Here are our RAS Ambassadors for 2025: (in progress)
Julainne Mills – RAS Ambassador Coordinator
Excited to be representing RAS for a second year. My love for running started over 20 years ago while stationed in Mississippi with the Air Force. The local running club gave me a great support network and made it so much fun. I ran my first marathon in Huntsville, AL, and was hooked after that. I reached out to my father about joining me for some races and over the next two decades met up with him for father/daughter weekends to run 5k and half marathons. In total we’ve participated in over two dozen races together and I’ve run another 70+ races from 5k to full marathons since 2000. I have recently added swimming and biking to my regimen and participated in my first Olympic distance triathlon last year where I finished third in my age group. I find that running is not only a beneficial physical activity, but also allows me to clear my head and find moments of peace in hectic times. Running is a joy for me and I love to share it with my friends and acquaintances. I am thrilled to be a 2024 RAS Ambassador and sharing what these great races have to offer. Run Happy!
Melissa Bittick
Hi! My name is Melissa Bittick. I’m a married to my high school sweetheart and we have a 9 year old son and 11 year old daughter together. I teach spin classes and lead the run club at Lifetime Baybrook. I started running when my daughter was two. I couldn’t run for more then 2-3 minutes at a time, but gradually worked my way up to being able to run a 5K. From then, I was hooked! I worked towards being able to run a 10k, then took a couple year break while I had my son, then picked it back up in 2016. By 2017, I had found several run groups and learned how to follow training plans. I went from a casual runner to enjoying trying to run personal bests and take on new distances. I set the goal to run my first marathon and BQ, and in January 2018- I did it! Since then I’ve run 18 marathons and nearly 50 half marathons. I have a new goal to run either a half marathon or full marathon race in every state over the next 10-15 years. I’m also over halfway to becoming a 6 star WMM finisher with Berlin on the calendar for my 4th star and first international major marathon. However, some of my very favorite races are the Running Alliance Sport races! I’ve done the Seabrook Lucky Trails, 5K series and Bridge Series and they are all so much fun! The race directors do an amazing job with each of these races and I am so thankful to be apart of the RAS ambassador program again this year to share more about them. Our local running community is the best! The way that everyone encourages, motivates and inspires each other truly is special and I’m so excited to continue to be apart of it. Running is for everyone! Come join us 🙂
John Nguyen
I’m John Nguyen. I started running in 2009 to get in better shape. My first race was the Seabrook Lucky Trails Half in 2010. I have learned so much from running and have met so many great people along the way. I will be pacing at least 4 events this year. I currently run with the Urban Locos Runners. We are just a group of friends that love to spread positivity in our running community.
Elisabeth Bowman
Hi! I’m Elisabeth Bowman. I am married with 3 very active kids, who constantly keep me on my toes. I started running in 2022 when one of my friends invited me to join her in running her *last* Chevron half marathon. I had never ran a mile continuously in my adult life but decided to try out training for a 5K to see what it was like. Immediately, I was hooked. I started my first half marathon training plan and found a running community at Lifetime Baybrook. The rest is history and now I have completed two full marathons, 10 half marathons, countless 10Ks and 5Ks and my long term is to complete a race in all 50 states! I love the running community so much and it’s become a big part of my life. I am so excited to be a part of the ambassador program this year. I love encouraging others to take a leap of faith and try something out of their comfort zone. You never know when it might be your next thing!
Sylvia Jimerson
Hi all, Sylvia Jimerson here, a born and raised “boot chick” from north Louisiana who has lived in Houston since 2001. I am super excited to be returning for my second year as RAS Ambassador. I keep busy by day working as Sr. Manager with Waste Management. My proudest role is being mother to three daughters (ages 14, 16, 29) and one son (age 23).
My running journey began with Black Girls Run in September 2013 when I graduated from their WalkB4URun program. I was so encouraged by the women around me that I became BGR! Houston Ambassador for six years, retiring in 2024. I have done numerous 5k’s, 10k’s, half marathons, and 1 marathon. I’m currently state chasing and have completed a half marathon in 28 of the 50 states plus DC. I am current Run Ambassador with lululemon. I guess you can say that I just love serving the running community and look forward to an amazing year representing RAS in 2025!
