Meet the RIDC’s 2022 Scholarship Recipients For The Running Event
The RIDC, in partnership with TRE and On, is providing full scholarships for run specialty stores owned or managed by BIPOC leaders across the country to raise their profile in the industry and increase the overall number of people of color at the event. It’s not enough to increase racial representation; the RIDC also has a full schedule for this group to enjoy, including a night of networking to build lasting connections beyond the event.
You can learn more about the RIDC’s work with this year’s TRE here: Racial Diversity at TRE.
“Our team is thrilled to provide the RIDC with The Running Event 2022 attendee scholarships, which include complimentary access to the full educational program, exhibit hall, networking events, and three nights at our host hotel,” said Christina Henderson, Event Director, The Running Event. “Not only will these scholarships increase BIPOC representation at TRE, but they will contribute to the larger goal of building a more diverse and inclusive running industry as a whole."
THE PEOPLE & STORES
Alex Rodriguez of Big Peach Running Co. - Cummings | Georgia
Karem Thomas & Ian Gonzalez of Last Lap Cornerstone | Illinois
Bill Thompson of Runners Athletic Company | Michigan
Jay Auditor & Jason Duarte of A Snail's Pace Running Shop | California
Jeri (Jussica) & Eugene Hogue of Southwest Running | New Mexico
Anielka & Doug Nicaragua of Go Run Miami | Florida
Joy & Jason Hunt of Elite Feet 302 | Delaware
Caesar Smith of Fitness Sports | Iowa
As an industry, we have come to recognize that there is work to do to increase diversity within the sport we love and to make it a more inclusive space for communities that have been historically left out of the conversation. While the needs are clear, often we fall short when it comes to action. Supporting the RIDC in providing scholarships to the BIPOC community to attend TRE is a concrete example of action On is committed to taking to increasing diversity and inclusion in running. We are proud of the BIPOC-owned or -managed retailers who will be in attendance and hope this paves the way for more People of Color at TRE and other industry events. - Sahra Kaboli-Nejad, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at On
