Pace and Pride: Building Confidence One Step at a Time

Pace and Pride marks the launch of Cadence & Confidence, a podcast series developed as part of a final project at Rutgers University to promote youth empowerment and highlight the impact of local nonprofits. This first episode centers on the idea that growth does not have to be rushed and that true confidence is built gradually over time.

Hosted by Andrew Parra, this episode focuses on a critical message for young girls: there is no single timeline for success. The pressure to be the fastest, the smartest, or the most liked is real, but the key to long-term confidence lies in learning to move at your own pace. Through personal reflections and grounded advice, listeners are encouraged to focus on steady progress and celebrate small victories along the way.

This message directly aligns with the work of Girls on the Run of Central New Jersey, a nonprofit organization that helps girls in grades 3 through 8 develop self-esteem, build life skills, and stay active through team-based programming. Their seasonal program culminates in a celebratory 5K run—not to determine who is fastest, but to recognize how far each girl has come emotionally and physically.

The episode includes a 30-second Public Service Announcement (PSA) supporting the mission of Girls on the Run and providing listeners with a way to get involved. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, the PSA invites the audience to participate in empowering the next generation of girls.

Listen to the full episode of Pace and Pride on SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/QytgnLkbVxxmueXS6
Learn more about Girls on the Run of Central New Jersey: https://www.gotrcnj.org