We were lucky to catch up with Glaiza recently and have shared our conversation below.

Glaiza, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

The idea for the Whittier Walking Club came to me after a powerful three-hour prayer session. I was seeking clarity and direction for my life—something meaningful that could not only fulfill me but also serve others. During that prayer, the vision of a walking club for women came to me. I pictured women coming together to walk, talk, and support one another, creating a community that fostered empowerment.

The next step was simple but significant: I took action. I decided to set a date, put it on my calendar, and commit to showing up even if no one else did. I began researching local parks and routes in Whittier that were safe and accessible. I envisioned this as more than just a walking group; it would be a safe space for women to build friendships and uplift one another.

After that, I started spreading the word. I created a social media page to share the vision and invited women to join me. I wrote about the mission of the club—empowering women to thrive through connection, wellness, and purpose.—and posted about our first walk.

I’ll never forget the first day of the club. No one showed up. It was just me, but I wasn’t discouraged. I had two choices: I could go home and let doubt take over, or I could walk anyway. I chose to walk. As I did, I imagined women walking with me, believing wholeheartedly that one day, they would. That moment became the cornerstone of the Whittier Walking Club—it was built on faith, persistence, and an unwavering vision.

The weeks and months that followed were about consistency and creativity. I continued sharing the vision on social media, connecting with other social groups, and engaging with women who expressed interest. I also began planning outreach events, like giving to the homeless in Skid Row and organizing food distribution drives, to tie our mission to service and community impact. Slowly but surely, women began to show up.

It wasn’t an overnight success. From walking alone to having a handful of women join me, and then seeing the community grow to hundreds and now thousands of followers, it has been a journey of faith and perseverance. Every step I took—whether showing up alone, staying consistent, or leading with purpose—helped turn the Whittier Walking Club into more than just a walking group.

Today, the Whittier Walking Club is a movement of women walking together towards empowerment, community, and change. It all started with a three-hour prayer and a leap of faith, proving that with heart, action, and trust in a greater vision, anything is possible.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Glaiza, and I’m the founder of the Whittier Walking Club, a women-only community built to empower and uplift women. When I started this journey in July 2024, it began as a simple idea with a powerful vision: bringing women together to support one another, both physically and emotionally.

I invite you to be part of this incredible movement. Together, we can create a supportive space where women inspire each other to thrive and overcome challenges. Let’s walk this journey side by side!

How I Got Started

The Whittier Walking Club began with a simple dream of fostering community through walking. At our first launch, no one showed up, but I didn’t let that stop me. I walked alone, believing that one day women would join me. By September 2024, our club had grown significantly, and today, it’s a thriving community.

What We Offer

The Whittier Walking Club is a movement focused on wellness, connection, and purpose. Here’s what we do:

• Community Walks: Weekly walks that provide women with an opportunity to connect, stay active, and share stories.

• Philanthropy: We host food distribution events to give back to those in need and distributing essentials to the homeless in Skid Row.

• Women’s Fellowship: On Wednesdays, I host a fellowship for women who want to grow in their faith. We study the Word of God, pray together, and engage in creative activities like vision boards, prayer boards, and journaling.

• Empowerment: I encourage all women to step out of their comfort zones and discover their potential.

• Digital Resources: I’m developing guides and an online coaching program to help other women start their own walking clubs and build their communities.

What Sets Us Apart

The Whittier Walking Club is open to all women, regardless of their background. Whether you’re looking for friendship, fitness, or a way to give back, our community is here for you. I’m committed to making an impact not just here in Whittier but in the lives of women everywhere. For those seeking faith-centered growth, our Wednesday fellowship offers a safe space to explore and deepen your relationship with God.

Problems We Solve

• Social Isolation: We create opportunities for women to build genuine connections.

• Health Challenges: Walking is a simple and accessible way to improve overall well-being.

• Lack of Purpose: Through fellowship and service, we help women find meaning and fulfillment.

How You Can Support Us

We depend on the support of our community to continue doing what we do. By purchasing our Whittier Walking Club merchandise or donate through our website, you can help us fund our community walks, food distribution events, and other initiatives. Every purchase and donation allows us to grow and extend our impact even further.

What I’m Most Proud Of

I’m most proud of the lives we’ve touched and the connections we’ve built. Seeing women step out of their comfort zones, grow in confidence, serving the community and knowing that this space has sparked personal growth, resilience, and a sense of belonging fills my heart with joy. It’s a reminder of the power we have when women come together with a shared purpose, to transform not just our own lives but also the lives of those around us.

What I Want You to Know

The Whittier Walking Club is more than just a walking group—it’s a movement of women supporting women, walking with purpose and changing lives. My long-term vision is to create a shelter for underprivileged children.

Whether you’re looking for community, a way to give back, or a path to personal and spiritual growth, the Whittier Walking Club and our Wednesday Women’s Fellowship are here to welcome you. Let’s walk together toward a stronger, brighter future.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

There was a moment early in my journey with the Whittier Walking Club that truly tested my resilience. It was the very first day of the club’s launch, and no one showed up. Not a single person. I could’ve gone home and called it a failure, but instead, I decided to walk anyway. Alone. I remember vividly envisioning women walking with me, picturing the community I was determined to build.

For the first two months, only up to four women joined me. It was slow, and there were moments when doubt crept in, but I refused to give up. I stayed consistent, showing up every week because I believed in the mission. By the second week of September, something shifted. More women began to join, and the club started to grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

Looking back, I realize those early walks, especially the one by myself were the foundation of everything. They taught me patience, persistence, and the power of believing in your vision even when no one else does yet. It’s a lesson I carry with me every day.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I started building the Whittier Walking Club’s audience on social media, I didn’t have a big following or fancy tools, just a clear vision and a deep desire to connect with women. I began by consistently posting about the club’s mission and sharing my journey, including the vulnerable moments, like walking alone during the first launch. I wanted people to see the heart behind what I was creating.

I also made it a point to invite women directly to join the club. Whether it was through comments, DMs, or engaging with their posts, I focused on building genuine connections. Sharing stories of our community outreach, like helping the homeless in Skid Row or hosting food distributions, showed people that this was more than just a walking club, it was about making a difference.

For anyone starting out, my biggest advice is to be consistent and authentic. Show people who you are, what you stand for, and why your mission matters. Don’t be afraid to start small; it’s not about going viral overnight but about creating a community that believes in your vision. Engage with your audience, stay true to your message, and trust the process, it takes time, but it’s worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beacons.ai/whittierwalkingclub
• Instagram: WhittierWalkingClub
• Facebook: WhittierWalkingClub
• Youtube: WhittierWalkingClub
• Other: TikTok: WhittierWalkingClub