100. BIPOC Inclusion, Visibility & Access in Running with RIDC's Kiera Smalls

Author: Kelly Lutz
Published: Wed 24 Jan 2024
Episode Link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coaching-klutz/episodes/100--BIPOC-Inclusion--Visibility--Access-in-Running-with-RIDCs-Kiera-Smalls-e2eptaf

Y’all it’s episode 100!! I’m so excited that my conversation with Kiera Smalls coincided with the 100th episode. Kiera is the executive director of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition and is making an immense impact in the running space.

We chat about her personal journey from being introduced to (or “forced into” as she jokingly says) running to becoming the Executive Director of RIDC. We also discuss the organization's initiatives in encouraging more Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) to engage with the sport and the industry, including Freedom to Run research, Run The Block, and creating inclusive community workshop. We finish up with chatting about what individuals can do to help with inclusion.

Kiera’s excitement for the future of our sport and RIDC is palpable, and I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

02:43 Kiera’s Journey into Running

09:50 The Power of Community in Running

12:47 Kiera's Transition to Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC)

18:31 The Impact of RIDC's Research

27:25 Individual Actions for Inclusion

30:57 Openness in the Running Community

32:21 The Journey to Inclusion: Starting with the Self

36:35 The Importance of Trying: Overcoming Fear of Mistakes

38:32 Proud Moments at RIDC

45:44 Creating Inclusive Events: A Workshop Preview

49:38 Run the Block: A New Initiative for BIPOC Ownership in the Running Industry