Meet Erica, our December Girl Hero. 

A Girls on the Run alum turned coach and site liaison, Erica returned to the program last spring with a passion for giving today’s girls the same sense of confidence and belonging she found as a participant in 2005. This year, she also shared her story as one of our girl speakers at the 2025 Limitless Potential Brunch—an inspiring moment that highlighted just how far her journey has carried her.

Growing up in South Phoenix, Erica discovered Girls on the Run at a time when after-school activities didn’t always feel accessible. GOTR became the place where she felt supported, encouraged, and able to dream big—lessons that stayed with her as she became a teacher, bought her first home, wrote a children’s book about bravery, and began pursuing a career in nursing.

One of Erica’s favorite parts of coaching was watching her team blossom—girls who began the season quiet or unsure grew into confident runners who encouraged one another every step of the way. “Every girl deserves to know she belongs, she is capable, and she is powerful,” she shared.

Erica will continue serving as site liaison this spring, bringing Girls on the Run back to the school she taught at last year and helping more girls build confidence, strength, and joy.