Two members of the Superfeet team recently attended the Women of Color Take the Lead conference, held this year in Portland, Oregon. Co-founded by Alison Mariella Désir and Martha M. Garcia, Take the Lead is the first-ever retreat centering the experience of women and femme of color with the mission to validate, support, and lead the change they want to see in the running industry.
Superfeet, along with Brooks Running, On, NYYR, Strava, Feetures, and Fleet Feet sports, proudly served as a sponsor for the second consecutive year.
Superfeet is deeply committed to supporting our team members in performing their best and making a positive impact. One way we foster this growth is by participating in events like Take the Lead, an empowering conference dedicated to elevating underrepresented voices in the workplace—particularly in the running industry.
Superfeet Vice President of Human Resources, Annie Quammen, summed it up perfectly:
“At Superfeet, we’re all about supporting people to perform their best and make a positive difference. Sending our team to the Take the Lead conference helps us do just that, by elevating voices that are often underrepresented in the workplace--especially in the running industry. It’s about way more than just sponsoring or attending the event, it’s about investing in leadership, growth and real change within our team and the industry. It's all part of how we stay committed to building a more inclusive and impactful community and we are so proud of Heather and Esther for their contributions to such a meaningful event.”
Pictured: Heather Saldivar, Social Media & Partnerships Specialist and Esther Mares, Customer Care Representative
Here’s what Superfeet team members Heather and Esther shared about their experience at the 2024 Take the Lead retreat.
Why was it important for Superfeet to take part in Take the Lead?
Heather: As a longtime Superfeet employee, it feels incredibly rewarding to know that the company continually invests in my growth and development. Attending this amazing event, surrounded by a community of incredible women, reminds me of the power of connection and inspiration. It’s a space where I can show up fully as myself, build meaningful relationships, and embrace new opportunities for personal and professional growth. I'm grateful to be part of a company that values its people and empowers us to thrive both inside and outside of the workplace.
Esther: It’s crucial for Superfeet to support women and femmes of color in our industry. This group is often overlooked, and the support Superfeet provides is invaluable—not only for our team members but also for other BIPOC women and femmes attending this retreat.
Pictured: Jessica Murphy, co-founder of Bib Rave and Jenny Nguyen, owner and founder of The Sports Bra. Photo credit: FLI Media
What were your takeaways from this retreat?
Heather: You are not alone in your journey—many people are navigating similar experiences, and you can connect with them for support and shared understanding. Your path won’t always be linear; there will be unexpected twists. I found inspiration in so many of Jenny Nguyen’s words, the owner and founder of The Sports Bra, as she shared her journey of coming out, her rise to success, and the impact she’s made in women’s sports.
I also gained valuable insights into how major brands in the running industry are shaping their influencer and athlete programs, along with emerging trends. It reassured me that I’m heading in the right direction with our sports and creator strategy.
This retreat is always a powerful reminder to take up space, use my voice, and stay true to myself. I leave feeling energized and empowered, with that energy continuing long after I return home.
One of my favorite quotes from Jenny Nguyen: “Be compassionate and be ruthless.”
Esther: My biggest takeaway was the importance of allyship. During our “Stride by Stride, Allyship in Action” workshop with Coach Bey, she shared some eye-opening data: while 80% of white employees see themselves as allies to women of color, only 45% of Black women and 55% of Latinx women feel they have strong allies in their workplaces. This highlights the need to actively listen, learn, amplify voices, yield space, and support this group.
What was your most memorable moment?
Heather: There were countless moments that left me feeling inspired, but one of the highlights was listening to Jenny Nguyen speak about her journey. Her story was so raw, authentic, and incredibly relatable. I found myself connecting deeply with two aspects in particular: her experience of coming out and the realization that it's okay to not always be “on.” Sometimes, life demands rest, and it's perfectly fine to take that time—being productive isn’t always about constant action.
Another memorable part of the retreat was the hike we took. Reaching the top and having the chance to journal in nature was so refreshing. There’s something next level about putting thoughts to paper while surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors.
While there were so many amazing aspects of the Take the Lead event, what stands out the most is the connection with other inspiring women. Sharing space with them was truly the most empowering part of the experience.
Esther: The most memorable moment for me was the hike up Wildwood Trail to Pittock Mansion, especially the writing exercise we did with a view of the city. I don’t typically journal, but our guide, Junghuan Liu, inspired me to put pen to paper by starting us off with a line from a poem. It truly sparked my creativity!
Any other thoughts you’d like to add?
Heather: The value in the connections, insights, and inspiration that come from being part of a space intentionally designed for us is unmatched. The work is never done, but together, we can all make a difference—both for the brands we work for and in the world around us. I’m already looking forward to the next Take the Lead!
Esther: The sense of community at TTL was palpable, and much of what I learned resonated with the work our DEI Pillar does. I’ve often been “the only” in a room, but this event reminded us that we’re not alone. Many inspiring women encouraged us to believe in ourselves and pursue our goals. I’m incredibly grateful to have attended TTL, and I truly appreciate both my team and the support our company provides for events like this.
For more about Take the Lead, visit woctakethelead.com
