When Safiatu “Safi” Diagana applied to Run for the Future as a high school junior back in 2018, she wrote in her application, “I believe that in life you have to try something new,” which started her on a life-changing journey. Run for the Future is a free, six-week summer program that introduces NYC high school young women to running.
“Through Run for the Future, I learned so much about myself and built not only this confidence but this love to always strive to do hard things and challenge myself,” she said.
In and for Community
Safi grew up in Queens and she now works as a postpartum nurse in Manhattan, showing up for new mothers on some of the most vulnerable and transformative days of their lives. It’s fitting work for someone who has spent years showing up for herself and her community.
Growing up, Safi didn’t see many people who looked like her in the running community. As a Muslim woman from a low-income family, the world of running felt like it belonged to someone else. Run for the Future helped change that, not just by putting her on a starting line, but by teaching her about her own fitness, providing a network of people who had her back, and giving her the confidence to reach her goals.
“Run for the Future helped improve my self confidence as a Black Muslim woman growing up in New York City,” she said.
Running, Then and Now
After completing Run for the Future, Safi stepped away from running for a while, but the pull of the community and memories of what the program gave her brought her back. She credits Run for the Future with helping her learn about fitness and wellness in a supportive environment that went far beyond the six weeks.
She’s reconnected with program alumnae and gotten back into running, even securing her entry into the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon through the 9+1 program. Recently, she spoke on a panel of Run for the Future alumnae for National Girls & Women in Sports Day (pictured above).
On March 15, Safi will toe the start line of her first-ever half marathon at the United Airlines NYC Half. She said, “Running the United Airlines NYC Half means putting myself out there and challenging myself, even on days when I was told I couldn’t do something like this.”
She’ll be training while fasting during Ramadan, a challenge she’ll meet with the grit and determination she’s learned as a runner set on getting through a long run and a nurse devoted to her patients on a long shift.
“Hydration and low intensity workouts have been key to training while fasting. I didn’t realize how both physically and mentally challenging it can be but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible. During Ramadan, also making duaa (prayers) that everything works out has been helpful for me to realize that this holy month has truly made me grateful for my health and wellness,” she said.
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