One day in 2008, Hempfield High School alumna Hannah Johnson, who was a third-grader at the time, was bullied on the school bus for her weight.

"She was so sad," said Carrie Johnson, Hannah's mother, speaking of the conversation she and Hannah had after the incident. "I thought to myself, 'The way I handle this is really important because it's going to stick with her.'"

Hannah expressed that she wanted to live an active lifestyle like her mother. Carrie saw this as an opportunity to change the way she was living her life because she was very busy and spent a considerable amount of time working as a vice president for an organization. After making a change in her employment, which offered her more flexibility, Carrie found herself spending much more time outside with her family. That same year, Hannah and her younger sister, Libby, participated in a half-mile race.

While taking photos of her daughters after the race, Carrie thought to herself, "There's something more to this confidence piece you get when you set a goal and you accomplish it." So that evening, she went home and Googled "girls' self-esteem and running," and she stumbled upon Girls on the Run (GOTR).

A nonprofit organization, GOTR is a physical activity-based positive youth development program designed to enhance girls' social, emotional, and physical skills and behaviors so they can successfully navigate life experiences. The program's curriculum places an emphasis on developing competence, confidence, connection, character, caring, and contribution in young girls through lessons that incorporate physical activities. When Carrie recognized in 2009 that Lancaster County did not have a GOTR council, she created one. Carrie then spent the next several years growing GOTR Lancaster-Lebanon into a vibrant organization that has given more than 17,000 girls the opportunity to activate their internal power, find unconditional acceptance, and feel a sense of belonging.

"Without confidence, we don't grow into our limitless potential," stated Carrie. "Instilling confidence at a young age and reminding girls what makes them unique and special is key."

Carrie has decided to start a new chapter in her life and step down from her position as executive director of GOTR Lancaster-Lebanon. "I will coach individuals, help organizations tap into the human capacity, and lead self-discovery retreats for women," she explained.

"It's been such an honor and privilege to lead this organization and walk alongside such brilliant, kind, and smart people," stated Carrie. "When I step away from being the executive director, I'm still going to be the same person and believe that everyone has gifts and power in them."

Carrie noted that GOTR changed her life and gave her the confidence to move to this new chapter.

To learn more about GOTR, visit http://www.girlsontherun.org.