Welcome! I’m glad you are here! You most likely know me as the Founder of Girls on the Run International. I founded the organization in 1996 with thirteen girls in Charlotte, NC. Since then, thanks to thousands of volunteers, supporters and an amazing staff at our Girls on the Run Headquarters, the organization has expanded to every state in the US and has served over 2.5 million girls.

(If you’d like more info about how the whole thing got started, check out The Girls on the Run Origin Story.)

Since leaving the organization in 2013, I have gone on to do lots of things. I worked on Capitol Hill, traveled across the country listening to people share their stories, wrote some books, founded another organization that teaches the art of profound listening, advocated (and still do) at a very personal level, for people experiencing home and food insecurity, and somehow managed to launch two awesome kids.

In other words, I have lived and continue to live a big, unapologetic life.

I share all of this to say, that for 30 years, I’ve been working at the intersection of personal transformation and systemic change—creating spaces where people, long held at the edges, can reclaim their voice, purpose, and power.

Over these many years, I’ve witnessed how confidence, collaboration, and connection can shift the trajectory of a life and an organization. What began as a grassroots effort became a national movement, impacting millions and challenging cultural narratives about strength, leadership, and belonging.

At this stage in my career (and life), I find deep fulfillment in supporting those doing the work from the center—offering perspective, encouragement, and strategy from the side lines rather than the spotlight. I’m always open to meaningful collaborations—whether through advisory roles, contract work, or board service—with those working to create change that lasts.

Of course, I will continue to be a public speaker. While I never set out to be a “speaker,” I’ve found that sharing my story—honestly and with a little humor—creates space for others to do the same.

Please feel free to reach out to me directly at molly@mollybarkerspeaks.org.

For a complete copy of my bio, download from the following:

Molly’s Bio