WHO: Hosted by Women of OZ, PeopleForBikes, and USA Cycling
WHEN: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
WHERE: The Momentary Green, Rode House, and Barn | Bentonville, AR
WHAT: An all-day event focused on fundraising, empowering women leaders, education and awareness, and community building in the cycling and outdoor industries.
THE RISE FORUM
Empowering WOmen Leaders
As passionate riders who have felt the rush of conquering trails and embracing the thrill of mountain biking, we know how transformative this sport can be. Now, imagine sharing that joy with someone new – We have the power to make this happen!
Our mountain biking community is more than just a group of riders – we’re a supportive network of strong, inspiring women who lift each other up. By coming together and contributing to Women of OZ we can ensure that more women experience the empowering rush of mountain biking for the first time.
Your ticket purchase will directly fund programs that introduce newcomers to the sport, provide essential gear and safety equipment, and create welcoming environments where they can learn and grow. Together, we can foster a community where every woman feels empowered to push her boundaries, explore new trails, and discover her inner strength through mountain biking.
At the Rise Forum, we believe in the power of shared passion, the thrill of adventure, and the wisdom that women bring to the conversation. Women of OZ, PeopleForBikes, and USA Cycling are teaming up for this event to ignite your spirit and connect you with a community of women who have overcome challenges and barriers, are working towards a better system for women in the industry, and want to share their insights with you.
Mark your calendar for an experience that will inspire and empower!
THE RISE FORUM
agenda
Insightful Discussions with Industry Leaders
Speakers
Jenn Dice
Jenn Dice is a bold and dynamic leader with nearly two decades of diverse professional experience and an extensive network within the bike industry and advocacy community. Her deep passion for bicycling fuels her exceptional efforts to support all types of riding and strengthen bike businesses across the country. Jenn joined PeopleForBikes in 2013 after over a decade of leadership at the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). In 2023, she was recognized as one of the 50 most influential people in American cycling, a testament to her lasting impact on the industry.
Erika Lehman
Speaking Topic: Finding your groove as a leader: Building your bag of tricks, knowing when to pivot, and learning how to get out of your own way.
Erika Lehman hails from Colorado Springs, Colorado and is the Chief Operating Officer for USA Cycling, the national governing body for the sport of cycling in the United States. In this role, she oversees the membership, marketing, and event services departments while serving as a core member of the USA Cycling leadership team. Before moving into the COO role in February 2024, Erika served as the organization’s chief marketing officer, and before that, the marketing director for U.S. Figure Skating. Prior to working in the Olympic movement, Erika specialized in marketing, membership, and communications for a variety of museums and non-profit organizations and loves to geek out on art, history, and architecture. She holds a masters degree in business administration from the University of New Hampshire, was a competitive figure skater for 15 years, and participated in her first bike race in April 2024. She adores coffee, cabernet, and orange cats and spends her spare time hiking, biking, skating, and painting.
Dr. Ash Lovell
Speaking topic: Don't Believe Me, Just Watch: How small changes are expanding access for women in cycling
Dr. Lovell brings a diverse background to her role as PeopleForBikes’ Vice President of Government Relations. With her Ph.D. in environmental sociology and specialization in collaborative decision-making, Lovell excels at bringing people together to solve big, complex challenges.
Ash leads PeopleForBikes’ policy and regulatory work, helping the industry accomplish major legislative and regulatory wins, as well as the organization’s engagement with our volunteer subcommittees including the BPSA TAC. Lovell launched the industry’s rider safety education program, E-Bike Smart, in 2023, oversees Hungry for Batteries, and brings the industry together to discuss the latest developments in the industry and learn from each other’s expertise. When she is not leading PFB’s bike business work, you can find Ash riding around Colorado with her family.
Dr. Cara Osborne
Speaking Topic: Innovation in Women’s Health and its Impact on Outdoor Industries
Cara Osborne MSN, CNM, ScD is a nurse midwife who holds a Masters in Nursing from Vanderbilt, and a Masters and Doctorate in Public Health from Harvard School of Public Health. She spent her early career as a clinician, nursing professor and perinatal epidemiology researcher. Cara owned and operated her own health services business, and in 2013, she sold her business to the partners fund at Fortress Investment Group.
She has spent the past three years as a professor of practice in Entrepreneurship at the University of Arkansas Sam M Walton College of Business, starting businesses and advising start-ups. She is a technical advisor to Diana Health, a venture backed comprehensive maternity care solution based in New York, founder of Blaize and Brooks Bourbon, Managing Partner at Native Spirit Holdings and a maternal health subject matter expert for Ingeborg Initiatives.
Cara will explore how innovations in women’s health, such as those she’s involved with through Diana Health and Ingeborg Initiatives, can have broader implications for the outdoor industry. Tackling the specific health needs of women can empower them to take on leadership roles and participate more fully in outdoor activities.
