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-MitchellInstagram: @vcpmitchellWebsite: vcpm.comGame Changers: vcpm.com/game-changersHow to Keep Up with PWRher'dInstagram: @pwrherdWebsite: pwrherd.comSupport Our SupportersLagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first orderYMR Track Club: ymrtrackclub.comUse the discount code WRS20 for 20% off your purchaseTo support WRS, please rate and review the showiTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44faMusic CreditsCormac O'Regan, of PlaytohComa-Media, via PixabayRomanBelov, via PixabayGrand Project, via PixabayRockot, via PixabaySergePavkinMusic, via PixabayWays to Connect and Engage with Women's Running StoriesOver 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_projectWRS Instagram: @womensrunningstoriesFacebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStoriesWebsite: womensrunningstories.comEmail host Cherie: [email protected]'s Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/