RIDC's Unique Position in the Running Industry

The Day-to-Day

At a recent networking event, I was asked what I do (and the nature of my daily activities). Reflecting on the past few weeks, I knew I was about to describe an array of activities, given the RIDC's exciting and unique role in the running industry. Although the list was too long to share in a quick chat in a loud space, I do want to share a longer version of my answer with you in the context of the organization's mission.

In uniting the running industry to improve the inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, in the past few weeks I have: 

• Traveled to Orlando to

  • Attend the Running USA conference to meet and learn from race event leaders nationwide as we introduce more efforts to change the look of employment and ownership in running, as well as the culture of running. 

  • Surprise our recent RIDC Champion, Vanessa Peralta-Mitchell with Running USA's 2024 Award of Excellence. (Pictured)

  • Cheer at the US Olympic Marathon Trials, visit some of our member organization activations, and connect with many of you in the RIDC community.

  • Host an in-person workshop with a member organization and their entire US marketing team.

• Spoken with Kelly Lutz on the Multifaceted Athlete podcast about the RIDC, my role, and our work.

• Interviewed a few DEI leaders in the running industry to help us all stay the course and rise above ongoing conflicting messages about this work. Stay tuned!

• Provided strategic guidance to a retail member organization and their tech rep, focusing on culturally sensitive engagement for their soon-to-launch BIPOC-centered campaign.

• And done a host of internal work that included onboarding our new social media and PR agencies, attending a few partner meetings, and reflecting on recent missteps observed across the industry, as well as our own.

All that to say, my day-to-day encompasses a range of oversight on our nonprofit's efforts, supporting my teams through their work, and connecting with many of you on a wide range of topics. It's clear that our journey is multifaceted and deeply collaborative. 

How are you supporting the RIDC mission in your own day-to-day (or in the last few weeks)? I know I'm not alone in being called to do this work in a variety of ways, in a variety of venues, and with a variety of partners. Your actions, whether big or small, reinforce the notion that this critical work thrives on community support and shared responsibility.

Comment with your response; we are eager to hear about your experiences and reflections.


In service with you,

Kiera Smalls
Executive Director, The RIDC