We've been fortunate enough to have partnered with and built relationships with some amazingly strong women over the years who are an essential part of our story.
In this blog, we are shining the light on a few of our badass women ambassadors. Learn about what they consider makes a strong woman, what advice they have for the younger generation, and how they empower themselves and their communities.
Name: Jessica Ferguson Nenadov
Title: 4X Boston Marathon Runner and Educator
Q: What does it mean to be a strong woman?
A: As a female athlete, I see strength as the freedom to grow. To continually be learning and progressing. To strive for excellence even throughout the struggles. Being strong encourages me to be better everyday even in seemingly small ways.
Name: Jocelyn Rivas
Title: Marathon Record Holder
Q: How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
A: I empower others by showing up everyday and taking space in the running community. I know taking space will give other women the power to believe in themselves. This is why representation of women is so important in all spaces. If I can do it, then it empowers other women to do it too.
Q: What advice would you give to the younger generation of women?
A: I would encourage all the young girls and future generation to believe in themselves. It’s the only secret to success. It doesn’t matter if no one else believes, if you believe in yourself and you have a plan, it will become a reality. There’s nothing you can’t do as a girl or woman. You are limitless, you just have to believe it.
Name: Carolyn Christ
Title: NASM CPT and Teacher
Q: What does it mean to be a strong woman?
A: Strength is about resilience and mental toughness. It’s the ability to recover and bounce back after difficult times and most importantly remain standing tall while regaining and sustaining focus.
Name: Ameerah Maamry
Title: International Goalkeeper
Q: What advice would you give to the younger generation of women?
A: One piece of advice to the younger generation of women: Sometimes in your life, you will be compared to another person in your occupation, but no matter who you’re up against, never let your confidence in your ability to succeed waiver.
If you fully believe and trust that YOU are capable of excelling in whatever it is that you are working towards, then it won’t matter who’s going against you because above all it’s You vs. You. If you carry that mentality, that unrelenting belief in yourself, then you’ve already won.
Name: Julia Marino
Title: Snowboarder and 2022 Olympic Silver Medalist
Q: What does it mean to be a strong woman?
A: Most of my power comes from my mind, something I’ve learned more as I’ve grown up. I used to think being physically strong was all that I needed to achieve my goals, but as I’ve gotten older and experienced so much of the world and met many incredible athletes, I’ve learned that 85% of my strength comes from the thoughts within.
Adopting a mindset of gratitude and excitement for my work, has lead to positive and creative thinking. Additionally, I've learned to accept that my fears are natural and serve a purpose, but they don't have to overpower my thoughts or limit my abilities. Growing from a semi-fixed mindset to a growth mindset has changed my entire perspective on my sport and my life — the passion for what I do is now very vibrant.
Name: Caroline Shannon
Title: Pro-Triathlete and Swim Coach
Q: What advice would you give to the younger generation of women?
A: Dear younger me; know that your hard work, discipline and belief in yourself will always pay off! It might not be on the timeline of your peers or coaches; but you will get the results.
Name: Liesbeth Pauwels
Title: Golf Movement Expert & Performance Coach
Q: How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
A: Empowerment really starts within. I often ask myself the questions: what does my body really need right now? How can I give my body some additional comfort and care? Can I take a chance and give myself permission to give my body more space to breathe and feel at ease, feel safe and well taken care of?
Name: AnMarie Moreno
Title: Fitness Enthusiast and Runner
Q: What does it mean to be a strong woman?
A: Being able to embrace a balance of strength and vulnerability makes us all strong individuals. As a woman, surrounding yourself with the type of ladies that embrace their passions and celebrate one another’s success and achievements helps elevate us all. I’m fortunate enough to have met many amazing women who not only train hard, but work hard and love hard as well.
They are so inspiring and help me push myself to be a strong woman. I’m very grateful for that.
Name: Ashley Addonisio
Title: Police Officer
Q: What advice would you give to the younger generation of women?
A: Go after whatever dreams or goals you've set for yourself. Even if you hit a roadblock, keep pushing to achieve them. The biggest regret you’ll have is not trying to accomplish those dreams.
