Impact

stories

Real Girls. Real Stories. Real Impact. 

 Imagine what’s possible for you.

Every girl who participates in one of our programs embarks on a unique personal journey filled with adventure, challenges, and growth. However, there’s one thing they all have in common; the impact lasts long after the final expedition is over. 

Molly

Tolson

19

Summit Sisters 2021, 2022 & 2023 | WAC Facilitator 2022 | Wellfit Girls Mentor 2023 | Wellfit Girls Staff Member 2024
“Wellfit Girls enabled me to look deeper and acknowledge the parts of myself that I was insecure about, and taught me how to love them and find strength in my weaknesses.”
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I remember when I first heard about Wellfit Girls through a friend’s mom. The first thing that caught my attention was the Summit Sisters’ hiking expedition. I was excited for an opportunity to travel and hit the trails, but I’ll be honest; I wasn’t crazy about stepping out of my social circle and meeting new people. That was always something I found to be challenging.

 I knew there would be physical challenges throughout the program that would push me mentally and physically, but I was really nervous when it came to the idea of being vulnerable in a group setting. I knew the program valued that community aspect, but I couldn’t picture myself feeling comfortable enough to participate in those discussions. I was hesitant to let my guard down at first because I was afraid of what the other girls would think of me, especially during group activities and deep conversations. I was surprised to find that the more I opened up, the more I realized that my peers, mentors, and facilitators weren’t there to judge me. They were there to support me. I hadn’t really experienced that level of sisterhood before, and I’m so thankful I opened up and experienced the benefit of those moments we shared together.

Looking back, I can honestly say that Summit Sisters was so much more than an opportunity for outdoor adventure. It was a community I could lean on when things got hard or I didn’t feel like I could keep going. It’s because of that support, I was able to develop a stronger sense of confidence, self-acceptance, and empowerment. 

Even to this day, those lessons continue to push me and inspire a sense of strength and ambition as I continue paving my own path in life as a young adult. 

Aubrey

Donehoo

18

Summit Sisters 2022 & 2024 

“Wellfit [Girls] has made me value the importance of goals and setting them for myself. It has made me feel more confident about reaching goals or approaching challenges because I can use the emotional tools I learned to approach them and not be fearful.”

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I’ll be honest—When my mom first encouraged me to apply for Summit Sisters, I wasn’t one hundred percent sold. I knew it would require me to step outside of my comfort zone and I didn’t really know if I was ready to jump into the program with a bunch of girls I didn’t know. I always struggled to feel comfortable being myself in new situations, and I would often put up walls around others. And then there was the outdoor adventure part. I didn’t love the idea of being vulnerable on various outdoor adventures and the program’s fitness component, especially the final hiking expedition.

Fast forward to the end of the program… I really struggled with the first couple of days of the expedition. Honestly, in those moments, I would have rather been anywhere else than on that mountain. It was a real challenge for me and I’ll never forget breaking down in tears, feeling like I just couldn’t do it anymore. I shared that with the program facilitators and I’ll never forget what they told me: it wasn’t that I couldn’t climb the mountain; It was my limiting mindset and self-doubt that was holding me back. I can’t really explain how that shifted something inside of me but I felt determined to finish the expedition—and I did. I’m so proud of myself for climbing that mountain. Even now, it serves as a constant reminder of what I am capable of, even when things feel impossible.  

That said, I benefited in more ways than showing myself I could achieve those physical challenges. It encouraged me to focus on my overall well-being and self-confidence, too. I didn’t always realize it at the time, but I know the program pushed me to be more vulnerable and authentic in any setting. I feel like I see more value in who I am as a result of building deeper, more genuine relationships with the other girls in the program. I feel more comfortable being me. 

Despite my initial hesitations, I don’t have one regret over letting my guard down. I know that being authentic in the group is what made the greatest impact on not just me, but other girls in the program as well. So much so that I completed the program twice! 

Kendall

Klein

23

Summit Sisters 2014 

“Wellfit Girls provided me with the tools required to set and achieve realistic goals and it helped me understand that I am capable of doing things that are hard and uncomfortable and new.”

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I joined Wellfit Girls’ Summit Sisters program in 2014 when I was just 13. I was facing a lot of childhood trauma which led me to risky behaviors, and using unhealthy coping mechanisms. Honestly, I was really excited about the expedition, but being the youngest girl in a group of strangers made me nervous. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Wellfit Girls became the first place where I learned about vulnerability. That’s something I’ve carried with me ever since.

It wasn’t easy. I constantly had to push myself to stay authentic and connect with the group. My peers were there for me, talking me through my fears, and the staff helped me trust myself and step outside my comfort zone. That support gave me the confidence to realize I’m capable of doing hard, uncomfortable things. The most impactful experience? Definitely the expedition. It was physically and mentally challenging, but the real value was in learning that I could rely on myself and others.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was how Wellfit Girls helped me form deep, meaningful friendships with women. Before the program, I didn’t really know how to connect with other women. Now, I carry those relationship tools with me everywhere.

Wellfit Girls gave me the tools to set realistic goals and helped me understand my capacity to achieve them. Today, I’m working toward my Bachelor’s in Social Work at FGCU and expect to graduate in 2026, with plans to pursue my MSW right after. I’m currently a Behavioral Health Technician at the David Lawrence Center and a research assistant at Project Help. Wellfit Girls played a huge role in shaping the path I’m on now, and it taught me that I have a responsibility to make a difference in my own small way.

Riley

Zuccarello

Summit Sisters 2014 

“It’s been 10 years since my first expedition with the program, and I am continuously blown away by the work they do. The Wellfit Girls community inspires and motivates me everyday to get out of my comfort zone and be the best version of ME.”

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Since 2014, Wellfit Girls has played a critical role in helping me realize my worth and potential. I have served multiple leadership roles throughout my college career, such as leading FSU’s nationally ranked World Affairs Program and Model UN team, and FSU’s student-led community service organization, Circle K international (CKI). I reflect on many of the lessons I have learned from my continued involvement with Wellfit Girls.  

From participating in WG’s advanced leadership programs such as Beyond The Summit and completing WG’s Program Facilitator Training, I have grown more as a leader and woman. Wellfit Girls will always be the community that brings balance to my life. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the stresses of school, and my own mental health struggles, my community of Wellfit Sisters has been my rock.  

As one of the first alumna of Wellfit Girls, I am so proud to watch the organization grow and am grateful for the continued support and opportunity that comes with that. One of my most cherished memories of Wellfit Girls is reaching the Summit of Mount Sanitas on our 2018 Alumni retreat in Colorado. Wearing our matching Wellfit T shirts, Kendall, my 2014 Wellfit Sister, and I exchanged a glance, and hugged as we enjoyed the view of yet another summit that we reached. To share that experience 4 years after we had summited on our very first hike in Peru was indescribable and another testament to our saying, “Once a Wellfit Girl, Always a Wellfit Girl.” 

“Empowerment. Resilience. Sisterhood. That’s what WellFit Girls gave me; a space to grow, lead, and challenge myself.”