&Mother, a nonprofit driving change and building equity for mothers in sports, is partnering with She.is.beautiful 5k and 10k, the largest all women’s running race on the west coast, to increase support and standardize services for Mothers and lactating people.
Co-founded by Olympian Alysia Montano, &Mother aims to break the barriers that limit a woman’s choice to pursue and thrive in both career and motherhood. Inspired by Alysia’s own experience as told in the viral New York Times Op-Ed, &Mother’s programs aim to flatten barriers related to participation and success for mothers in sports as a way to demonstrate a supportive and enabling path for all mothers in all industries.
&Mother has led gender equity programming at USATF Track and Field National Championships, Athleta’s Race for Change, and New York City Marathon by providing both lactation and child care services.
“I am thrilled that my story has influenced our work with &Mother and inspired the sports industry to adapt standards that support and allow women, mothers and lactating people a chance to participate and succeed,” said Alysia Montaño. “Sports have the ability to change the world and inspire other macro societal changes to create opportunities for mothers to thrive in their career and motherhood.”
Access to maternal and parental support allows for the necessary time and space that mothers need not only for career advancement but also for personal development, recreation, rest, and more.
“Creating spaces that inspire personal growth and joy has always been the fabric of She.is.beautiful. The reality is, many people are challenged to find time and space for themselves as an individual once becoming a parent, especially with young children. As professionals and mothers of young children ourselves, we know how powerful this new addition of easing barriers women may find when wanting to participate in an activity or event. We picture a person crossing the finish line at our event and instead of rushing off to relieve a baby sitter or nurse their baby, they are taking in this morning, this moment, to remind themselves how incredible they truly are. Do you know how different the world would be if every mother had moments like that? To feel that love, value, and support?”-Melissa, founder and director of She.is.beautiful 5k and 10k.
&Mother is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to breaking the barriers that limit a woman’s choice to pursue and thrive in both career and motherhood. Co-founded by Olympian, Alysia Montaño, our current initiatives focus on creating structural change that will allow full participation and success for mothers in sports to pave a supportive and enabling path for all mothers in all industries. At the intersection of systemic barriers, professional opportunity, and motherhood, our work points towards a future where the value of mothers in the workforce is intrinsic and motherhood is not a limiting factor in how women succeed professionally and personally. Join the &Mother community or learn more at www.andmother.org.
