Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Weinberger.
Hi Diane, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my Miami journey on Key Biscayne where my boyfriend and I moved after law school. We lawyered during the week and explored the reefs and windsurfing coves every weekend. His job took us to NYC but one wedding and three sons later we are thrilled to be back. I had started distance running on the Rickenbacker Causeway while studying for the bar and during our time away, I founded the Hamptons Marathon & Half, a race that has been named one of the top 10 destination races in the country. I also worked with Girls on the Run NYC, a not-for-profit afterschool program that empowers young girls through running. I chaired their board and was a coach for 6 years.
When we returned to Miami (during COVID like so many New Yorkers) I was shocked that there was no GOTR council…so I started one. I got us a 501(c)(3), put together a founding board and tapped my Hamptons Marathon co-founder and together we have built GOTR Miami. We hosted GOTR in 2 schools last fall, our first season. Next fall, we expect to be in 6 schools and are hosting a community 5K at The Underline on December 7th. As a 5 time marathoner, I know what it takes to get to the starting line and the pride and confidence I feel when I cross the finish line. That is what we are giving to these girls through GOTR.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s easier for people to say no to you than to try something new. When we proposed the Hamptons Marathon we were told it couldn’t be done, the town didn’t want it. I look at no as a starting point to a negotiation. 18 months later we had our permits and now we welcome 2,500 runners each fall.
I’ve hit similar roadblocks starting the Girls on the Run council here in Miami. I’ve spent a year meeting with school administrators, parents, and runners. They hear how GOTR targets 3rd through 5th-grade girls with programming that combines running with critical life skills before girls’ overall physical activity and confidence levels decline and what’s not to like…but then change is scary and they already have a running program or… but we are building a brand, recruiting coaches and growing incrementally. The other challenge has been MDCPS but we are working with a great team there now that is helping us navigate the obstacles.
I love GOTR because it teaches girls that they can do hard things. I’ve run Boston twice, climbed Kilimanjaro, and done the rim-to-rim twice. I use the lessons of GOTR to push myself, to find my limit and cruse along past it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We are still new in town, so I’m really the head cheerleader of Girls on the Run. Outreach is essential, and I’m focused on building our brand among teachers, school administrators, and parents. My days are spent in meetings raising awareness that GOTR has impacted the lives of over 2 million girls nationally since its founding and that we are here in Miami.
Also, I recently trained as a divorce mediator and try to take a few cases a month. I can sleep when I’m dead…
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
As an NFP, the outlook is uncertain because federal funding is shifting. But we seek look to city and foundation support and afterschool programing, particularly a physical activity program like ours is essential.
We are diversifying our revenue streams by hosting a community 5K on December 7th to both build our brand and fundraise. We also have an endurance program for adults called SoleMates and we have bibs for the Miami Marathon & Half next January. Running is a constant so we are optimistic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gotrmiami.org/
- Instagram: @gotrmiami
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianekweinberger262/
