What year and where did you participate in GOTR?
"I participated in Girls on the Run from roughly 2008-2010 at the Jewish Day School. During that time, we had the buddy program, which created such meaningful connections between the girls and the women who ran alongside us. Those friendships and moments of encouragement truly stayed with me."
What do you remember most about being a part of the program?
"What I remember most about being part of Girls on the Run is the incredible camaraderie and the contagious energy of our chants before every group run. We lifted one another up with encouragement and laughter, creating an atmosphere where everyone felt seen and capable. I loved how each run became a mix of connection and challenge—you’d find your rhythm alongside one girl, then push yourself a little further and join another. The sense of community ran deep; we supported one another not just through the miles, but through meaningful conversations and moments of reflection that shaped how we spoke to ourselves and believed in our own strength. Some of my fondest memories include sharing the experience with my sister and having my dad train us outside of school. Family has always been important to me, and having their support amplified everything the program stood for—teamwork, perseverance, and joy. The encouragement I received, both from my family and the GOTR community, helped build the foundation of my resilience and confidence—qualities that continue to guide me today."
What do you think is the lesson you learned from GOTR that you use most in your adult life?
"The greatest lesson I carry from Girls on the Run into my adult life is resilience and perspective. The program taught me how to break through my own self-imposed limitations—both on the track and beyond it. When my mind told me my legs were tired and I wanted to stop, I learned instead to adjust my focus: to shorten the goalpost, take one step at a time, and celebrate each small victory along the way. It didn’t seem like much in the moment, but looking back, those small wins added up to something powerful. That same mindset guides me now as an adult. I approach my goals by breaking them into smaller, meaningful steps—maybe it’s just one action each day that moves me closer to where I want to be. Over time, those daily efforts compound into real progress. And when things don’t go as planned, I remind myself that failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of the journey. How we frame our challenges determines how we grow through them, and that perspective continues to shape everything I do.
What has your journey looked like since Girls on the Run?
"I’m a storyteller, strategist, and the founder of The Mom Market, a curated seasonal pop-up series that celebrates mom-owned and women-owned businesses across the Lehigh Valley. More than just a marketspace, The Mom Market is a community movement — one rooted in intentionality, connection, and collective growth. Our mission goes beyond sales; we focus on creating meaningful presence for founders while fostering a space where heart-led entrepreneurship truly thrives. With over a decade of experience spanning sales, executive recruiting, and nonprofit leadership, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to globally rooted communities. Those experiences shaped how I approach building The Mom Market — blending strategic leadership with a deep commitment to human connection. Our inaugural market last summer brought together over 40 local women-owned businesses. The energy was electric — vendors helped one another set up, shared wisdom, celebrated artistry, and embodied what community truly means. Every part of the event, from vendor curation to venue layout, was designed intentionally to encourage connection, ease, and collaboration. By the end of last year, we had proudly worked with more than 85 women-owned businesses, and we’re now preparing for our fourth season this May 17th at the Bethlehem Rose Garden, from 9am-2pm. The heart of The Mom Market lies in the relationships formed — ones that extend far beyond market day. It’s about women finding each other, supporting one another’s growth, and building something bigger together. That spirit of unity continues to guide everything we do."
What advice would you share with girls participating in GOTR this season?
"This year is the Year of the Fire Horse — a cycle that comes around only once every sixty years. It symbolizes powerful energy, transformation, and courage to create change. For young girls, especially those in Girls on the Run this spring, I hope you embrace that spirit fully. Go after the thing that’s been tugging at your heart — the dream, the goal, the idea that lights you up. Let your confidence radiate and allow yourself to take up space. When you fill your own cup with passion and self-belief, you don’t just uplift yourself — you ignite something powerful in those around you. Own your energy, stay true to your authenticity, and trust that real transformation happens when you lead with both heart and courage."
Follow Devika at: www.instagram.com/momsmeetmarket