Molly Barker is an American educator, social entrepreneur, and visionary. She is best known as the founder of Girls on the Run International, the self-esteem, youth-development, and healthy lifestyle program for 3rd to 8th grade girls. She started Girls on the Run International in 1996 with 13 girls in Charlotte, NC. Since then, the program has inspired over 2.5 million girls to know and activate their limitless potential.
In 2013 Molly retired from the day-to-day operations of Girls on the Run. Selected to serve on the Commission for Political Reform, a group tasked by the Bipartisan Policy Committee, Molly, along with the likes of Olympia Snow, Tom Daschle, and Vicki Kennedy developed a 69-point strategic approach to address the nation's widening political divide.
As a result of her time in D.C., Molly designed the Red Boot Way, an intentional form of communication that encourages deep listening and profound curiosity, when challenged by those with differing perspectives. The Red Boot Way continues to be used in multiple venues, including workshops and retreats facilitated by Molly.
Molly is a bold storyteller, unabashed in her truth telling. Trauma, addiction, recovery, and self- discovery are powerful elements of her story. Highly sought after for her public speaking, Molly is known for her audacious vulnerability, her willingness to challenge society's flawed and oppressive status quo, and her heartful allegiance to the ultimate rebellion... being oneself.
She is also a writer, an athlete, a retreat designer and facilitator, and the mother to two grown children, James and Helen. When asked recently what his mom does for a living, James, now 26 years old, responded, "I don't know what she does exactly, but I do know how she makes people feel. Seen, heard, empowered, and loved."