Jordan Ross began Building Strong Girls long before she stepped onto a college campus. Growing up in Seattle, Jordan participated in Girls on the Run with the Puget Sound council, where she learned lessons about confidence, perseverance, and belonging that stayed with her long after the program ended. Today, as a member of the Lambda chapter of Gamma Phi Beta at the University of Washington, Jordan has found herself in a powerful full-circle moment: supporting the organization that once supported her.
Gamma Phi Beta and Girls on the Run share a long history of making an impact on young girls’ lives. Gamma Phi Beta is the longest-standing National Partner of Girls on the Run International, with a philanthropic mission centered on Building Strong Girls. For Jordan, that mission isn’t just a phrase — it’s something she experienced firsthand.
One memory from her time in the program stands out above the rest.
“One moment that always stands out is finishing the 5K,” Jordan said. “I remember being so tired but also feeling this overwhelming sense of pride that I actually did it. It wasn’t even about the running — it was realizing I was capable of more than I thought.”
Jordan as a Girls on the Run participant (left), and at the recent Gamma Phi Beta REAL Leadership Academy.
Like many Girls on the Run participants, the lessons Jordan learned extended far beyond the finish line. The emphasis on confidence and self-belief stuck with her as she grew up, shaping how she approaches new challenges and moments of self-doubt.
“A phrase that stuck with me is about being confident in who you are,” she said. “I still carry that with me today, especially in situations where I might doubt myself.”
Years later, when Jordan began exploring student organizations at the University of Washington, she didn’t initially realize how closely her past experiences would connect to her future.
“I think Girls on the Run definitely played a role in my decision to join Gamma Phi Beta, even if I didn’t fully realize it at first,” she explained. “Knowing that Gamma Phi Beta supports Girls on the Run made it feel like a place that aligned with my values and something I had already connected to growing up. It made it feel more meaningful than just joining any organization.”
That connection became even more powerful after she joined. “It’s a really cool feeling to go from being a participant to now being part of something that gives back to girls in the same way,” Jordan said. “It made joining Gamma Phi Beta feel even more meaningful and personal to me.”
For Jordan, Gamma Phi Beta’s focus on Building Strong Girls is so personal because she once benefited from the support of Girls on the Run.
“[My coaches] were always so encouraging and positive, and they made everyone feel included no matter your ability level,” she said. “They didn’t just focus on running, they really cared about how we felt and helped build our confidence. They modeled kindness, patience, and what it looks like to support others without judgment.”
Jordan (far left) volunteering at a Girls on the Run 5K with other Gamma Phi Beta members.
Today, those lessons continue to guide Jordan, especially when she volunteers and works to create the same kind of welcoming environment for others.
When asked what she would tell college students considering volunteering with Girls on the Run, Jordan doesn’t hesitate.
“I would say 100% do it,” she said. “It’s honestly one of the most rewarding things you can be a part of. You get to build real relationships with the girls and actually see their confidence grow over time, which is really special. It doesn’t feel like just volunteering — it feels like you’re making a real impact on someone’s life.”
And for the girls currently participating in the program she once loved?
“I would tell them to just be themselves and not worry about what anyone else thinks,” Jordan said. “Enjoy the experience, because it really does go by fast. It’s something you’ll look back on and appreciate.”
From a proud 5K finisher in Seattle to a Gamma Phi Beta member helping carry forward the mission of Building Strong Girls, Jordan’s story is a reminder that the impact of Girls on the Run doesn’t end at the finish line. For many participants, like Jordan, it’s only the beginning.
Ready to make an impact in your community? Find your local council and get involved with Girls on the Run.
