Girls on the Run Georgia is celebrating an incredible milestone this year: 25 years of inspiring confidence in girls across Georgia! Each month, we're taking a trip down memory lane and spotlighting a person who has played a crucial role in shaping our council. From coaches and volunteers to staff and participants, these stories reflect the heart of Girls on the Run Georgia as we continue to build confidence, strength, and connections throughout Georgia communities.
This month, we’re thrilled to highlight Karla Sadler, a dedicated Girls on the Run Georgia volunteer, supporter, and member of our Empower Giving Society. Her involvement with GOTR started with a simple favor—a friend asked Karla to be a 5K Buddy for her daughter at a Girls on the Run 5K. As an avid runner, biker, and hiker, she was happy to join in. But what she experienced that day was far more than just a fun run.
“I was thrilled to see so many young girls running a 5K,” Karla recalls. “It was such a fun event, and I was inspired by the joy and sense of accomplishment on the girls’ faces.”
For Karla, who grew up in an era with few athletic opportunities for girls, the energy of that day struck a chord. She saw something she wished she had as a young girl: a supportive space where girls could be active, confident, and celebrated. So, she decided to dig deeper into the mission behind the finish line. Before long, she signed up to coach and has supported us ever since.
As a coach, Karla has seen the transformative power of Girls on the Run up close. One season, she worked with a participant who came to the program angry and withdrawn. “Our school liaison mentioned she was struggling at school and may have had challenges at home,” Karla shared. “She was disruptive at first, but we focused on making her feel included, giving her encouragement, and showing her she mattered.” Over time, the participant began to change—engaging more, opening up to teammates, and smiling more often. “By the end of the season, she had made friends and was genuinely enjoying herself. GOTR made a lasting impact on her—I’m certain of it.”
Karla’s involvement has grown over the years. She’s served as a Gear Fairy, delivering gear to sites to ensure every girl has a proper pair of running shoes. She’s helped introduce GOTR to new areas—including one at her niece’s school, where she had the chance to coach and witness the program’s impact from both a coach’s and an aunt’s perspective. “Volunteering with Girls on the Run has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” she says. “It’s given me a front-row seat to the power of confidence, connection, and compassion.”
When asked what Girls on the Run means to her, Karla doesn’t hesitate: “It’s about helping girls believe in themselves. We need to keep showing them that they are strong, capable, and that they can do whatever they set their minds to.”
Looking back, Karla says the greatest lesson she’s taken away is the importance of lifting others up. “Confidence is powerful, but so is kindness. Teaching girls to believe in themselves—and in each other—is a gift they’ll carry forever.” Thank you, Karla, for all that you do to inspire and empower the next generation!
