Take the Lead Opens Registration for 2023 Retreat

May 10, 2023

Take the Lead welcomes women and femme of color in the running industry to register for 2023 event

Seattle, Wash. (May 10, 2023)/SPORTSWIRE WOMEN/ – Take the Lead, a first-of-its-kind retreat for women and femme of color (WFOC) in the running industry, today opens registration for the 2023 retreat in Chicago, IL this August 14-16.

The retreat launched in 2022 with the goal of providing WFOC who work in the running industry with career development programming, community building, and mentorship opportunities. The Co-founders Alison Mariella Désir and Martha M. Garcia created the event to provide an opportunity to connect in a safe space and lead the change they want to see in the industry.

“I’m so excited for our 2023 event, which would not be possible without our sponsors and allies who believe in us and the importance of spaces like this,” says Désir. “I am so looking forward to the deep connections, joyful moments and professional opportunities that will result from our gathering.”

The 2023 retreat will feature a workshop led by Camber Outdoors CEO Tiffany Smith, who has more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit development, generating revenue, and effective marketing strategies for organizations. She will bring her experience in igniting systemic change in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the broader outdoor industry to this year’s Take the Lead retreat.

Along with the workshop, guests will attend numerous panels as well as educational sessions tailored to the diverse group of attendees, including entrepreneurs, small business owners, race directors and event planners, consultants, and corporate employees. The 2023 retreat is presented by sponsors including Brooks Running, New York Road Runners, On Running, Fleet Feet, Strava, Superfeet, Feetures and Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

“I went in hopeful and left with a full heart and feeling more connected to women in this business than I ever have in my professional life,” said an attendee from the 2022 event. “I am both hopeful and committed to this idea to keep going. It is a much-needed breakthrough to truly be able to shift the tide for women of color.”

Another 2022 attendee added, “Take the Lead was a safe haven to share experiences and knowledge. It was a space to be uplifted and inspired, an instant sisterhood.”

To register for the retreat, visit woctakethelead.com on Wednesday, May 10 at 9am PST/12pm EST.

For brands interested in partnership opportunities, please email jessica@bibrave.com.

For any media inquiries or additional questions, please email alice@outsidepr.com.

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About Take the Lead:

Take The Lead is the first-ever running-industry retreat centering the experience of women and femme of color with the mission to validate, support, and lead change they want to see in the running industry. Take The Lead was co-founded in 2022 by Alison Mariella Désir and Martha M. Garcia. Take the Lead is returning in 2023 with the continued mission to provide women and femme of color who work in the running industry with career development programming, community building, and mentorship opportunities that center our experiences and identities. This retreat is put on for us and by us. We know that by coming together, connecting in a safe space, and centering our experiences, we can lead the change we want to see in the running industry. www.woctakethelead.com

Media Contact: Alice Baker

E-mail: alice@outsidepr.com