Celebrating RIDC Milestones
Recently, a friend celebrated her birthday, and several times, she was asked, "Is this a milestone birthday?" Each time, she couldn’t help but respond, "Every birthday is a milestone." It’s a reminder of our unique journey, filled with moments worthy of celebrating.
Change and progress are always occurring, but we don’t always pause to celebrate along the way and take stock of the efforts put forward by so many. Every action taken to improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) is a significant step forward. Each effort, whether small or big, is a milestone worthy of attention.
Below are some milestones our team has observed so far this year...
As the RIDC prepares its first-ever Impact Report, we are excited to share that we were recently featured in ESSENCE, a huge media platform that's a longstanding staple in Black culture. 💅🏾
Retailers like the Exchange Running Collective in Nashville have seen the rewards of designing their first store with inclusion as the top priority from the start.
New York Road Runners has enhanced its impact on NYC youth: New York Road Runners Partners with New York City Public Schools to Invest Over $3 Million in New Middle School Running Program.
Recent leadership changes: Sean Damian Tucker was appointed Senior Marketing Director for North America at On, and Portia Blunt was promoted to SVP of Global Product, Creative Direction, & Social Impact at Reebok. There has also been a noticeable increase in BIPOC ambassadors and interns. (Y'all know we eagerly await—and actively advocate for—the addition of BIPOC executives at the C-suite and board levels across the industry.)
Olympic champion Michael Johnson has secured more than $30M from investors and strategic partners for a track league he plans to launch next year.
Passport stamps: US-based WeRun313, Native Women Running, and many more run clubs are putting brands, race events, and retailers on the map as they expand their communities, enhance their social media presence, and embark on travels to races in other countries, including London, Berlin, Tokyo, Germany, and more.
We know there is much more happening, so we want to hear from you!
We want to know about the milestones you've observed from the RIDC organization and throughout the running industry. Please take time today to share your insights for our impact survey.
As we reflect, let's celebrate each milestone like a birthday—each marking progress and our shared commitment to meaningful change. Every step forward in racial diversity, equity, and inclusion, every community initiative, and every leadership adjustment contributes to our ongoing journey toward more inclusive running and outdoor industries.
Here's to celebrating these milestones not just as isolated achievements but as crucial parts of our collective effort for change. Thanks in advance for filling out our survey!
In service with you,
Kiera Smalls, Executive Director of the RIDC