About Us
Hello! I'm Jessica, the founder of Asian Girls Run.
Originally from the USA, I am also a wife, mother of three, entrepreneur, triathlete, & half marathon runner.
My background is diverse; half Chinese (grandmother from Hong Kong) and my father from Italian and Irish heritage.
I became serious about fitness later in life and after Covid lockdowns. I found running and fitness to be the way of best dealing with everyday stresses and made me feel strong, empowered, and accomplished. My goal was to empower other women to feel the same.
I trained to become a personal trainer and opened, MoveWell by Jessica in 2021. I have worked with many clients, mostly women, stressing the importance of making time to look after your physical health which in turn positively impacts our mental health.
After much work in the industry and between my own trainings in triathlon competitions and in the gym, two things occurred to me-
There aren't enough women here, and there aren't enough who look like me.
I felt the minority gap for the first time and could physically see it in these places and especially in larger fitness competitions and events.
I wanted to create a bigger impact by creating a space for Asian women to feel supported and have a place in physical activity, and Asian Girls Run was born.
I can't wait to meet you on our next run!
Jessica
OUR MISSION
Asian Girls Run sets out to inspire and encourage women from all Asian backgrounds to prioritise being physically active.
We want to building a safe, non-judgemental place where like-minded women can socialise while experiencing all the wonderful benefits of being physically active within their community.
Our aim is to create an inclusive, accessible way for ethnic, Asian women to:
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Feel they have a place in gyms, sports, and competing in competitions
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Not only understand the importance of prioritising themselves in small ways, but to FEEL the benefits of physical movement, on not only our physical but mental health
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Enjoy it! Through finding something active they love or through building community activities.
Social interaction is the most important aspects of our programme as we want to empower Asian women in the community to be physically active as a means of enjoyment and feeling mentally better in themselves.
We will often come together after our runs for group coffee in New Malden High Street as well as supporting each other outside of our weekly runs with our What's App motivational group chat.
OUR VISION
Asian Girls Run aspires to be the most inspiring run & wellness community for Asian women. We aim to break down the cultural barriers Asian women face, and give them the opportunity and confidence to be involved in physical activity.
Community: Building strong relationships within out community is at the heart of what we do. Asian girls run club is a non-judgemental place where like-minded women can socialise while experiencing all the wonderful benefits of being physically active together!
Creating a Safe Environment: We aim to establish a safe and inclusive environment where Asian women feel comfortable participating in exercise without fear of judgement or cultural stigma.
Shifting Cultural Norms: We aspire to challenge and reshape the cultural norms surrounding Asian women participation in public exercise, promoting acceptance and celebration of their involvement.