This year, Girls on the Run Kansas City is celebrating a special milestone: 10 years of leadership from our President & CEO, Gina Lichte.

For the past decade, Gina has led GOTRKC with joy, passion and an unwavering belief that every girl deserves the opportunity to discover her strength, build confidence and know she can do hard things.

“You can't think of Girls on the Run without thinking of our joyful and confident leader, Gina,” shared Victoria Wymer. “In her decade with Girls on the Run, Gina's vision of bringing Girls on the Run to as many girls as possible in the greater Kansas City area has been brought to life by sharing her passion with everyone she encounters!”

That vision can be seen in the impact of GOTRKC today. In the past year, 3,173 girls were served across 18 counties and more than 115 schools and community sites. Our work was supported by approximately 1,750 volunteers contributing more than 32,000 volunteer hours, while financial assistance helped ensure cost was not a barrier for the girls and families we serve. 

As Renee Schloss shared, “Gina embodies GOTR in everything she does and in who she is. For her, it’s not just a mission, it’s a way of life. Her sparkle is almost as contagious as her laugh and she leaves the most shining, indelible mark on anyone lucky enough to cross her path.”

Gina’s 10-year anniversary comes at an especially meaningful moment as Girls on the Run Kansas City prepares to celebrate 20 years of impact in 2027. Since GOTRKC began in Kansas City in 2007, the organization has continued to grow its reach — and in its 20th year, the goal is to bring Girls on the Run to even more girls by adding 20 new sites across our community. 

Ten years of Gina’s leadership. Twenty years of Girls on the Run in Kansas City. And thousands of girls who have discovered just how powerful they can be.

Gina, thank you for a decade of leading with courage, confidence, connection — and plenty of sparkle. Here’s to everything still ahead.