Julian “Ricky” Martinez
Hey everyone, my name is Ricky Martinez. I started my running journey in 2021. I played sports in high school such as soccer, football, baseball and also surfing. Running was not fun but just came with the sports I played. In 2017 my father became ill with Alzheimer’s Dementia. All I knew was him to be a strong Army Veteran and extremely active. In 2021 he became bedridden, and I knew that I wanted to dedicate something to him, so I signed up for a 5K. The training process was hard because I didn’t know how to run so I went to the internet and invested in a treadmill. My first race was the Texas Bridge Series Race in Galveston and placed in the top ten in my age group I was hooked. Running is truly a hobby for myself and when I am not running, I enjoy coaching my local little league and spending time with my son Julian who is 10 and my beautiful wife Gilma who supports me at every race. I enjoy hearing everyone’s stories on how running has helped them and continue to be active in the running community. Beginner runner or an established runner, I am grateful for this opportunity to represent RAS as an ambassador and learn more about this fantastic organization that truly unites us all. Thank you for this opportunity and I look forward to seeing you all at the Races.
Danielle Walker
Hey everyone! I’m Danielle. I’m a mom of 2 little boys, Registered Dietitian, and Health Coach who loves to help inspire others to discover a healthier, happier lifestyle one step at a time. I grew up as a track and field athlete who later fell in love with all forms of fitness. I’ve recently discovered the joy in the journey of endurance training. I am so excited to be a part of Running Alliance Sport’s ambassador program to bring other runners together.
Jonathan Whitaker
My name is Jonathan Whitaker, and I started my running journey in February 2016. I had been a cigarette smoker since I was 13. I struggled quitting for years but I finally was able to quit at the age of 32 in July of 2015. Then in February 2016 we had a weight loss competition at work, so my wife encouraged me to run to win. I used an app C25K that taught me to run a 5k. I never thought I could run for more than 5 minutes. I smashed the competition. I fell in love with running during the weight loss competition and never looked back. Then things escalated pretty quickly. I ran my first official 10k in Kemah that year and then went on and completed the Texas Bridge Series. In 2017 I did the pelican challenge in Seabrook, the 5k series, and the bridge series again, and in 2018 I did my first marathon followed by another pelican challenge. I’ve done 8 marathons now in total including one in Austin, and Chicago plus 23 halves and countless 5K’s & 10K’s. I have a beautiful wife, Leslie, and two fantastic, brilliant children, Luke and Katelyn. I couldn’t do any of this without them and the friends I’ve made since this journey began. I feel every mile I run is towards a better, healthier version of myself. I hope to see you out there!
Hannah Nguyen
Hello, my name is Hannah Nguyen. I am always an outdoor nature lover and I love hiking. However, I started running longer distances around 2013 after I have lost my mother and brother due to cancers and then I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. I am a cancer survivor. I started running for a reason and fundraising for good causes. My first marathon was in 2015 in memory of my mom, my little brother, and to honor all of cancer patients in the world who is fighting the bravest battle and never give up. I run to bring cancer awareness to the community, to support and promote health and wellness to our runners community. Running brings me joy and happiness. Running made me stronger mentally and physically. Running is a privilege because life can be very short. Doesn’t matter slow pace or fast pace, if you run, you are a runner. We are made to move, so keep moving forward. Happy running and never give up!
Lauren Stroud
Hey everyone, My name is Lauren Stroud! I am married to Clint Stroud, who also runs with me from time to time and I am a mom of two little girls, Sadie and Miley. I developed a love for long distance running when I was a freshman in high school and haven’t stopped since. I ran through two pregnancies and I also regularly push my girls on runs in the double stroller. I love racing all distances and on all types of terrain. I am so excited to be an RAS ambassador this year. I have participated in many of the races in the RAS series and have loved every single one of them! I look forward to a great year of sharing my love of running with all of you!
Daniel Gilliam
My name is Daniel Gilliam and a lot of people know me as Cyborg. I started running seriously and have lost well over 70lbs which has helped me be a better father to my 4 children. I felt called by God to do an ultra and completed the Habanero 100k in August. My favorite thing about running is getting to cheer and encourage others. I do all things for the glory of God and look forward to changing the world one footstep at a time!
Eilis Doran
Hi, I’m Eilis Doran. I am an engineer from Alabama who moved to the Houston area in 2022. My running journey began in 2018 when I completed my first 10K at RunDisney’s Marathon Weekend. Since then I’ve worked up to completing my first half marathon in 2023. While 2024 was a quiet year for my running, I plan to challenege myself this year with the Springtime Surprise Challenge, the Texas Bridge Series, and many other runs in the Houston area. Using the run-walk method I typically see improvements to my times even if they aren’t very fast. Part of my motivation from running comes from my current weight loss journey. I don’t know how long it will take me but I’m happy for the miles I’ve walked and run along the way. As a result of 12 food allergies I love sharing gluten-free tips and tricks for fueling and nutrition. When I’m not running or meal prepping I’m typically swimming or biking at the gym. Can’t wait to represent RAS and make more running friends around Houston.
