Kathleen Cannon, executive director of Girls on the Run Minnesota, was recently named a 2026 Women in Business Honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. It’s a well-deserved recognition of her leadership and impact, and also a reflection of the community that shows up, dreams big, and believes deeply in the power of girls. We caught up with Kathleen to talk leadership, what’s energizing her right now, and why Girls on the Run continues to spark confidence, connection and possibility for girls across Minnesota. 

First, congratulations on being named a 2026 Women in Business Honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. What does this recognition mean to you?

Thanks! It’s incredibly meaningful. I feel really proud of the important work we get to do together every day. There was a time when I was always explaining what Girls on the Run was as a concept – and now people stop me to share their connection to it! So many good people (our staff, coaches, board, committees, partners, donors, friends, and the girls and families we learn from) make the magic happen. This is a really special mix of joy, connection, and life skills, and it means the world to me to help steward that alongside a community that’s so all-in. It’s an honor.

This honor celebrates leadership, impact and vision. What has shaped the way you lead today?

Everyone I know! Truly. I learned early on that relationships come first, that we all need space to be our real selves, and that growth happens when we each feel seen, supported, gently challenged to stretch, and also celebrated. How we do the work is often more important than what we’re doing. I’ve been shaped by outstanding mentors and colleagues who model humor, accountability, real talk, and a willingness to keep learning. Life is complicated and nuanced, and I think my leadership reflects that. We all contain multitudes, and there are a million ways to make a meaningful contribution.

GOTR MN has grown tremendously in your time here. What has this journey taught you about leadership that you couldn’t have learned any other way?

Three things come to mind right away! First, you can’t shortcut trust. Our community is full of generous, thoughtful folks who care deeply, and there’s nothing better than doing good work with good people. Building and earning trust takes real time and energy, and it’s essential. I really value the strong relationships that lead to shared vision and shared ownership (not to mention shared laughter).

Second, sometimes you just have to go for it. Have you heard the saying, “You can’t steer a parked car”? That one comes up a lot around here. If you wait until you have all the information and resources to make the perfect decision, you’ll never do anything. Often, the best thing you can do is use the info and tools you have and give it a whirl - or as I love to say, “rock what you got.” Growth brings complexity, and there’s just no substitute for trying, learning, and adjusting as you go. 

Third, I’ve learned it’s okay (and even necessary) to get a little weird. By that I mean imaginative, a little scrappy, and willing to challenge what’s expected. When we look at challenges in new and sometimes radical ways and start with what’s possible rather than what’s not, the world opens up. That’s true for big challenges and smaller ones too. Creating that kind of space gives others permission to think differently and bring their full creativity to the table. I love that.  

GOTR MN has expanded its reach and deepened its impact across the state. What are you most energized about right now?

All of it! A couple things top of mind: last year, we launched a partnership with IndigeFit Kids, part of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s broader work to center, celebrate, and improve the health of Native youth. Over the next three years, more Native girls across Minnesota will have access to the joy and impact of Girls on the Run. I’m really energized by that vote of confidence, the relationships we’re building, and the opportunity we have to deepen connections in Native communities.

I’m also energized by our incredible community of coaches. Girls on the Run coaches are the best and I mean that. This spring, nearly 900 volunteers (we’re talking all ages and stages and walks of life) are showing up twice a week for eight weeks to build relationships with their teams and lead our research-based curriculum with care and intention. They create space for girls to be themselves, build confidence, navigate friendships and challenges, and they bust out a lot of patience and laughter along the way. It’s not always easy work, and they show up with such consistency and heart.

Let me add one more - I also love seeing more and more of our program alums grow into joyful, capable adults and come back as coaches and volunteers. More than 40,000 Minnesota kids have participated in Girls on the Run, and watching that full-circle leadership show up is really special. You can feel the long-term impact in real time.

As you think about the future of youth programming, what do you believe girls need most right now that maybe they didn’t five or ten years ago?

Honestly, girls are awesome, and this age group (3rd-8th grade) is pure magic. They’re so bright, silly, opinionated, and curious. I think they’ve always needed connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging. That hasn’t changed. 

What feels different now is the level of noise and pressure they’re navigating. Physical activity is down and social isolation is up and our kids deserve better. I think girls today need intentional space to let loose, build positive relationships, figure out what they think and feel, share what’s in their hearts, and feel grounded in who they are. It takes time. It takes intention. And it takes significant resources. GOTR can offer that community and joy in a world that can feel pretty overwhelming.

Outside of GOTR, what’s bringing you joy these days?

Time with my family, always! My husband Andrew makes me laugh every day. Our kids are at such fun, interesting ages (13, 16, 17) and I love cheering them on in all the things they’re into. I’m also lucky to have other young people in my life I care deeply about. I’m all-in on the Minnesota Lynx, I love a good podcast or book, I find a lot of joy and meaning in local improv, and I’m always planning my next walk-and-talk around a lake.

For someone who’s just discovering GOTR MN, what’s the best way to get involved right now?

Please, jump right in! Coaching is an incredible experience if you’re able to make that commitment, but there are so many ways to be part of the fun. Volunteer at a 5K, attend an event, make a gift, join a committee, consider board service, share GOTR with someone in your life, on and on. None of this happens on its own. This work is powered by normal, inclusive, busy, hilarious people who show up, and if you’re interested, we’d love to have you involved. One of the greatest joys of my life is the opportunity to do this work with people who care so deeply about girls and each other. And we are just getting started!

Join Kathleen at our April 30 Limitless Potential Luncheon to learn more about the impact of Girls on the Run Minnesota and what’s ahead.