FAQ

  • Women of color often feel like they are “the only” in the room. We want to change that.

    The Take the Lead retreat provides women and femme of color who work in the running industry with career development programming, community building, and mentorship opportunities that center their experience and identity.

    The inaugural event was held in September 2022 in Seattle, WA

  • The Take the Lead retreat is for women and femme of color who work in the running industry. Our participants work at brands, running retailers, small businesses, timing companies, and more. If you are unsure whether your work qualifies, do not hesitate to reach out.

  • Take the Lead Retreat is for all who work within the running industry, from entry-level positions to executive leadership.

  • The inaugural Take the Lead Retreat was led by Alison Mariella Désir and Martha Garcia along with a planning committee made up of leaders within the running industry.

    This year, planning is being co-led by Alison Mariella Désir, Jessica Murphy, and Kaitlin Rodriguez.

  • Yes! We encourage companies and individuals to sponsor women and femme to attend. You can do so by clicking the REGISTER button and following the prompts.

  • You can get in touch via the ‘Contact’ portion of our site or by emailing woctakethelead@gmail.com.

  • Registration covers all programming + meals from Monday night through Wednesday at 1pm local time.

  • In 2022, the inaugural year, Take the Lead Retreat hosted 65 attendees. We anticipate 90 participants in 2023.

  • Top level 2023 agenda info is available here: https://www.woctakethelead.com/registration

    More detailed information will be released closer to the event.

  • Event registration for the 2023 Take The Lead Retreat taking place in Chicago closes July 14th, 2023.

  • Take the Lead Retreat is non-refundable. We are happy to help transfer your registration to another attendee.