Anne Mahlum

Anne M. Mahlum is the Founder and President of Back on My Feet (BOMF), a strategic and unique nonprofit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of the homeless population by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem.

Anne started Back on My Feet in July 2007 when she developed a relationship with a group of homeless men outside of the shelter she passed on her early morning runs. The men reminded Anne of her father who had struggled with an addiction for the majority of his life. She turned to running to help get her through the difficult times and she wanted to share the benefits of the sport with her new cheering squad. After a few weeks of running with the men she quickly realized there was an opportunity to create a nonprofit that would build an environment where the homeless population would be able to rebuild their lives...starting with running. The organization is now a $6.2 million operation that has helped hundreds of individuals in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, DC, Boston and Chicago. The organization will open chapters in Indianapolis, Dallas and two other unidentified markets in 2011.

Anne and Back on My Feet have been featured on several national news outlets, including NBC Nightly News , ABC World News, CNN Heroes, and The Today Show. For a complete list of national media pieces please visit the BOMF site. Anne has also received numerous awards for her work including being name one of CNN's top 10 Heroes of 2008, one of Philadelphia's 40 under 40 in 2010, Penjerdel's Citizen of the Year in 2009 and one of Fitness Magazine's top 10 Fitness Heroes of 2010.

Anne regularly speaks at corporate events, academic institutions and conferences. She has spoken to intimate groups of 20 to as many as 35,000 youths. She has presented on inspiration, leadership, the business behind starting a nonprofit, fundraising, social change and of course, the issue of homelessness.

Mahlum attended graduate school at American University where she obtained her master's degree in political communications in 2003. She is an avid runner and has completed 10 marathons on six different continents. Mahlum is originally from Bismarck, North Dakota and currently resides in Washington, DC.