Viv, as her family calls her, has always been a natural leader. She knows who she is and isn't afraid to speak her mind, her mom, Stephanie, says. But like many girls her age, there came a time in third grade when navigating friendships tested that confidence.

"Friendships mean the world to Viv," Stephanie says. "They're her safe space, so when those relationships became difficult, it really affected her confidence."

When Girls on the Run's "Hello, Superstar!" season began, Viv was excited to participate. On the first day, she realized she'd be sharing the experience with someone she had struggled to get along with. It wasn't the start she expected, but it became an opportunity to practice the very lessons Girls on the Run was designed to teach.

"I reminded her just to stay true to herself, her values, and to show kindness to everyone," Stephanie recalls.

Viv’s dad, Sergio, is a big proponent of staying healthy. He enjoys running, Stephanie explains, so it only made sense for Sergio to be Viv’s running buddy at the 5K each year. And Viv is a daddy’s girl through and through, she adds.

“He has blossomed into the ultimate girl dad,” Stephanie laughs. “He’s their biggest cheerleader.”

Sergio has coached his girls’ soccer teams, but the Girls on the Run 5K was something he and Viv both looked forward to each year, Stephanie says.

“And she keeps him motivated,” Stephanie adds. “At the 5K, she would say, 'Come on, Dad! Let’s go! Let’s go!'”

With each Girls on the Run season, Viv's confidence continued to grow. By fifth grade, Stephanie could see how much she had changed, not only in her confidence but in the way she cared for others.

Stephanie encouraged Viv to remember what it felt like to be a nervous third grader and challenged her to be the kind of mentor she once needed.

"I told her this was her chance to help younger girls feel welcomed and supported," Stephanie says. "She knew what it felt like to walk in unsure of yourself."

Stephanie believes Girls on the Run gave Viv practical tools for handling big emotions, navigating friendships, and building resilience.

"We can say we're supportive of girls and women, but our actions are what truly make people feel valued," Stephanie says. "People remember how you made them feel, and I saw Viv become much more intentional about encouraging and including others."

Watching Viv's experience has made an impression on the entire family. Stephanie's youngest daughter, Adeline, is now in second grade and is already counting down the days until she can participate in Girls on the Run herself.

"Seeing what the program did for Viv makes us so excited for Adeline to have that same opportunity," Stephanie says.