Meet Cyndi Roy Gonzalez

Executive Director, Girls on the Run

Cyndi Roy Gonzalez is the Executive Director of Girls on the Run, a nonprofit in the Greater Boston area that inspires, empowers, and encourages girls through physical activity. Girls on the Run is hosting their annual Sneaker Soiree on Thursday, November 7th, 2024. Learn more about sponsoring and attending here.

Q: What drew you to nonprofit, mission-driven work?

A: Before joining Girls on the Run staff, I volunteered for several years as a GOTR coach in Needham and served as chair of our Board of Directors. I had a career in state and local government (I have always been drawn to service-type work!), but once I had the chance to witness first hand the transformative impact of our program on young girls, I knew that I wanted to work full time to expand the program so that every girl who wants to can experience Girls on the Run. In today’s world, girls are constantly inundated with negative messages about their self worth and limitations. I want girls to know that they are capable of anything they set their minds to and that the world needs them to show up as their true, authentic selves.

Q: Girls on the Run continues to grow and reach more and more young girls. What has made the organization so successful?

A: First, I have to acknowledge our incredible coaches – to offer Girls on the Run in 2024 over two seasons, we will rely on 900 volunteer coaches! It’s incredible to see adults giving their time and energy to make a positive impact on girls and young women. Second, we know that there is a crisis of connection and that girls are suffering from depression, anxiety, and loneliness at all-time high levels. Our program helps girls build self-confidence, resilience, connection and community. For 90 minutes twice a week, the phones get put away and girls build friendships while moving their bodies in ways that feel good. Finally, I need to shout out our incredible partners who continue to lend us the financial support we need to provide the program at a cost that is affordable for families. 60 percent of our girls receive financial aid to participate in Girls on the Run – we never turn a girl away because of her family’s ability to pay.

Q: What is your favorite thing about working for GOTR?

A: 5K day! I love standing at the finish line of the GOTR 5K each season. There is nothing so joyful as watching thousands of girls start and complete a 3.1 mile race at their Happy Pace! For lots of those girls and their families, the GOTR 5K is the first time they’ll run a race and it’s incredibly inspiring and moving to see how proud they are of themselves and their teammates.

Q: The Sneaker Soiree is GOTR’s signature event. What makes the event special and how can people get involved?

A: We call the Sneaker Soiree the most comfortable gala in town! Attendees wear their cocktail attire with their favorite sneakers to embody the Girls on the Run spirit and celebrate our girls. We bring hundreds of people together to enjoy great food and drinks while hearing directly from participants about the impact GOTR has had on their lives. The funds raised that night go directly to provide scholarships for girls who would otherwise be unable to afford the program. We’re so excited that this year we’ll be at Fenway Park for our Sneaker Soiree on Thursday, November 7th! We’d love everyone to join us! Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here. If you can’t make it but still want to support Girls on the Run Greater Boston, you can make a donation that will allow a girl to participate for one or more seasons. Thank you for your support!