Vanessa C. Peralta-Mitchell: Founder of Games Changers, Redefining Who Is a Leader in Running

Vanessa C. Peralta-Mitchell was inspired to start running after learning how hard women had fought to just participate in sports. That moment of inspiration would eventually change her life, setting Peralta-Mitchell on a path to change the running industry. How that all unfolded is what this episode is all about. Peralta-Mitchell is a runner, business owner, running coach, and mother of three children. She's well known for being the founder of Game Changers, an organization that supports women of color to become run coaches and leaders in the running industry. Game Changers started in 2020, and in October of 2024 accepted its fifth cohort of women into the program: like those who came before them, these 24 new women from 12 states will become certified run coaches, and receive mentoring and business development support. This adds to the over 80 women who've already gone through the program. Just last year, Peralta-Mitchell also launched PWRher'd. This is a program, powered by Game Changers, that partners with races and gives entrants an opportunity to sign up for online coaching services that get them ready for that specific race, so they can be well prepared to have a successful experience. Additionally, when PWRher'd partners with a race, they make a contribution to the local community on behalf of the partnership. Peralta-Mitchell's story demonstrates what can happen when we see our potential as limitless. How to Keep Up with Vanessa C. Peralta-Mitchell Instagram: @vcpmitchell Website: vcpm.com Game Changers: vcpm.com/game-changers How to Keep Up with PWRher'd Instagram: @pwrherd Website: pwrherd.com Support Our Supporters Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15 Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order YMR Track Club: ymrtrackclub.com Use the discount code WRS20 for 20% off your purchase To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay RomanBelov, via Pixabay Grand Project, via Pixabay Rockot, via Pixabay SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Email host Cherie: [e-mail] Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices