Today we’d like to introduce you to Robyn Cutler.
Hi Robyn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a young girl I had very little confidence and did poorly in school due to undiagnosed learning issues. In middle school, I became the ‘troublemaker’. I discovered that I fit in better if I became popular; I started drinking alcohol and smoking pot in middle school. I spent more time having a good time than I did on my studies. I went to 4 colleges and suffered from an eating disorder. In my early 40’s I was raising four children, three of them girls, I was a distance runner and discovered Girls on the Run. In 2007, I went to the Girls on the Run training in Charlotte, NC. Attending the training was the first time the lights came on for me. I also realized I did not want my children to struggle as I did. I started the Northeast Ohio Girls on the Run council in 2007 with 12 girls. Flash forward to 2024, the council has served over 18,000 girls in six Northeast Ohio Counties. I not only feel that I have had the privilege of being part of this amazing program which has done so much for me, but I have also had the tremendous privilege to help so many young girls and adult volunteers become the best version of themselves.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a non-profit has been a learning experience. Not only did I begin the Council with very little confidence, I also did not possess many of the skills that are needed to be the leader of a non-profit. I have had to learn how to raise funds, manage people, be organized, advocate for others; the list goes on.
Girls on the Run is not a running program, a challenge is ensuring that our audiences knows that we are so much more.
Leading Girls on the Run is more than a full-time job. Finding time to raise a family, run a non-profit, and ensure the girls and volunteers have quality experience has been challenging.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I serve as the Executive Director for Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio.
Girls on the Run is a non-profit self-esteem, character-building program with a fitness component for girls ages 8-15. Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using fun, experience-based curricula that creatively integrates running.
Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio is known for instilling strength, integrity, and confidence in young girls.
Girls on the Run reaches girls at a critical stage, strengthening their confidence at a time when society begins to tell them they can’t. Underscoring the important connection between physical and emotional health, our program addresses the whole girl when she needs it the most.
I am most proud of having the courage to introduce Girls on the Run to Northeast Ohio in 2007, starting with 12 girls. To date, the Council has served over 18,000 girls in six Northeast Ohio counties: Summit, Lorain, Cuyahoga, Portage, Lake, and Cuyahoga. I have served as the founder and Executive Director for almost 17 years. Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio serves ALL girls, including those with special physical or emotional disabilities,
The program teaches girls how to become the best version of themselves, while also training and completing a non-competitive 5k.
What makes you happy?
I am happiest when I can help others. I love giving back, saying kind things to others, and being able to collaborate with girls and adults to help them realize their limitless potential. I also am extremely happy being with my children and grandchild and, of course, my husband. I am happy that I found the joy of triathlon and endurance running. The examples above allow me to focus on the positive, appreciate quiet, and empower others.
Pricing:
- The registration fee for Girls on the Run is $185.00 for 20 lessons. However, we never turn a girl away. Anyone who needs financial assistance to participate is welcome to use it, no questions asked.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gotrnortheastohio.org/
- Instagram:www.instagram.com/gotrnortheastohio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/454058151427638
- Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8565027
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/GOTR_NEO
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV5c7UbsL_iYqfPXyEa3fqg
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@girls_on_the_run_neo
