Pittsburgh walking club helps women make connections

Chayil Dozier / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Hannah Samlall has always had a passion for empowering and encouraging women.

So, when she had the opportunity to start a local walking club — Hot Girl Walk, a national organization that has local chapters — that pushes women to move in a healthy way and make connections with each other, she jumped at the chance.

Sunday morning was the second event that Hot Girls Walk held in Pittsburgh. The group is an international outdoor walking club mean meant to empower women on their journey to self-confidence, gratitude and mental wellness.

What started in Los Angeles has expanded to many major cities in the U.S. and several international locations such as London and Australia.

Hot Girl Walk is a free 2- to 3-mile walk that encourages making connections with yourself and others. Every month, a new location is chosen.

Ms. Samlall, of Dormont, said that she volunteered to be an ambassador for Hot Girl Walk because “it is a culmination of all the things I like to do,” such as empowering women and bringing them other. Plus, she’s always trying to get outside and exercise.

The first event, held last month according to Ms. Samlall, had a turnout of over 60 women, and while Sunday’s had a smaller number of walkers, she said she still enjoyed getting to know everyone more intimately.

One of the attendees, Jordyn Gilliard, said she found the walk from a post online. Sunday was the second one she attended.

“I really want to be able to make some more friends, it’s difficult making friends at this old age of 27,” she said with a laugh.

Chelsey Cook, of Bridgeville, is a friend of Ms. Samlall’s and came to support, but she said like Ms. Gilliard, she also wanted to make new connections.

“I don’t live in the city, so getting to walk in other places that I wouldn’t normally travel to in Pittsburgh is kind of a fun idea for me,” she said.

Olamide Amosu said that she found out about it the night before.

“I would definitely recommend it because this is such a low-stakes way of exercising, meeting other women…” she said. “Not thinking of the pressure of having to look good or do anything — you just need to show up.”