INTERVIEW
Uplift has become more than a mentorship program; it’s a community. Can you paint a picture of what that currently looks like? The Women in Cycling Industry programme, which was conceived and developed by SHIFT, but very much gifted back to the community, helped to expand its reach to over 700 women working in cycling (who help each other with anything and everything). We’ve held eight events around the world and connected over 80 mentees with leading female cycling industry mentors to help find the next generation of leaders who will go on to positively shape the growth of the industry and the sport.
When you reflect on the past few years, what aspects of Uplift have surprised you the most? Has anything unexpected happened? The friends I have made. The friends others have made. I talk to some of the women that I met along the way almost every single day. I would say they have become some of my best friends.
You’ve brought together an impressive network of mentors. Why do you think so many of these women are so willing to freely dedicate their time and expertise?
Because they know the opportunities for all of us, if we get this right. And they care. And they are kind.
Beyond gender, how do you see Uplift contributing to a more inclusive and equitable cycling industry? Have you noticed conversations happening within the community around broader diversity issues? The truth is, this is hard. Gender is one issue, but others are just as important, but in an even worse state… I’d love for Uplift to tackle other diversity issues, but I have stuck to what I believe I can control and make happen. I would love more support to tackle other diversity issues… anyone?
What has been the most personally rewarding aspect of creating and leading Uplift? How it makes people feel. Watching women rise. When mentees message me post-session, in such a positive space with a new outlook. That fills me with the most happiness. We’ve had 18 promotions in 18 months! The last two years of my life have had some almighty lows, which in a large part was why I started Uplift - but the highs have been so high - that everything balanced out perfectly. Uplift holds an incredibly special place in my heart - far beyond the stats and the quotes.
www.bikebiz.com April 2025 | 13
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