DEIB and Anti-racism Statement
My mission as a coach, movement teacher, and person in this world is to build sustainability in mind, body, spirit, and community. I embrace a philosophy of how every aspect of a person impacts how they can approach their wellness. Movement, healthcare, and support should be equitable, available, and accessible to everyone, inclusive of all sizes, abilities, disabilities, ages, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, or gender identities or expressions. I am committed to using my platform and voice for the ongoing process of making sure my content and my work reflect these beliefs.
I recognize I am a white, cisgender, able-bodied female with European lineage. I was raised by two parents who ran the family business. We are all citizens of the country we reside in, and I had a supportive family network in the town I grew up in.
I grew up in a primarily white, small town and wasn’t aware of the inequities in our country. I realized I needed to work with a leadership and anti-racism coach for professional development, education and accountability in the areas of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Working through this process has opened my eyes to how deeply the systems created by society and government have failed so many people. In order for change to happen, we have a lot of work to do. I need to hold myself accountable, and I want my work, family, and community involved in it, too.
As someone who has benefited from my whiteness, it is my responsibility to create more equity and fight harder for a more diverse world. I believe all bodies are beautiful, love is love, and no person is illegal.
Historically, fitness and wellness spaces have not felt safe for BIPOC*, 2SLGBTQ+**, larger-bodied, and disabled people. They have not been represented in marketing, in the employees working at these spaces, and most equipment is inaccessible for all bodies. This has caused many people to feel rejected, which is not okay. That’s why I’m committed to creating a space that feels safe.
I primarily use social media outlets for my marketing. And with my privilege, I am not subject to shadow bans (when a user’s content is blocked or partially blocked from the online community even though the user can still see it). These bans censor voices who are not cisgender white males. I am committed to leveraging my white social media privilege by raising the voices of marginalized groups through promotion on social media and marketing materials. I am committed to equality and equity in education, 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, and BIPOC mental health.
I recognize that the fitness and coaching industries are inherently racist, sizeist, exclusive, and ableist and that I have benefitted from this in the past. I am committed to learning and receiving feedback in order to be an inclusive space and help create the change that’s needed in our industry. Questions or feedback can be emailed by clicking here.
I also want to acknowledge I grew up on, and currently live on, the stolen ancestral homelands of the Peoria, Myaamia, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Kaskaskia, and Kiikaapoi people (for more information on these nations, go to the links below). I recognize these Native nations were forcefully removed from their lands and dealt with centuries of pain and suffering. I believe we need to begin taking heartfelt action towards the debts owed to Native peoples, as well as reparations for all marginalized communities. With that, I invite you to learn more about these subjects and show support towards a more equitable world.
Education and Support Resources:
Native Nations Resources:
- Learn more about the land upon which you work and live by clicking here.
- Peoria & Kaskaskia Nation click here.
- Myaamia Nation click here.
- Očhéthi Šakówiŋ Nation click here.
- Kiikaapoi Nation click here.
- Learn more about The Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women Project by clicking here.
2SLGBTQIA+ Resources:
- GLAAD - LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change, click here.
- GLSEN - Championing LGBTQ issues in K-12 education since 1980. Every student should be safe, click here.
- Trevor Project - Crisis support network for LGBTQ young people, click here.
BIPOC Resources:
- NAACP - activism and advocacy for Black Americans, click here.
- Pretty Brown Girls - Educating and empowering girls of color, click here.
- Stop AAPI Hate - dedicated to ending racism and discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, click here.
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice - advance civil and human rights for Asian Americans, click here.
- Hispanics/Latinx in Philanthropy - building, funding and fueling Latinx & Hispanics, click here.
Body Liberation:
- "The Body Liberation Project" by Chrissy King. Learn more by clicking here.
More resources coming soon.