Adriana Gutierrez
Hello, my name is Adriana Gutierrez I have been passionately dedicated to running for over 20 years. I have done numerous runs, from 5ks to marathons, constantly pushing my limit and inspiring those around me. I am so excited to be a RAS ambassador. I hope to motivate runners of all levels to lace up their shoes, take that first step, and discover the life-changing power of running.
Lisa Wells
I am Lisa Wells and thrilled to have been selected by RAS as an Ambassador! I am originally from Los Angeles, CA and has lived in Houston since 2014. By day, I work from home as a Risk Officer, Director at UBS Financial Services. My proudest achievement has been raising two sons as a single mom, now college and law school graduates and excelling in their careers. My running journey began with Black Girls Run in March 2020 when the Pandemic hit and the world seemed to shut down. After burning out on Netflix and developing unhealthy eating habits, I realized that the pavement was still open. Since then, I have done numerous 5k’s, 10k’s, half marathons, and in October 2024 successfully completed my fist full Marathon in Chicago! This was especially meaningful after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. My goal was to show others dealing with chronic conditions that through hard work and preparation, it could be done! I have been an Ambassador with BGR! Houston since 2022 and was recognized nationally as Ambassador of the Year in 2024. I also spend time strength training to complement running. I lead by example and have a passion for helping others to prioritize their health and incorporate running into their regular routines. I look forward to continuing to serve the community and excited to be representing RAS!
Dr. Caryn Honig
I was an All-American, nationally ranked tennis player and started running as a form of cross training. I ran my first marathon in 1985 and haven’t stopped since. So far, I have completed 48 full marathons (including 23 Houston Marathons and 5 Boston Marathons), one 50-mile race, two 30K’s, one full Ironman, and hundreds of other distance running races and triathlons. My younger daughter ran her first marathon this year in Houston and I had the pleasure of running every mile with her.
After my dad died by suicide in 2022, I founded a 501(c)3 non-profit organization called Poppy’s Run For Life. Our mission is to change the conversation about suicde, to bring communities together, and to raise money for suicide prevention, awareness and education programs. I now run “for life.”
When I am not running, I am a registered, licensed dietitian and adjunct professor at University of Houston. I have been married for 33 years , have two grown daughters and a Great Pyrenees, Brooklyn, who is the love of my life.
Kim M Nguyen
Running began with the first single step and afforded me many experiences that have enriched my life. What started as a way to lose weight has evolved into running for purpose and intention through meaningful causes, lasting friendships and nurturing physical, spiritual, and mental health. From treadmills to trails to National Parks, scholarships, cancer and domestic violence awareness, and the Texas Beef Council, each step has brought new opportunities. I am truly grateful for my running community, especially my TX Beef Team Family.
Joey DeFalco
Hello my name is Joey. I’m a married father of two very active boys. I’ve been running on and off since 2014 when I completed my first half marathon because some friends talked me into running it. Since then I’ve completed two more half’s and six marathons. The 5k is my favorite distance because I love to push myself and this distance is over so quick I don’t worry as much about not being able to finish if I start too fast. For someone that grew up hating to run anything longer than 400 meters it’s crazy to think I now enjoy getting to go on long runs with friends and consider 5k a quick fun distance.
By far the reason that keeps me coming back to races and running is the community. You get to meet so many amazing people at local races and expand your running network of friends.
Claudia Garcia
Hi, I’m Claudia and I’ve been walking and running since 2000! I have completed 31 half marathons, one full marathon, and more 5K and 10K races than I can count. I want to share the joy in movement with everyone, but most especially those who are intimidated by running, caregivers who need to carve out a tiny space for themselves in their day to day, and people who grew up afraid to be picked last in PE class because they didn’t look like an athlete (hi! Me too!)
I’m a mom to a fun and busy 2.5-year-old and live in the Richmond area with my husband of nearly 10 years. My husband is a kidney transplant recipient, a leg amputee and has faced many health challenges throughout our marriage. We battled infertility for many years and I always turn to running to improve my mental health through life’s challenges. Running is my outlet for recharging so I can show up as my best self for my family and others.
I am also a Latinas Run Houston ambassador, an RRCA-certified running coach, and have had the privilege of coaching beginner 5K runners through the Houston Area Road Runners Power in Motion program.
I’m so excited to inspire and connect with others who love (or are ready to fall in love with) running as much as I do! See ya on the race course!