Our Team

Executive Director

Lauren joined the staff in 2014 after volunteering for four years with Team Granamawr. Lauren has more than a decade of nonprofit experience as a communications specialist, event planner, race director and youth development professional in Philadelphia. At Students Run Philly Style, Lauren leads the development of mission-driven strategies and partnerships, and strategy for organizational growth and financial stability. An RRCA certified coach, Lauren has completed 15 marathons and is passionate about introducing new runners to the possibilities of what you can accomplish one step at a time. When she’s not building spreadsheets, you can find her exploring Philly’s food scene, gardening, occasionally testing the waters of triathlon, cheering on her Duke Blue Devils, or, most likely, somewhere on the run. 

Senior Director of Development

Danny joined the staff in 2018 to continue his decade-long career in the non-profit sector, including roles at The Humane Society of the United States and Experimental Station in Chicago. At Students Run Philly Style, Danny directs fundraising efforts by cultivating individual donors, engaging the board of directors on development initiatives, stewarding corporate sponsors, and creating fundraising events. When he’s not at work you can find him tending to his plants, watching Chicago sports, or whipping up a batch of Sigel Sauce- a community centered sauce operation using hot peppers grown on his roof.

Director of Programs

Mariana joined the staff in 2019 as after being involved with SRPS through her work engaging and training sports-based youth development coaches, practitioners, and organizations at Up2Us Sports. In her former role as Associate Director of Youth Diversion, Mari led the development, implementation, and sustainability of the MileUp program, which brings the SRPS model to youth facing delinquency charges and gives them a chance to remain outside of the traditional court system. After 3 years with MileUp, Mari stepped into the Director of Programs role where she now leads the program team, planning and implementing meaningful experiences for youth and volunteers, developing mission-driven strategies and partnerships, and managing the organization’s budget.

Associate Director of Institutional Giving

Amy (she/her) joined the Students Run Philly Style staff in October 2016. As Associate Director of Institutional Giving, Amy manages private and corporate foundation funding opportunities to sustain and increase organizational capacity. Amy is the program’s lead grant writer and helps to cultivate new relationships with partners to sustain and grow the program. Amy holds a Masters degree in Public Health from Temple University and brings 10+ years of experience in public health and non profit program management to her role including her work with the Health Promotion Council and the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Epidemiology and Biostatistics. When not working, Amy is often volunteering for various causes in her local NJ community, trying out new sewing projects and spending time with her husband and daughter. 

Marketing & Communications Manager

Samantha (she/her) started with SRPS in November 2023, first as a Development Coordinator through AmeriCorps VISTA and Up2Us Sports, then moving into Marketing and Communications Manager. With a background in Advertising from Temple University and 8 years as a Graphic Designer, she’s also active in volunteering as a coach for Girls on the Run and co-leading November Project Philadelphia. Outside of work, you’ll find her hanging out with her cat Mozzarella, volunteering, taking photos, running, or reading!

Associate Director of Youth Initiatives

Madison joined the SRPS team full time in 2023 after two years as a part-time MileUp Youth Advocate. She has a Masters in Public Policy and a variety of youth development experience, including as a Camp Director, a Program Manager and an external assessor for youth program quality. Madison believes deeply in the power of community running, working on a team and the positive impact that working towards a goal with the support of strong adult relationships can have on young people. When not running with MileUp, Madison can be found performing improv comedy, reading her latest book and hanging out with her cats Comet & Pluto.

Resource Coordinator

Nick is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a robust background in school social work, having worked in both charter and private school settings. Throughout his career, Nick has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting students’ social and emotional growth, leveraging his experience to create positive, inclusive environments for youth.

In his new role with Students Run Philly Style, Nick will be instrumental in developing and coordinating resources for both mentors and youth participants. His efforts will support SRPS’s mission to provide students with the tools to set and achieve goals, improve their outlook on the future, and strengthen their ties to the community.

Outside of work, Nick is an avid fan of outdoor activities, including attending concerts, golfing, fishing, and kayaking. 

Program Coordinator

Jarrett Boyd joined SRPS in October 2024 as our Program Coordinator. He has a Bachelors from Temple University in Psychology. He was also the Assistant Manager at Philadelphia Runner where he learned how to be a good motivator and leader. He has high hopes for his position as he wants to be able to encourage students to be the best version of themselves. When he is not working you can probably find him around Center City playing or watching basketball with his friends. 

Youth Advocate

Choni is a Philadelphia native and data product manager with a background in marketing and business strategy. She holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University.

Choni previously supported Students Run Philly Style as a pro bono consultant, contributing her expertise to strengthen the organization’s marketing and fundraising efforts. She is passionate about running, mentorship, and helping others build confidence through consistency and goal-setting. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active and spending time with her Boston Terrier, Willoughby.

MileUp Youth Advocate

With a strong foundation in Philadelphia’s public school system, I pursued my passion for education, earning an undergraduate degree in Special Education from Millersville University of PA, followed by a Master of Education from Temple University, and culminating in a Doctorate of Educational Leadership from Rowan University. Over my 39-year journey in education, with 34 years dedicated to urban settings, I’ve served as an Instructional Leader for 24 years within the School District of Philadelphia and the charter school sector. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I’ve been committed to academic excellence and community service.

MileUp Youth Advocate

Ken (he/him) was born and raised in Chicago. He is now settled in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia, where he has worked at raising his three children while volunteering in his community. Ken has served as Home & School Association President at his local public school and as coach for numerous children’s sports teams.  Ken has been a running leader with SRPS for eight years. He has run many races of all distances, and enjoys ultra-distance running best.

MileUp Youth Mentor/Driver