As part of Girls on the Run NJ East’s 25th anniversary celebration, we’re spotlighting 25 incredible voices that have shaped our journey. First up: Sydney Davis, the founder of Girls on the Run NJ East. From humble beginnings to a movement that has empowered over 25,000 girls, Sydney shares the fun, the challenges, and the moments that still make her smile.

The Spark That Started It All

Sometimes, life gives you a moment of absolute clarity. For Sydney, that moment came after working at a domestic violence shelter while pursuing her Master’s in Counseling. The experience left a profound impact, fueling a deep desire to create a proactive, confidence-building space for young girls.

Enter Girls on the Run. When Sydney stumbled upon the program, she knew she had to bring it to her community—not just for her own daughters, but for all young girls navigating the complex journey to womanhood.

Dean Shontz with Sydney

Launching GOTR NJ East wasn’t just about grand plans; it was about grassroots hustle. Picture this: Sydney, with her newborn strapped to her chest and a toddler in a stroller, trekking through the snowy streets of Millburn, knocking on doors, asking for sponsorships. Then, a defining moment—a visit to the Sneaker Factory where the owner, Dean Shontz, handed her a $500 sponsorship check. "It was like winning the lottery," she recalls.

Unexpected Connections and Magic Moments

Sydney’s journey with GOTR is filled with serendipitous moments, like walking into an info session at Smith College and realizing the program’s founder, Molly Barker, was her high school chemistry teacher. Or running the very first GOTR 5K in a downpour, holding hands with her next-door neighbor as they crossed the finish line, laughing and crying in the rain.

"She couldn’t see because her glasses were so fogged over, so we were holding hands and screaming and laughing and busting across the first of many finish lines."

Then there were the “tub parties” (stocking coach supplies in her living room), backyard coach trainings, and recruiting amazing women—sometimes on the spot at 5Ks—to help grow the program. One such spontaneous recruitment led to a lifelong friendship.

Building a Legacy

Over the years, GOTR NJ East has blossomed into a powerhouse of empowerment. Sydney recalls the pivotal milestones: hiring her first staff member, securing major grants, forming the legendary “Dream Team” of volunteers and leaders, and finding a steadfast supporter in Annie Seelaus, CEO of R. Seelaus, a certified women-owned investment and management firm. A longtime champion of GOTR, Annie played a crucial role in securing early funding and expanding the program’s reach. Her belief in the mission and tireless advocacy continues through today, ensuring that more girls, regardless of background, can participate and benefit from the program’s life-changing lessons. 

Crossing the 5K finish line in Florham Park

Through it all, Sydney witnessed firsthand how a simple running program transformed into a sanctuary for girls—a place where they could find strength, confidence, and lifelong friendships.

“I am confident that this program has touched thousands of lives—not just the girls but also the coaches. The ripple effect of empowerment has truly created a movement of good, and I am so proud and happy to be a part of that.”

Life After GOTR

While Sydney has since passed the leadership baton at GOTR, her commitment to personal growth hasn’t waned. As an executive coach, she continues to use GOTR principles to inspire leaders. She’s also embraced a promise she made to herself when she started the program: to do one hard thing every year. From earning her Professional Coach Certification to hiking the Camino de Santiago trail, she continues to challenge herself—just like she encouraged her GOTR girls to do.

Her adventures have taken her around the world, from Australia to Portugal, but her heart remains in New Jersey, where she cherishes family time, a growing passion for golf (sparked by a GOTR fundraiser), and even a newfound love for painting.

Words of Wisdom

As GOTR NJ East moves into the next 25 years, Sydney has one simple yet powerful message for the team and volunteers who keep the mission alive:

“Keep on doing the great work!”

Sydney’s story is a testament to what can happen when passion meets persistence. From a spark of inspiration to a thriving movement, her journey is a reminder that when we invest in girls, we change the world.

Stay tuned for the next feature in our “25 VOICES” series, celebrating the changemakers who have shaped our community!