Today we’d like to introduce you to Glaiza M..
Hi Glaiza, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Question 1: In July 2024, I started the Whittier Walking Club with a vision to create a safe space where women could connect through walking. When I held the first official launch, no one showed up. It was disappointing, but instead of giving up, I decided to walk by myself. As I walked that day, I held onto the belief that soon, women would be walking with me. I could almost see them there, walking behind me, and I used that vision to keep me going.
For the first two months, from July through August, we only had up to 4 members. It was a slow start, but I stayed committed. I kept walking, inviting more women, promoting the club and building relationships with those who did come. Those early days taught me the importance of perseverance to lay a strong foundation for the club.
Question 2:
In the second week of September, everything shifted. I had been consistently sharing our walks and updates on social media, and by then, our message started reaching more women. Suddenly, the group expanded, we saw a surge in interest. It was such a powerful moment, seeing the group grow from just 4 people to something much larger in a short time.
What I believe really attracted more women was the focus on building community and providing a safe, supportive environment. It wasn’t just about walking-it was about connection, sharing stories, supporting one another. I made it a point to keep the club women-exclusive, which created a space where members could feel safe and comfortable.
Our community efforts, like organizing food distributions, supporting giving back to those in need, also resonated with people. These outreach initiatives have given our group deeper purpose, which has continued to drive its growth.
Looking back, the journey to where we are today has been rooted in staying authentic, maintaining strong values, always being open to evolve with the needs of the women who join us, staying consistent, believing in the mission, and nurturing the few early relationships helped us build momentum. The Whittier Walking Club is now a flourishing community because women see it as more than just a walking group. It’s a sisterhood.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey for the Whittier Walking Club has not been a smooth road. In the beginning, turnout was low—at the first launch, no one showed up, leaving me walking alone with only a vision of women eventually joining me. For the first couple of months, our group had no more than four members, and I had to work hard to spread the word and keep faith that the club would grow. There were also challenges in finding ways to connect and engage with women in the community, balancing activities to make them accessible and meaningful. Despite these early struggles, the club saw significant growth in September, and our numbers now continue to increase daily. The journey has taught me perseverance and the importance of believing in a cause, knowing that a single step can lead to a powerful impact.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m so glad to share my journey with you! I took a bold step away from my role after years of working in an Orthopedic Clinic, where I specialized in both surgery authorizations and marketing, I made a life-changing decision to follow my passion full-time. I left my role and founded a non-profit focused entirely on ministry, with a mission to save souls, make disciples, and uplift women in every way I can.
This work is my heartbeat. I pour myself into helping others, and I’m known for my resilience—pushing forward no matter how tough things get. I don’t make excuses or let distractions blur my focus; I believe that with determination, clarity, and faith, we’re capable of incredible things. I’ve learned the power of setting boundaries, of saying “no” knowing that each step forward is part of a greater plan.
What I’m most proud of is the growth I see in the people I help—seeing lives transform, hope restored, and faith strengthened. What sets me apart is that I approach everything with grit and gratitude, knowing every step has a purpose.
If my journey teaches anything, I hope it’s this: never underestimate what you can achieve when you follow your calling with courage and love. I invite you to join me in spreading compassion, building a community of strength, and creating a world filled with purpose.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5 to 10 years, I envision our nonprofit becoming a beacon of hope for women who have endured mental, physical, or sexual abuse, as well as challenges like early pregnancy. By offering safe shelter and essential resources, we aim to provide these women—and others in need, including underprivileged children and women struggling with alcohol and drug abuse—with a fresh start and a path to freedom. Our transformative program empowers them to embrace a life of dignity and purpose, guiding them to live righteously—with integrity, resilience, and self-respect—while equipping them with tools for healing and personal growth.
Alongside our services, initiatives like the Whittier Walking Club will encourage healthy lifestyles, foster community bonds, and promote physical well-being in a supportive environment. Together, we can help them rebuild their lives and give back to their communities, creating a lasting impact for future generations.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beacons.ai/whittierwalkingclub
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/whittierwalkingclub
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@whittierwalkingclub
