Jody M. Bartz, PhD, has built a remarkable career dedicated to empowering young girls and fostering inclusive environments through her leadership in nonprofit management and special education. As the founder and executive director of GRO girl GRO, a nonprofit organization based in Tucson, Arizona, Dr. Bartz has created a vibrant community encouraging girls to step away from their screens and immerse themselves in outdoor activities. Through mountain biking, hiking, and other outdoor adventures, GRO girl GRO aims to build confidence, promote leadership, and cultivate lasting friendships among girls and women in the region. The program’s rapid growth, positively impacting 77 girls and their families in 18 months, underscores Dr. Bartz’s vision and commitment.
Dr. Bartz’s academic journey laid the foundation for her impactful work. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in special education and family studies and human development from the University of Arizona. She also holds a Master of Arts in severe and multiple disabilities from the same institution and a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Arizona. These accomplishments highlight her passion for education and dedication to understanding and addressing the unique needs of diverse populations. Her academic background continues to inform her innovative leadership, coaching, and advocacy approach.
Before founding GRO girl GRO, Dr. Bartz gained extensive experience in special education, dedicating 30 years to creating inclusive educational practices. Her professional journey also includes working as Sonoran Endurance Sports Academy, LLC’s owner and head coach in Vail, Arizona. Through this endeavor, Dr. Bartz provided connection-based coaching to a small group of athletes, focusing on youth and their families, an area often overlooked by other coaches. Specializing in mountain biking and working with adults pursuing various fitness goals, she emphasized relationship-building as a cornerstone of her coaching philosophy.
Dr. Bartz’s ability to connect with people of all skill levels stems from her years of experience in special education, where she learned to create welcoming environments that foster confidence and growth. She approaches her work with a tireless passion for empowering young girls and building supportive communities. Parents of shy or hesitant participants often witness remarkable transformations as their daughters gain self-assurance, develop new skills, and even upgrade to better bikes as they embrace the joys of outdoor activities.
Establishing GRO girl GRO has been a defining achievement for Dr. Bartz. Initially starting with just a handful of participants, the program quickly grew to serve dozens of girls from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as those with disabilities. Dr. Bartz’s ability to provide a safe, inclusive space for these young girls to thrive reflects her lifelong dedication to advocacy and education. She encourages girls to disconnect from their phones and engage with the natural world, particularly in a region allowing year-round outdoor exploration.
Dr. Bartz’s professional expertise extends beyond nonprofit management and education. Her background in retail, particularly in cosmetics sales, equipped her with valuable interpersonal and organizational skills that she now leverages to enhance her programs. She is also a certified cycling instructor, holding a Bike Instructor Certification Program Level 1 Instructor credential since 2023. This certification aligns seamlessly with her mission at GRO girl GRO, enabling her to provide expert guidance in cycling activities and promote physical fitness among participants.
Dr. Bartz’s personal life mirrors her professional passions. A Southern California native, she resides in Arizona with her spouse, John, and two stepchildren. An avid mountain biker and outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys hiking, trail riding, and exploring nature in her free time. Her love for outdoor activities not only fuels her personal interests but also serves as the inspiration for her work with GRO girl GRO.
Looking to the future, Dr. Bartz envisions expanding the reach and impact of GRO girl GRO through a series of new initiatives. Planned programs include Mentor GRO Mentor, Shine Girl Shine, Camps Girl Camps, and Mighty Girls Mighty, all of which aim to provide mentorship, leadership opportunities, and immersive outdoor experiences for young girls. She also plans to establish a bicycle ranch, advancing her mission to empower girls through physical activity and connection-based mentorship.
Dr. Bartz’s commitment to advocacy, education, and youth development has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless girls and their families. Her ability to inspire confidence, build community, and foster meaningful connections exemplifies her dedication to creating a brighter future for young girls. Dr. Bartz champions inclusiveness and empowerment through GRO girl GRO and her broader professional efforts, making a lasting difference in her community and beyond.