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Before Susan Evren became the executive director of the Go Jen Go Foundation, a Charlotte nonprofit supporting families facing breast cancer, she was no stranger to pushing limits. As an ultrarunner, Evren has completed grueling 50k races — events that test not just endurance, but mental grit.
Evren’s journey on the trail has informed her approach to nonprofit work, she says. Just as every race comes with unexpected hills and challenges, so does supporting families in crisis. At Go Jen Go, she walks alongside women navigating one of the toughest seasons of their lives, ensuring they feel seen, supported and never alone.
In this episode, Susan opens up about how ultrarunning shaped her leadership philosophy, the lessons she’s learned from the families Go Jen Go serves and the legacy of Jen Pagani — the organization’s namesake and her friend. It’s a conversation about endurance, heart and what it really means to keep showing up, mile after mile, for the people who need you most. They also discuss:
How the Go Jen Go Foundation finds and supports patients.
The mental toughness it requires to finish 31-mile races at high altitudes.
What Evren learns from her failures on and off the trail.
Her thoughts about Charlotte have grown and changed.
Reflections on her life and accomplishments so far and what’s next.
Evren received The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2025. You can learn more about Go Jen Go here.
This podcast episode is part of a series highlighting winners of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 awards, which honor and celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte. It’s hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration.
Find out more about the 40 Over 40 awards by going to Ledger40over40.com.
The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.
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