Non-Profit Spotlight | Jess Sparks | Girls on the Run

We are excited to take the month of February to highlight women making an impact in our community through the work they do in non-profit organizations. We asked these women to share one thing…why they are passionate about their work. We are inspired by their responses, and we know you will be, too! Today are thrilled to highlight our friend Jess Sparks who is dedicated to making a difference through the amazing work she does at the Girls on the Run!

As Executive Director of Girls on the Run of Central Ohio, the passion for my current work inspiring girls in grades 3-8 to be joyful, healthy and confident continues to evolve from the experiences I have had as a clinical counselor practicing in Central Ohio. Counseling children and their families continues to give me tremendous insight into the negative generational impact of low self esteem, which is confounded when an individual lacks life skills. When a girl is missing key life skills to help her navigate life’s challenges and then throw in a heaping helping of low self esteem, the toll on her social, emotional and physical health can lead to a multitude of negative outcomes. We can’t expect our girls to know how to speak up for themselves or others if we don’t practice doing so with them. We can’t expect girls to show empathy toward others if we don’t model caring for others and ourselves. We can’t expect girls to love their bodies, minds and all the incredible feats they are capable of conquering, if we don’t help them strengthen those muscles (mentally and physically). We can’t do it for them, but we sure can do this with them.