The running industry, particularly at executive and leadership levels, remains largely white and male. Only 15 percent of outdoor companies are led by women, and 85 percent are white, according to the most recent data gathered by Camber Outdoors.
Alison Désir, activist and author of Running While Black, is working to change that. Now in its second year, WOC (Women of Color) Take The Lead Retreat, co-founded by Désir and Martha Garcia, Senior Director of Brand Marketing at Parks Project, is bringing together women and female-identifying leaders of color from around the running industry to network, problem-solve, and work in a space that centers their experience.
Last year’s inaugural event was held in Seattle, Washington, at Brooks’ headquarters, where they hosted 64 participants representing brands from around the industry, including Brooks, Feetures, Salomon, ON Running, New Balance, Strava, and Oiselle. This year’s event will be held in Chicago, Illinois, from August 14-16, and those interested can sign up here. The organization is actively pursuing additional partnerships to support registration fees for…
