DEI Archives

161: jill nazeer of diamondback and athlete rach mcbride on inclusivity in outdoor and cycling

February 17, 2021 00:33:08

“I want to provide that visibility for other folks who are non binary, who want to participate in sport and help them, acknowledge that there is a place for them. It really helped me as well. Once I really identified and embraced my non-binary identity, I could show up at a start line and know who I am. I know that I don’t fit in, but I know why. And I know that it’s okay.”
– Rach McBride

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Rach McBride, a non-binary pro-athlete, shares how they use their platform to be a vehicle for positive change and how brands can follow their lead
People for Bikes introduced new sub committees, including a DEI focused committee bringing together individual brands to discuss racial and gender inequality and how to make everyone feel safe on bikes
Hear why accepting progress over perfection is the first step for brands!

EPISODE PREVIEW:

Rach McBride is known in the sports community as ‘the most interesting person in triathlon.’ They were the first triathlete to come out as non-binary and they are using their voice, story and platform, to create an inclusive community and bring awareness and education to individuals and businesses. Rach joins me on this episode of Channel Mastery, along with Jill Nazeer, Diamondback’s Director of Marketing.

You’ll hear Rach’s story of becoming a professional athlete a little later in life, respectively, and what’s ahead for 2021 after the cancellations of so many races in 2020. Rach and Jill share details of the Diamondback Gravel Scholarship, the growth of gravel and what People for Bikes is doing to create a more inclusive and safer environment for new or established cyclists.

This is a must-listen for brands and businesses unsure about where to start when it comes to inclusivity, diversification and equality. Brands are in the driver seat of the vehicle of change and it’s time to embrace progress over perfection.

GUEST PROFILES:

RACH MCBRIDE

Rach has been racing full-time as a professional triathlete since 2011. Known as the “Purple Tiger,” they are a three-time Ironman 70.3 Champion and have numerous podium and course record results across several distances in the sport. Deemed “the most interesting [person] in triathlon” by TRS Radio, Rach is the first professional triathlete to be out as gender non-binary. They hold two graduate degrees in genetics and are an accomplished cellist. Rach loves being a minimalist, spinning fire, and working in sexual health education and advocacy in beautiful Vancouver, Canada, where they live and train.

JILL NAZEER

Jill Nazeer is the Marketing Director at Alta Cycling, the parent company of Diamondback, Raleigh, Redline, Haibike, and IZIP. Jill has experience working in the outdoor industry for brands such as K2 and The North Face, as well as at non-profits such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training where she managed their Triathlon and Cycle teams. Originally hailing from Chicago, Jill takes full advantage of Seattle’s adventurous spirit, and enjoys bringing her passion for the outdoors to the community.

TOPICS COVERED:

non-binary professional athlete, athlete sponsorship, Diamondback gravel scholarship, brands as vehicles for change, diversity, equity and inclusion, cancelled professional races, 2021 upcoming races, gravel biking, growth of gravel biking, importance of community

SELECT QUOTES:

“I want to provide that visibility for other folks who are non binary, who want to participate in sport and help them, acknowledge that there is a place for them. And it really helped me as well. Once I really identified and embraced my non-binary identity, it allowed me when I show up at a start line now, I know who I am, I know that I don’t fit in, but I know why. And I know that it’s okay.” – Rach
“Like I never, never, ever thought that I would be able to have such an impact on such a platform. And I am so grateful. I’m so grateful to sport, and I am so grateful to the companies and the people who support me. It’s just, it’s unbelievable. And I never, ever, ever thought that I could be this kind of change maker. And it’s really, for me creating what I feel like is my legacy in this, in this sport. And that means so much.” – Rach
“…I think in my mind, really the important thing for companies to do is to take that initiative, to reach out to their community, to reach out to folks who are visible like myself and others about like, Hey, what’s important? What is it that you think is going to make an impact? And what do you want to see? Like where are there holes in how we are presenting ourselves that we can do better? And I think the asking questions is really important. The recognizing that you’re going to make mistakes…” – Rach
“The bike companies are going to make bikes and they’re going to sell bikes, but we’re not really doing everything we can if we’re not also supporting a community of cyclists, feeling safe and included. And so that’s what we’re going to all work together on.” – Jill

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