This is one of 12 finalists for the Herald Business Journal’s Emerging Leaders award, which seeks to highlight and celebrate people who are doing good work in Snohomish County. The winner will be named at an event on April 12.
Name: Megan Wolfe
Age: 36
Profession: Executive director, Girls on the Run of Snohomish County
Girls on the Run of Snohomish County has made impressive strides in a short time. The nonprofit uses running and an experience-based curriculum to empower girls and grow their self confidence.
Three years ago, the program began in the county with 165 girls. Last year, 334 girls went through the program. This year, 450 to 500 girls are expected from eight school districts.
Megan Wolfe has overseen all of it. She’s the executive director, who brought the national nonprofit to the county.
“I pour my energy into building a strong, sustainable organization that does great work for both young girls and the many adults associated with our program,” Wolfe said.
Wolfe is also one of two returning Emerging Leader candidates who made the Top 12 list last year. She felt her nomination was premature, because her organization was still in the start up phase. To be labeled a “leader” felt forced. She was still unsure of herself.
In the past year, she has seen growth in herself and her self confidence. She’s also had the opportunity to join Leadership Snohomish County’s Signature Class. Through it, she discovered so many causes she cares deeply about, such as voting rights, community planning, economic development and public safety.
She’s using her confidence and newfound skills to to build on Girls on the Run of Snohomish County, which has three paid employees and a budget for this fiscal year of $163,000.
Wolfe said she feeds off every girl who participates in the program, every volunteer who gives their time and every parent who sees their child’s confidence grow.
“In working to empower girls, I have empowered myself to boldly pursue my dreams and am activating my limitless potential every day,” Wolfe said.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
