Volunteer Highlight — Stephanie DeJong
Volunteer: Stephanie DeJong
Volunteering Since: 2021
Site: Victoria, MN
Meet Stephanie DeJong!
Stephanie is our Site Director at our BIO Girls site in Victoria, MN. Steph has such a deep connection to the mission of BIO Girls. From just one conversation with her, you can’t help but feel empowered and encouraged. She has such a humble presence that exemplifies what it means to be BIO. We are so grateful for all she does for the BIO Girls mission.
“Steph has an energy and passion that is unmatched. Her love for her community and providing opportunities for young girls has helped her build so much community awareness in a short amount of time. Steph works hard and with a lot of enthusiasm - it is fun to see the growth for BIO Girls - Victoria, MN.”
— Anna Marohl, BIO Girls Programming Team
We asked Stephanie a few questions about her involvement with BIO Girls:
What do you do for work?
“I am in Molecular Diagnostic Sales at Cepheid.”
What drew you to become involved with BIO Girls?
“I have been lucky enough to surround myself with an amazing support system of incredible women that empower and encourage each other not only through running, but in this crazy world as a working professional, a mom, a wife, a daughter, and a friend. As a mom of two daughters, I desperately want my girls to find the same kind of community and friendships. So I linked arms with these amazing women, and we brought BIO Girls to our community of Victoria. It was my crazy idea at the beginning, but it could not have been complete without their encouragement and support to bring this dream to our community.”
Do you have any hidden talents?
“I don’t know if it’s a ‘hidden talent,’ but I always surprise people when I sing. Karaoke is a ‘hidden talent’ that I only bust out once a year.”
Name one-way BIO Girls has impacted you personally?
“It has given me such a different perspective as a mom. It’s made me a better mom.”
What do you think girls would be missing without BIO Girls?
“Confidence. Witnessing a full season of BIO Girls, it was beyond amazing to watch the confidence these young girls gained through the 12-week season. Many came in with doubts, anxiety, and fear around running, but it was so incredible to watch each of them grow, both physically and mentally. Tears were shed, tough topics were discussed, they had their doubts, but watching all of them cross the finish line after conquering a 5K with HUGe smiles and being proud of themselves was absolutely priceless! Each girl walked away with the confidence that they could, AND DID, complete a 5K!
Do you have a vivid memory or story that stands out to you from your time volunteering?
“100% the 5K! I can’t even think about this memory without tears of joy falling. Watching these incredible parents support not only their daughters, but the whole squad with signs, noisemakers, chalk art, fun music, etc., and watching these amazing girls that doubted if they would run .25 miles then crush a 5K! It was such a beautiful thing to experience! I was a complete mess at the end and could barely get words out, as my heart was just exploding from joy and pride for our squad! I will NEVER forget that experience. Also, having my own daughters there, looking up with such admiration to these older girls, just drove home the significance of my ‘why.’”
What is one piece of advice you would tell your younger self?
“Don’t let what other people think hold you back from what you feel called to do.”
Why is mentorship important?
“I surround myself with women of different strengths that I’ve been able to learn from each of them. We all learn what our internal strengths and weaknesses are by learning from others. Mentorship allows us to dig into our strengths and improve our weaknesses.”
Stephanie —
The BIO Girls team, the participants you have made an impact on, and the Victoria community sincerely thank you.
TAKE ACTION.
Ready to get involved?
View our Get Involved page for opportunities.
Need more information?
Register for our next Virtual Lunch and Learn to get a program overview and Q&A.