Jay Ell Alexander

Some leaders chase moments.
Others build movements.

Jay Ell Alexander belongs firmly in the second category.

Motivated by a passion for sparking change in both the minds and bodies of others, Alexander has spent more than a decade reshaping wellness, representation, and community — turning intention into action and action into legacy. 💚

As Founder & CEO of Black Girls RUN! and Owner & CEO of The Vaughn Strategy, she seamlessly blends entrepreneurship with purpose, proving that health equity and leadership can move in stride together. 🖤✨

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🖤💖 BLACK GIRLS RUN!: MORE THAN A RUN CLUB 💖🖤

Founded in 2009, Black Girls RUN! was created to address a glaring gap: the lack of visibility and inclusion of Black women in the running and endurance sports space.

What began as a grassroots idea has grown into a national and international wellness movement, impacting over 250,000 African American women — encouraging healthier, more active lifestyles through running, movement, and community. 🏃🏾‍♀️🔥

Under Jay Ell’s leadership, BGR! has:
• Expanded access to fitness spaces historically lacking diversity
• Increased participation of Black women in endurance sports
• Reframed wellness as inclusive, empowering, and attainable

This is fitness with purpose.
This is culture shift. 💖

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💚 ENTREPRENEURSHIP, SERVICE & SCALE 💚

Beyond BGR!, Jay Ell is also the Founder of:
• BGR! Foundation – advancing health equity and community engagement
• BGR! Junior – introducing youth to wellness early
• C+J Investments – supporting long-term community development

Her work has earned partnerships with Saucony, Ford, Facebook, Brooks Running, REI, and Fleet Feet, along with national media recognition from NBC News, Good Morning America, ESSENCE, and Ebony Magazine. 🖤💖

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🎓💖 EDUCATION, AKA PRIDE & LEADERSHIP 💚🎓

A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Alexander earned:
• A Communications degree from George Mason University
• A Master’s degree in Strategic Public Relations from Virginia Commonwealth University
• Executive training from the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business Nonprofit Executive Leadership Program

She is also a Certified Run Coach, a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 💖💚, and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) — serving her community with purpose and precision.

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🏆💖 ACCOLADES & RECOGNITION 💚🏆

✨ Style Weekly – Top 40 Under 40 (2024)
✨ Madam C.J. Walker Trailblazer Award – Fabulous Female Fundraisers (2024)
✨ George Mason University – Black Alumni 40 Under 40 (2023)
✨ Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Trailblazer Award (2021) 💖💚
✨ iPower Richmond – 30 Under 30 (2017)
✨ PRSA Richmond – Rising Star Award (2015)

Each honor reflects a leader who doesn’t just show up — she sets the pace. 🏃🏾‍♀️🏆

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🖤💖 LIFE, BALANCE & PURPOSE 💖🖤

Jay Ell has completed two full marathons and sixteen half marathons, authored a children’s book supporting mothers through motherhood, and continues to advocate for balance between ambition and wellness.

She and her husband Christopher recently celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary, raising their children Chris Jr. and Jaycee, alongside their black lab, Luna. 🐾🖤

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🌍💖 WANT TO JOIN BLACK GIRLS RUN!? 💚🌍

Inspired by Jay Ell Alexander’s story?
Want to become part of the movement? 🏃🏾‍♀️✨

You can join a local chapter, learn about programs, events, and community initiatives, or support the mission by visiting:

👉 https://blackgirlsrun.com

Whether you’re a beginner, walker, runner, or just starting your wellness journey — Black Girls RUN! meets you where you are. 🖤💖

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🔥💖 TAKEOVER TV HONORS 💚🔥

For redefining wellness, leadership, and representation — and for building a movement that continues to uplift women across the globe — Takeover TV proudly honors Jay Ell Alexander.

🖤💖💚🏆🏃🏾‍♀️

🌞 Annual Family Vacation = Unmatched vibes 💛

Nothing like laughter, love, and a little bit of chaos with my fave crew that knows me best.

Grateful for these moments, the memories we’re making, and the traditions we’re keeping alive. Until next year! ✈️📸✨