. Both of these experiences have been deeply impactful, as they have allowed me to find my voice and use it to inspire and support others.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced is making meaningful change at a slow pace. Since starting this role, I’ve felt a greater purpose in my heart, but refining exactly what that purpose is has been a journey. Girls on The Run and Heart and Sole have been a transformative agent for many girls, but what about our historically underrepresented communities? What about our Black communities with limited access to resources or funding? Each season, we open a window for schools to be eligible for funding to reduce program costs, enabling more participation.

However, the reality is that, despite our best efforts, we can’t financially support every site. Over the past year, we as an organization have explored numerous ways to secure funding to support these schools and make our program more equitable and accessible to the communities that need us most. Growing up in Southeast San Diego, I attended Nye Elementary and O’Farrell Community School. I know firsthand that these students could benefit from our program, but not if they can’t afford it.

That’s why Girls on the Run San Diego firmly believes that every girl deserves to participate in our program and offers several types of financial assistance to anyone who needs it. All participants and their families will have access to discount codes for financial assistance. I’ve been balancing the goal of expanding our reach while welcoming back sites that were once part of our community before Covid-19. We may be a small team, but we are mighty in our resolve.

In my quest to discover my purpose and navigate the challenges of effecting change, I’ve yearned to provide young Black girls with opportunities I didn’t have. Systemically, I have encountered numerous barriers in this role. I’ve questioned why I was chosen for the challenge of change and whether my efforts truly contribute to this generation. At times, it has felt overwhelming to be just one person striving to create the change I envision.

One constant in this process has been the importance of community. Systemically, I feel that Black women in this organization lack the proper communication channels and agency, and representation in both the staff and board. Connecting with many educated Black women who share my commitment to increasing reach and accessibility for Black girls has been invaluable. I’ve learned that sometimes, I need to take a leap of faith, even if the results are slow to manifest.

We have had numerous discussions on using intentionality in the curriculum to support a culturally responsive and inclusive programming effort by both our team and coaches. We’ve faced multiple resistance and a continued journey of learning how to be responsive to communities of color which we redefine as “not yet.” Despite these obstacles, this role has shown me the challenges of being a successful young Black professional. There are numerous systemic barriers we must overcome to grow in the communities where we are most needed.

From these challenges, I have learned that challenges provoke change. There is always a better way to do something, and finding the right solution takes time. Challenge comes when change is moving in the right direction. The word “challenge” contains “change,” reminding me that perseverance is key. I must long for change, regardless of how hard it gets or how long it takes. The goal is to implement incremental changes now so that one day, the change will be evident across our organization. I am here on an assignment and have embraced the challenges that come my way.

We are currently working on securing funding and developing fundraising methods with the team to make our program more accessible to girls throughout San Diego County. This pursuit of change has challenged me to grow in unexpected ways and to use the voice that this role has helped me find. As the only Black woman on our staff, the challenges I face do not instill fear but inspire change. I am dedicated to sending out the challenge of change so that we can grow as a council, remain vigilant in our work, and continue to advocate for our community. I strive to be a representation for future Black professionals and express gratitude to my ancestors who embraced the change that comes with challenges.

The question remains: What change is being held back by this challenge? How can I take the first step towards that change?

Any advice for someone considering volunteering as a way to give back?

Take the leap of faith and do it. I have a younger sister, and with our ten-year age gap, I understand how different our perspectives can be. Volunteering with Girls on the Run San Diego is healing in many ways. Our GOTRSD community is incredibly special, with a passion that extends beyond the board and staff to our dedicated volunteers. There is a unique joy that permeates in this space, especially when we all share the same gratitude for our core values in order to create a better future for the next generation.

I have had the honor of connecting with many amazing volunteers and often hold space for them to share what led them to GOTRSD and what keeps them involved. Many express the sentiment of wishing they could have experienced this program as a child or being the representation for young girls that they needed when they were younger. Volunteering often heals the inner child, which is profoundly meaningful to me.

This is a wonderful space to volunteer if you’re new to my hometown and seeking community, or if you want to contribute to the lasting experiences the girls are part of. One core value to keep in mind is to lead with an open heart and assume positive intent. When you come into this space, leave your fears behind and allow yourself to be fully present. Lead with an open heart because, although we are working with the next generation of doctors, lawyers, educators, and changemakers, these girls inspire us with their wisdom, courage, vulnerability, curiosity, and desire for a better world.

Get in contact with our San Diego council, and we will welcome you into our community with open arms. Give us a follow on Instagram @gotrsd and feel free to visit our website gotrsd.org.