“I Can’t” to “I Tri”: How Theresa Roden Is Empowering the Next Generation of Girls

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Lighthouse Keepers Podcast | Guest: Theresa Roden, Founder of i-tri
Meet Theresa Roden, founder of i-tri, a life-changing nonprofit transforming “I can’t” into “I tri” for middle school girls across Long Island. In this inspiring interview, Theresa shares how i-tri uses triathlon training, mentorship, and mindset coaching to build self-esteem, resilience, and leadership in the next generation.

What began as one woman’s personal journey from self-doubt to triathlon glory has grown into a powerful movement impacting over 1,600 middle school girls across Long Island. Through a unique blend of physical training, mental empowerment, and emotional growth, I-Tri helps girls discover their inner strength and believe in the power of “I can.” Hear how Teresa’s vision evolved from a single race into a ripple effect of confidence, community, and life-changing mentorship.
Discover how this unique program is creating confident, empowered young women—one stride at a time.
Learn more:
https://maryellensherlock.com
https://www.lighthousekeeperspodcast.com
Listen to us on Spotify : https://rb.gy/ysh8am

About i-tri:
i-tri is a transformative, community-based program on Long Island that empowers middle school girls through the sport of triathlon. Founded by Theresa Roden, i-tri focuses on building self-confidence, mental resilience, and healthy habits. Unlike competitive sports, i-tri is non-competitive—every girl crosses the finish line, showing them they are capable of more than they ever thought possible. Learn more: https://itrigirls.org

About Mary Ellen Sherlock:
Mary Ellen Sherlock is an author, mentor, and the host of The Lighthouse Keepers Podcast, a show dedicated to amplifying the voices of women who are guiding others with purpose, compassion, and courage. A seasoned storyteller with a background in social work and writing, Mary Ellen brings deep insight and empathy to every conversation. Learn more: https://maryellensherlock.com

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i-tri (www.itrigirls.org), the community-based program that fosters self-respect, personal empowerment, self-confidence, positive body image and healthy lifestyle choices for middle school aged girls, is celebrating their Sweet 16 in 2025.

i-tri-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer Theresa Roden completed her first triathlon in 2005, and her experience was emotionally transformative. Inspired by her daughter, who was 12 at the time, and her personal experience, she decided to bring the benefits of visualization, affirmations, nutrition and active lifestyle that the sport of triathlon gave to her, to adolescent girls who could benefit. Roden launched i-tri in 2010 and the original pilot program consisted of 8 middle school girls at Springs School. Since its inception, i-tri has coached 1400 girls across the finish line and now serves more than 200 girls each year in 13 school districts from Mastic to Montauk.