She Helped Make Athletic Apparel For Every Woman

This is a part of our 15 Most Powerful Women in Running series. Who runs the world? Girls—obviously.

NANCY GREEN
President, Athleta
Age: 53
San Anselmo, CA

In 1986, Green started her career with Gap Inc. as an assistant merchandiser. Twenty-seven years later, the mom of three is now president and general manager of the corporation’s fastest-growing brand, Athleta. Green says that this journey—rather than any single feat—has been her greatest achievement. She describes her brand’s anchor point as, “‘Power to the she,’ which is about supporting women to reach their limitless potential,” and she says, “I truly believe that fitness and wellness create a strong foundation to achieve that goal.”

Green’s mission to empower women to lead fuller, healthier lives starts with apparel. In the runner’s two years heading Athleta, she has pushed the company toward embracing a younger market (through events like in-store yoga classes for teens) and seeing movement not just as an activity but a lifestyle (creating clothing that transitions from a 10K to a 10 a.m. meeting so that women feel comfortable in both arenas). Athleta also has a broader selection of plus-size running gear than almost any other brand, underlining the idea that fitness is for every body.

“I feel most powerful when I am healthy, present, and tuned in to what’s happening in the world around me, and working with my team to think about how we can make a difference in people’s lives.”

Discover More Of Our 15 Most Powerful Women In Running:
Rebekah Gregory
Mary Wittenberg
Lorna Jane Clarkson
Kara Goucher
Lori Shannon
Michelle Obama
Christy Turlington Burns
Magdalena Boulet
Lauren Fleshman
Harriette Thompson
Sarah Attar