Popular TV shows like "Ted Lasso" shine a light on things we already know here at Girls on the Run-Chicago. Coaching isn’t only something we do or receive, it is a mindset that helps us move beyond failures, lead by example, build relationships, and empower ourselves and others to be the best versions of ourselves. And that’s true for everyone, whether it happens on an athletic field or in a boardroom.

Join our panelists as they discuss how applying this mindset to all aspects of our lives can unlock our own potential, strengthen personal bonds, and bring together an entire community. Come find out what coaching or being coached can mean for you!

Girls on the Run Chicago is committed to providing Chicagoland girls and non-binary youth living in under-resourced communities access to our life-changing programming during the Fall 2023/Spring 2024 school year, so every dollar helps! With that in mind, we have implemented a “Pay What You Can” structure for this event.  If we did not include your preferred ticket price, please enter an amount in the “make a donation” box and type “Ticket” in the donation details section at checkout.

We can’t wait to see you there!!

Panelist Bios

Moderated by Girls on the Run-Chicago Executive Director Jill Eid.

Jackie Hoffman

Jackie Hoffman, former collegiate athlete and president and founder of Peace Runners 773, was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, so he is no stranger to the ills poverty imposes on a community. As a child he suffered juvenile obesity; as an adult, he has set out to become an agent of change—not only for himself—but for others living in and around Chicago. 

Peace Runners 773 is a nonprofit that advocates for health equity. They empower, educate, and bring awareness to holistic health in wellness from a physical, mental, and social wellbeing, while creating safe spaces for movement in our underserved communities. Peace Runners has truly revolutionized the sport of run in Chicago and stands by its motto, “Movement is medicine.”

Edith Ramirez

Edith Ramirez is an educator and Girls on the Run Coach. She holds an MA of Sciences in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management, and is the Technology Coordinator and Digital Literacy Instructor at the Chicago Public School Corkery Elementary, where she also leads Girls on the Run programming. Her team in the Spring 2023 season included 33 of her students. She believes the power of coaching and running can transform communities, and works to support Latinas in owning their power and potential.

Nicole Wood
Nicole Wood is the CEO & Co-founder of Ama La Vida, an innovative career, leadership, life and health coaching company. Nicole turned her experience of burning out in her consulting career into inspiration to change the lives of people everywhere. She built Ama La Vida to help others stop settling and start living a life they love by making coaching more affordable and results-oriented. 

She is a Project Entrepreneur 2018 alum and a graduate of 1871's WiSTEM accelerator for female tech founders. Nicole holds Bachelor's Degrees in Finance and Supply Chain Management from Arizona State University where she has been inducted into the alumni hall of fame.