Jeff Soileau became involved with Girls on the Run South Louisiana (then Greater Baton Rouge) as a founding Board of Directors member. Fifteen years later, Jeff remains an avid supporter of Girls on the Run and continues to positively impact the health of community members through his work as a Population Health Strategic Advisor with Louisiana Blue.
Why did Jeff get involved with Girls on the Run? As a runner and working with another founding board member, Alyson McCain to support pediatric wellness, the GOTR program was a great fit. Jeff expected a running program that would boost kids’ physical activity levels. What he didn’t expect was all that would be added to the running experience.
“There was so much more social-emotional learning than I could have imagined.” Jeff shared. He recalls a memory with a Girls on the Run team at St. James Episcopal Day School. The lesson was focused on learning how to ask and offer help. He saw girls develop empathy and girls realize that they weren’t alone. Jeff says that’s when he knew Girls on the Run was for every girl.
As a board member, Jeff was a part of the expansive growth of Girls on the Run from Greater Baton Rouge to include the 18-parish south Louisiana region. He emceed several of the Girls on the Run 5K celebrations, volunteered throughout the organization, and continues to support the program as a monthly donor.
When asked what he would tell other community members about getting involved, Jeff shares, “If you say ‘I’m not a runner. I can’t be involved,’ it’s not true. Girls on the Run needs skill sets and experiences beyond running to impact the lives of girls and create a sustainable organization. “
Jeff's advice was to assess where your expertise or skills are, professional work related or not. Find the role that best suits your expertise and how you want to spend your time. He shares that a board role is a great way to grow the impact you have on an organization. Your volunteer time in turn helps thousands of girls.
He also suggested speaking with your employer. Employers may provide allotted volunteer hours, will financially match an employee donation, or will sponsor the nonprofit of your choice.
We’re so grateful for the time, talents, and gifts Jeff continues to provide Girls on the Run.
This month, we’re asking you to join Jeff as a monthly donor because Together, We Go Further. Join at $15 a month or an amount that is meaningful to you and you’ll receive quarterly impact reports and comped entries to our celebration 5Ks.
