Her Story
About Victoria
Victoria Vaughn serves as Board Vice President of Girls on the Run Middle Tennessee, a nonprofit organization she has been involved with for over four years. In this role, she supports an evidence-based after-school program for girls in grades 3 through 8 that combines social-emotional learning lessons on topics such as self-love, compassion, friendship, and managing emotions while incorporating physical activity. The eight-week program concludes with a celebratory 5K. Vaughn is also an ambassador for Black Girls Run, where she motivates and supports Black women in adopting healthy, active lifestyles to address health disparities such as heart disease. Her passion for the work stems from her own middle school experiences as a heavier-set girl who lacked supportive programs to build self-confidence and friendships through activity. She began running in her late 20s as a stress reliever and now advocates for expanding access to such programs so more young girls can grow up loving themselves and staying active.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Victoria
01What do you attribute your success to?
Just being a better version of myself daily. One of my biggest passions behind being a part of Girls on the Run is because when I was in middle school I was a heavier set girl, so didn't really have the greatest friend groups. A lot of friends in P.E class would be running around playing, being active, and at that age, I remember being a little self-conscious about my weight. We didn't have girls on the run in my school. We didn't have this type of program to teach me to love myself, and that I was still a part of the crowd and could be friends with the slimmer girls who did not look like me.. So it's a passion for me to spread the word of Girls on the Run, get us in more counties, get us in more schools, and just really get the word out about this program so that more young girls can have this in their life, and be able to grow up loving themselves.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Do it afraid! You will never know your potential until you try. It’s ok if someone tells you no, keep pushing you will finally get a Yes.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Just do it. Your potential is limitless. Start slow and steady but be consistent. Don't doubt yourself. If you have an idea or thought that you want to do, do it. Don't hold back.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Bringing more awareness to our program. I feel that GOTR is not as “known” as we would like it to be. Our goal is for everyone we encounter to have heard about our organization or want to know more about our organization.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I strongly value work/personal life balance. When I am working I am deeply compassionate and available during those work hours. However when I am off I take that time to recharge and have quality time with my family.
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