At Girls on the Run NJ East, we are lucky to have coaches who go above and beyond to uplift young girls. Dr. Lynnette Dortrait is one of those leaders. As a dedicated volunteer coach and the principal of McKinley Elementary School in Newark, she has made it her mission to empower students through education, mentorship, and the transformative power of running.
Dr. Dortrait’s journey with GOTR began as an advocate and volunteer in Jersey City, ensuring that young girls had access to this life-changing program. When she became principal of McKinley Elementary, she knew she wanted to bring the program to her students and when faced with a shortage of coaches, she jumped in without hesitation.
“I decided to step up and coach because I believe in the impact the program has on our young ladies."
Finding Strength in Running
Dr. Dortrait’s passion for running was sparked in 2017 when she challenged herself to run her first half marathon. Crossing that finish line in Atlantic City was a defining moment. “I remember thinking, I can do anything I put my mind to,” she recalls. That sense of accomplishment, strength, and resilience fueled her love for running and led her to see it as a powerful tool for personal growth. Dr. Dortrait sees GOTR as an opportunity to introduce young girls to that same feeling of empowerment through movement.
Leading with Heart
Her passion for student success extends far beyond GOTR. As principal, Dr. Dortrait has worked tirelessly to create a school environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.
“It fills my soul to see children happily skipping in the hallways because school should be a place where children are excited to be."
Under her leadership, McKinley Elementary has experienced tremendous growth, receiving recognition as a top 5 elementary school in Newark from U.S. News.
Her commitment to student empowerment is evident in every aspect of her work. Whether she’s cheering on a young girl as she crosses the finish line of her first 5K or leading initiatives that elevate academic success, Dr. Dortrait believes in the power of perseverance and community.
"The program allows our young ladies to develop a relationship with their mind and body, and I have witnessed firsthand how it empowers them to overcome self-doubt and embrace their own strength.”
One of her most cherished GOTR moments was seeing a participant realize the power of her own determination: "Wow, I did it. I trained for it and I finished it, and it feels so good." It’s this spirit of resilience and accomplishment that drives Dr. Dortrait in both her coaching and leadership.
Looking ahead, she hopes to see GOTR NJ East continue to grow, reaching even more young girls and inspiring them to step into their strength. With leaders like Dr. Dortrait paving the way, the future of GOTR is brighter than ever.
Thank you, Dr. Dortrait, for being a powerful force for change, both in the classroom and at practice!