November 10, 2025 – VCPM, Inc. proudly announces the induction of 24 remarkable women into the Game Changers Class of 2025, marking the program’s seventh cohort and another milestone in its mission to redefine leadership in the running industry.
With this class, Game Changers expands its reach to 29 states and Washington, D.C., welcoming its first-ever coaches from Louisiana and Alaska. Supported for the fourth consecutive year by Presenting Sponsor Brooks Running, the program continues to build a national network of certified run coaches championing inclusivity, representation, and community connection.
This year’s cohort hails from across the country and includes:
Adashia Franklyn (FL), Andrea Pulido (MN), Berty Ramos (NY), Billie Grace Depra-Gaddy (CT), Catherine Reid (SC), Daisy Barreto-Steele (WA), Danielle Stanley (IL), Jasmin Hyde (CA), Jennifer Green (WA), Jocelyn Angulo (CT), Jovonsia Guidry (IL), Kendra Lopez (CA), LaToya Young (NC), Liliana Reza (HI), Megan Lundin (AK), Melinda Perry (LA), Melissa Cornejo (MA), Melissa Sanchez (AL), Michelle Loh (NY), Renee Siu (IL), Sara Jane Baldwin (MN), Toni Cofield (NY), U-Meleni Mhlaba-Adebo (MA), and Yamir Adames (NY).
In 2025, the Game Changers cohort continues to represent the growing diversity of the running world not just in geography but in purpose. Each participant brings a passion for service and a unique vision for using running as a tool for empowerment, healing, and belonging.
“Being part of a community that uplifts one another through running inspired me to apply,” said cohort participant Jasmin Hyde..”I hope to gain the tools, knowledge, and network to continue creating inclusive spaces where everyone—from new runners to seasoned athletes—feels seen, supported, and inspired.”
Among this year’s participants are founders of local run crews, leaders of nonprofit fitness programs, mentors for women and youth, and advocates for underserved communities. Collectively, they will serve a wide range of groups including:
● Underserved and underrepresented runners, especially women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ communities
● Youth, teens, and students seeking confidence, structure, and purpose through movement
● Women of color and back-of-the-pack runners reclaiming pace and presence with pride
● Individuals overcoming barriers such as homelessness, addiction, or mental health struggles
● Faith-based, family, and intergenerational groups discovering running as a form of connection and healing
Together, these new coaches are working to make running more accessible, inclusive, and reflective of the communities it serves.
For four years, Brooks Running has stood alongside Game Changers in its mission to amplify underrepresented voices and support the growth of diverse run leadership. “We’re proud to continue to support the positive change being created within Game Changers, this partnership is about creating pathways for women who want to lead with authenticity and serve as experts in the run to their communities and network,” said Carly Rebecchi, Community Impact Manager at Brooks.
This year’s program is also supported by Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), which provided 15 Level I course scholarships for 2025 Game Changers.
Program founder Vanessa Peralta-Mitchell shares her excitement for the new class: “When the Game Changers program was created, the vision was simple: to create space for Women of Color to lead, teach, and transform the culture of running. Seeing this seventh cohort expand to 29 states shows how powerful that mission has become. Each of these women represents progress—proof that inclusion in running and the diversification of expertise isn’t just possible, it’s happening.”
About the Program
The 2025 Game Changers cohort will participate in a comprehensive nine-month program beginning with the RRCA Level I Coach Certification, followed by mentorship from experienced Women of Color run coaches and business strategy guidance from Wylie & Co. The program culminates in June 2026.
For more information about the Game Changers program, visit www.vcpm.com/game-changers
or follow @vcpmitchell on Instagram using the hashtag #GameChangers⚡️.
About Game Changers
Game Changers is a pioneering initiative by Vanessa C. Peralta-Mitchell Inc. (VCPM Inc.), dedicated to empowering Women of Color in the running coaching industry. Through education, mentorship, and community strategy, Game Changers equips participants with the tools and confidence to transform from runners into certified coaches, building a more inclusive and representative future for the sport.
About Brooks Running
Brooks Running is a global leader in performance running gear and a steadfast advocate for diversity and inclusion within the sport. As Presenting Sponsor of Game Changers for the fourth year, Brooks continues to invest in programs that expand access, celebrate individuality, and support a running community where everyone feels they belong.