The Living Limitless Grant was designed to empower participants and alumnae to turn their dreams into reality.
"Since 2005, Girls on the Run Rockies has served nearly 70,000 girls in Colorado. We were eager to hear directly from those girls to know how the program has impacted them even after their time in elementary school," says Katie Redfield, incoming Executive Director of Girls on the Run of the Rockies. "The Living Limitless grant is an opportunity for us to hear our alumnae’s stories, discover what they remembered about being in Girls on the Run, and most importantly, see the valuable contributions they are making now."
A distinguished review panel selected three alumnae to receive funding for their academic, creative, and personal pursuits:
Living Limitless: Penelope competes in the National Speech & Debate Tournament
Where did you participate in Girls on the Run?
Palmer Elementary School
When did you participate in Girls on the Run?
2018-2019
What grades did you participate in Girls on the Run?
4th-5th grade
Penelope is in her first semester at Purdue University and was awarded $2,000 to attend the National Speech & Debate Tournament in Fairfax, VA.
"The idea of living limitless breaks all of these boundaries that are systemically enforced upon young women. Through the process of striving to meet these traits and live up to the expectations of society, slowly, young women might lose themselves in the process. Living limitless simply means that instead of conforming to society, you decide to follow the path that makes you feel most fulfilled and free. Girls on the Run does an amazing job of promoting this idea, by changing what it means to 'run like a girl.'"
Living Limitless: Katelyn preps for her Chartered Financial Analysis exams
Where did you participate in Girls on the Run?
Renaissance Expeditionary Magnet School in Castle Rock, CO
When did you participate in Girls on the Run?
2013-2016
What grades did you participate in Girls on the Run?
4th-6th grade
Katelyn graduated in May from Central College in Pella, IA, where she triple majored in economics, mathematics, and Spanish. She was also on the trianthon team and placed 20th in Nationals.
“Girls on the Run was a highlight of elementary school experience. Not only did it give me a fun way to stay active, but it was also a space where I grew emotionally, mentally, and socially. Through the program, I made new friends, found role models in my coaches, and experienced the value of hard work. I still remember the sense of pride that came with crossing the finish line after every 5K. While those physical achievements were meaningful, the greatest lesson I learned from Girls on the Run was how to discover, accept, and express myself.”
Katelyn was awarded $1,500 to cover the cost of registration and study materials for the Chartered Financial Analyst Level I exams.
Living Limitless: Entreprenuer Nelly starts her own dog biscuit company
Where did you participate in Girls on the Run?
Palmer Elementary 2025, Carson Elementary 2026
When did you participate in Girls on the Run?
2025-2026
What grades did you participate in Girls on the Run?
3rd-4th grade
Nelly's greatest lesson from Girls on the Run? "I learned to be myself. Heart power is an excellent way of teaching to be kind, and courageous! I felt I was showing heart power while making Wolf’s, because It's not just a business it's about sharing and community, plus I donate to my animal shelter. I really want to be a vet, and I feel that after learning about heart power, I started being more myself, like pursuing my dream to be a vet while having Wolf’s. The greatest lesson in Girls On The Run I learned was being my true self even when it's hard, because you can’t be either kind or courageous without being true to yourself."
Nelly was awarded $1,000 to be used to create her own organic dog biscuit company, Wolf’s. Proceeds from her business will go to her local animal shelter, where she is a volunteer.
The Living Limitless Grant was created to extend the impact of Girls on the Run beyond the season-long program. By removing barriers and investing in their ambitions, Girls on the Run Rockies aims to remind alumnae that their potential is limitless long after their time in the program ends.