Women’s health, and menopause in particular, has been underfunded, under-researched, and under-discussed for far too long.
For too many people, menopause is still treated as something to endure privately rather than something to understand collectively. Symptoms are dismissed. Research gaps persist. Conversations are awkward or avoided altogether. And millions of people are left navigating a major life transition without the visibility, information, support, and investment they deserve.
The Hot Flash Dash flips that narrative. It creates a space where people of all ages can move, laugh, learn, gather, and support a future where women’s bodies and experiences are fully seen, studied, and celebrated.
This is not a race. It’s a declaration.
Two Jens walk into menopause… and instead of whispering about it, they decide to throw a 5K.
The Hot Flash Dash was founded by longtime friends, two “one-n” Jens who met more than 30 years ago. Life took them in different directions, but they reunited around a shared belief: menopause should not be hidden, minimized, or treated like a punchline whispered behind closed doors. It should be understood. Researched. Talked about. Funded. Supported. And yes, maybe even made fun.
That belief became the Hot Flash Dash, a joyful, visible, and unapologetically bold event that blends movement, humor, storytelling, advocacy, and community. It is part 5K, part awareness campaign, part celebration, and part cultural statement.
Because menopause is not the end of the story. It is a powerful chapter that deserves attention, investment, and a much better soundtrack.
Two Jens, One Hot Idea.
Jen G is a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, storyteller, educator, and women’s history advocate whose work has centered on elevating women’s lives, leadership, and contributions. She previously served as CEO of the National Women’s Hall of Fame, where she helped expand the organization’s national visibility, strengthen its fundraising infrastructure, and bring greater public attention to the stories of women who have changed history. Under her leadership, the Hall hosted its first-ever New York City induction ceremony, attracted national sponsors and donors, and was invited to participate in high-profile national moments celebrating women’s leadership.
Jen’s career has also included work in higher education, philanthropy, counseling, and public storytelling. She currently serves as Board President of the National Center for Women’s Innovations, where she is helping shape a national platform dedicated to recognizing women innovators across science, health, technology, education, and leadership.
Jen Y is an actor, producer, writer, advocate, and nonprofit leader whose work has centered on expanding representation, challenging stereotypes, and creating opportunities for underrepresented storytellers in film, television, and media.
Since 2012, Jen has served in a leadership role with the Asian American Film Lab, an organization dedicated to uplifting independent filmmakers and advancing positive, complex portrayals of Asian Americans, women, and other underrepresented communities. Under her leadership, the Film Lab has continued to grow as a platform for bold storytelling, creative experimentation, and meaningful conversations about equity in entertainment.
Across her career, Jen has used media as a tool for visibility, empathy, and change. Her work sits at the intersection of creativity and advocacy, helping ensure that stories too often ignored or misrepresented are instead seen, heard, and valued.