Running Toward a More Inclusive Future

Let’s talk about what leadership really looks like in 2025. Spoiler alert: it’s not just suits and microphones. Sometimes, it’s running shoes, calm confidence and a girl who knows exactly who she is. Meet Nadia Battocletti, a 24-year-old long-distance runner from Italy who’s not just chasing medals. She’s leading her nation.

Earlier this year, Nadia was appointed captain of Italy’s team at the European Team Championships in Madrid. That’s right, a captain. At just 24. And she’s not out here trying to be the loudest in the room. Her leadership is different, it’s calm, focused, grounded in teamwork and full of heart. She’s part of this amazing new wave of athletes showing the world that leadership can be soft-spoken and still so powerful.

But here’s the thing that really gets me thinking: Nadia is showing us what’s possible when girls are given a fair chance. And honestly? That’s still not happening everywhere. All over the world, even right here in our communities too many girls are missing school just because of a silence shame - period poverty. Like, how are we supposed to become leaders, athletes, scientists or presidents when we can’t even go to school every day because we don’t have access to pads or basic hygiene?

Think about it: Nadia’s running toward gold and breaking barriers because she had access to opportunity. Support. Education. Resources. The basics. That’s not too much to ask for, that’s what every girl deserves.

So when I see Nadia stepping up to lead her national team, I don’t just see a fast runner, I see what happens when girls are lifted up, not held back. When girls are in school every day, when their periods don’t stop them from showing up, when they feel seen, heard and supported they can do anything. Literally anything.

To all the girls out there, whether you’re dreaming of running Olympic tracks, leading a classroom, coding the next big app or just finding your voice...don’t let anyone tell you it’s out of reach. The world needs you. Fully present, fully powerful. Because we’re not just chasing medals, we’re running toward a future that includes all of us.

#NadiaBattocletti #GirlPower #EndPeriodPoverty #EqualChance #LeadershipInSports #RunningForChange #InclusionMatters #GirlsCanDoAnything #BeadsForLifeNJ #BriKBlog2025