Ayesha McGowan: How Cycling Needs To Change For The Better

About this episode:
In this week’s episode, coach Adam talks with CTS Athlete Ayesha McGowan about her journey to becoming the first-ever African-American female pro cyclist, cycling's diversity problem, and her thoughts on changes that need to happen within the industry to create more opportunity and an inclusive culture.

Guest Bio – Ayesha McGowan:

Ayesha McGowan is the first African-American female professional cyclist, ever. Ayesha started riding bikes as a commuter while attending Berklee College of Music in Boston. Since then, she has submerged herself into the world of cycling. While living in Brooklyn, NY, she worked as a preschool music teacher, a Branding Administrator for WE Bike NYC, an organization geared towards getting more women on bicycles, and Director of Programs for InTandem, an organization that provides access to bike rides for people with disabilities.

In 2014, she discovered the world of bike racing. She won her first state championship in her third race. It didn’t take long for her to notice that she was one of the very few females of African-American descent on the scene. In fact, she discovered that there had not been a single female African-American pro road cyclist, ever. She took it upon herself to become the first.

As an advocate by example, she has dedicated herself to encouraging and inspiring other women of color to follow their dreams, whatever they may be. Through various initiatives that focus on representation like her ‘Do Better Together’ virtual ride series, Ayesha has inspired countless people to ride more, ride together, and to challenge themselves and their views of how they define the word “cyclist”.

Episode Highlights:

• Ayesha's journey to becoming the first African-American female professional cyclist
• Cycling's diversity problem
• Implicit bias, privilege, tokenism
• Equity vs. equality
• Creating more opportunity and inclusive culture
• The path forward for the cycling industry

Read More About And Connect With Ayesha McGowan

http://www.aquickbrownfox.com/

https://www.liv-cycling.com/us/teams-and-riders/liv-racing/133/ayesha-mcgowan/1154

Instagram: @ayesuppose

Facebook: @ayesuppose

Twitter: @ayesuppose

Related Articles With Ayesha:

http://www.aquickbrownfox.com/press

https://www.bicycling.com/culture/a19702179/diversity-is-cyclings-most-urgent-problem/

https://www.outsideonline.com/2269306/there-are-no-female-african-american-pro-cyclists

https://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/story/_/id/21962159/ayesha-mcgowan-plans-first-african-american-female-pro-cyclist

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform