Champion Highlight: Tiana Duncan
By Amy DiTommaso
An RIDC Champion is someone who is actively doing the work of the mission and vision of our organization and is a living example of the goals we have.
Our next champion is Tiana Duncan, founder and owner of Indigo Movement in Seattle, Washington. Indigo Movement is a wellness community where members are encouraged to take back their “me time” and advocate for their health needs. The community’s values are described on its website, saying that “Indigo Movement is purposefully aligned with clients who are active within their communities and champion issues such as diversity, social justice, LGBTQ+, and improving the environment, inside and outside the workplace.” These values show how important intersectionality is to the work Tiana is doing and the various communities she is welcoming into her space.
In addition to Indigo Movement, Tiana founded The Duncan Connection (TDC), a nonprofit organization that worked primarily in the south end of Seattle, a predominantly BIPOC community, to offer free or reduced-fee exercise classes and swim instruction. Although TDC no longer operates, its goal was to ensure that all groups have the access to the health classes and water safety instruction they need.
We were fortunate enough to get the chance to ask Tiana a few questions about both Indigo Movement, The Duncan Connection, and how all intersecting parts of her identity come together to promote beautiful movement in her community.
Want to see her in action? Check out this news segment from June 9 featuring Tiana speaking about her free movement event on the waterfront of Seattle!
Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC): Please tell us how Indigo Movement came to be.
Tiana Duncan (TD): Indigo Movement was created after observing how most people struggle to take time to care for themselves. I wanted to help people feel empowered to take back their “me time” and live their lives to the fullest potential.
RIDC: Where do you see successes and/or areas for improvement in the fitness community when it comes to the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community?
TD: Like all things in life, there has been progression and at the same time there is more work to be done. It's been cool to watch more LGBTQIA+ fitness instructors, wellness centers, and health professionals receive more funding to provide services in our communities. At the same time, it would be nice to see future gyms and facilities with unisex bathrooms and locker room layouts.
RIDC: What came first, your passion for fitness and wellness or your advocacy work?
TD: Both came at the same time. Since the age of six, I swam competitively, which is a predominantly White sport. I quickly learned the importance of advocating for myself as a Black swimmer.
RIDC: Can you share a joyful story or moment that highlights the work you are doing to bring together the intersecting communities you are a part of/serve?
TD: It’s hard to pick one moment to share a joyful story because beautiful moments are happening daily—from a trans client getting teary eyed while expressing how safe and seen they feel coming to Indigo Movement, to a regular client asking for guidance on affordable fitness programs for their East African parents who recently moved to Washington.
RIDC: Please share more about The Duncan Connection.
TD: The Duncan Connection founded in 2017, provided holistic resources, offering fitness classes and swim lessons to neighborhoods in the South Seattle area. The success of The Duncan Connection (TDC) was based on seasonal programming. For example, in the winter TDC would partner with Rainier Dance Center in South Seattle to provide the community with fitness classes for only $5. TDC is no longer in operation; like all good things, it ran its course.
RIDC: What are some upcoming events and happenings you have planned? How can we help promote the awesome work you are doing?
TD: This summer I will be teaching a free 60-minute kickboxing and mobility class at Pier 62 in partnership with Friends of Waterfront Seattle. This class is family friendly and great for all fitness levels. The next class is on Sunday, July 16, at 11 AM. To learn more about Indigo Movement and book services, visit our website. And follow us on Instagram and TikTok weekly fitness inspo.
