Welcome to CCC Introduces, our series spotlighting our amazing community of contributors. Today, we sit down with Lisa, a force for diversity, a cycling nomad and a self-proclaimed butterfly chaser.
From: Washington D.C.
Lives: Stay Tuned…
Club/team: Solo & KRT/QRT
Tell us about yourself
I consider myself a global soul, a highly inclusive leader, and a passionate road cyclist who loves nothing more than being on the open road with my baby (road bike). I grew up in Washington D.C., attended an International School where I was consistently surrounded by people from various cultures and backgrounds and where I became fluent in Spanish. In addition to cycling, I love dancing, traveling, the beach, the sea, and spending time with my family and friends. I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to serve as Zwift’s first and only Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact during an intense time during our history - shortly after the horrific murder of George Floyd. For one of the first times in my life I finally felt that I could bring the breadth of my experience and ultimately my full self to a role and an organization. Though the role was eliminated in late 2022, I continue to leverage my experience and passion for driving representation and diversity in the sport through thought leadership opportunities, consulting, and ensuring I’m riding 3500 miles or more annually on my bike to hopefully inspire others to lead an active lifestyle.
What do you love about cycling?
I believe with all my heart that cycling saved my life as cycling’s benefits to my mental health are priceless to me. Beyond positive mental health I love:
The sense of power in my legs and the feel of the pedal stroke;
The feeling of the wind and the sun on my skin;
The sensation of flying on the road in a tailwind;
The wonderful friends cycling has brought into my life over the years;
The amazing places I’ve been able to travel with my bike!
What barriers have you faced in cycling?
I appreciate that you ask this question because I think it’s such an important conversation to have - and it can be a difficult conversation. I recognize my own privilege in this space and always believe that it’s important to actively pursue and work towards your own goals. What many fail to understand is that living and operating within a system that was designed without any thoughts of your unique needs or contributions can chip away at your self confidence and self worth over time - ultimately causing you to question whether you belong. I’ve experienced countless micro aggressions and discriminatory behaviors in my 20+ years as a cyclist. From refusing to be shown or sold the higher level road bikes at a Dallas bike shop, to questions about my abilities when picking up packets for century rides, to unwelcoming stares and the continuing struggle to find apparel that fits my body type - the intentional and unintentional impacts of trying to fit in a world that wasn’t designed for you creates an anger and a fatigue that is hard to describe. My hope is that by sharing some of my story and advocating for awareness and change that I can help create a more welcoming and equitable cycling culture where the next generation of cyclists can pursue their goals and passions unhindered.
Why were you interested in contributing?
I’ve been very impressed by what Miles has created with the Cycling Culture Club and feel that there is a lack of organizations that support cyclists of colour globally. I recognize that the power centre of the cycling industry - road cycling in particular - is firmly planted in the EU and still very white male-dominant. I want to continue to create spaces where cyclists of colour can see themselves represented, can feel welcomed and can contribute their unique stories - which ultimately enrich the industry as a whole. This is just the beginning for the Cycling Culture Club, so be sure to watch this space!
Your fondest memory on the bike
It’s hard to choose just one! My Mother passed away in a tragic accident in 2019 and since then she sends me butterflies as angel messengers on my bike rides. Last year, as I rode my favourite cycling route out to the Formentor lighthouse in Mallorca, Spain, a gorgeous Monarch butterfly dipped into my path and I burst into tears with a spontaneous “Mommy!” cry! I felt her spirit and how happy she was for me that I was doing what I loved the most in the place that I love the most.
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