Allyson De la Houssaye
Allyson brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role at PeopleforBikes. A dedicated athlete, mother, and spouse, she hails from Chicago with a background as a Sports and Documentary Producer. Notably, she co-founded the Women of OZ organization, underscoring her commitment to fostering community cohesion through cycling and outdoor activities.
She continues her leadership role as Chairwoman of the Women of OZ Board. Additionally Allyson is an advisor on the Bentonville Parks and Recreation Board and serves as a Commissioner for the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resource Council. Her multifaceted contributions reflect a steadfast dedication to advancing recreational opportunities and community well-being throughout the state of Arkansas.
Timia Porter
Panelist: You are your best asset. Building a brand with tools you already possess.
Timia is a passionate cyclist, new criterium racer, community activist and entrepreneur who is making waves in the cycling and wellness spaces. As the founder of “One of Us” a new multi-sports group, she aims to foster inclusivity and build a supportive community through shared experiences on and off the bike.
Timia’s vision extends beyond cycling—she is also the CEO of Turquoise + Salt, a brick-and-mortar wellness space that focuses on mindfulness and community, offering uniquely sourced and handmade goods, holistic services and experiences that foster healing. This space serves as a hub for wellness events and local small businesses, reflecting her commitment to soulful and conscious living. In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Timia serves as the Director of Business Development for Jelenew, where she leverages her extensive background in building partnerships and driving growth in the cycling industry.
You can follow her journey at www.turquoiseandsalt.com or on
Instagram at @pedal.porter.pedal | @turquoiseandsalt | @seeoneofus
Betsy Soos
Panelist: You are your best asset. Building a brand with tools you already possess.
An Arkansas-native, Betsy is a dynamic entrepreneur and interior designer dedicated to transforming spaces and empowering others. As a champion for women in business, Betsy actively mentors aspiring female entrepreneurs, sharing her insights and experiences to help them navigate the challenges of the industry. She believes in the power of collaboration and community, often hosting networking events to support women looking to make their mark.
Kourtney Barrett
Panelist: You are your best asset. Building a brand with tools you already possess.
Kourtney Barrett is a visionary entrepreneur and brand builder, recognized for founding JUNK Brands, Velocity NWA, and co-founding Women of OZ. She specializes in transforming innovative ideas into tangible successes, making a significant impact in both business and community spaces.
In 2023, Kourtney launched Velocity NWA, where she pioneers alternative mobility strategies for the world’s largest retailers, emphasizing sustainable commuting and active lifestyles. Her contributions are further highlighted by her registered patents, showcasing a strong dedication to product development and innovation.
She serves as a guest lecturer and mentor on brand building and entrepreneurship at the University of Arkansas and John Brown University, sharing her expertise to shape future business leaders.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Kourtney is an adventurous mother of three and partner to her high school sweetheart, embodying a balance of professional excellence and vibrant family life.
Sarah Drew
Moderator: You are your best asset. Building a brand with tools you already possess.
Spending most of her life in the big cities of Houston and Dallas, Sarah didn’t discover the joy of the outdoors until moving to NWA and it’s overwhelming beauty in 2018. In an effort to keep up with her toddler and husband on the bike, she joined her first WOZ Flagship and has been hooked on the bike and community ever since.
Sarah keeps herself quite busy as the Director of Development for Women of OZ, co-owning and operating The Ride Series MTB Skills Clinic with her husband and homeschooling their exuberant son.
On the Bike Programming
Ride Leaders
Kayla Hankins
Los Angeles, California
My name is Kayla Hankins and I’m a track sprint cyclist for the US National Team. I’m originally from Scottsdale, Arizona but am now living in Los Angeles preparing for the LA28 Olympic Games while working toward a degree at UCLA.
Mandy Marquardt
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Mandy resides in Allentown, PA and is currently a full-time professional cyclist for Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team. As part of the USA Cycling National Team, she has raced internationally at the Pan American Championships, UCI World Cups, Pan American Games, and UCI World Championships. A 27-time U.S. National Champion, Mandy currently holds five U.S National Records in the Women’s Standing 500m TT, 1km TT, Team Sprint, Team Sprint (2-riders) and Team Sprint (3- riders outdoors).
Paige Onweller
Bentonville, Arkansas
Paige Onweller is a professional off-road cyclist who specializes in gravel racing. Despite entering the sport at a later age, she has proven dominant in a short amount of time since racing.
She took home big wins at Big Sugar Gravel in 2022 as well as a recent podium (3rd) at Unbound 2024. In 2023, she had numerous top 5 finishes at SBT, BWR California, Crusher, Big Sugar, The Rad, Redlands TT, Tour of the Gila TT as well as represented Team USA at the UCI Gravel Championships in Italy. In addition to racing, she is also a fierce advocator for getting more women on bikes and founded a company called, Rosie Up, that is dedicated to empowering women to ride gravel and provides a structured platform for communities to harbor camaraderie and confidence in riding gravel.
Crystal Anthony
Bentonville, Arkansas
Crystal Anthony grew up in a family of cyclists and has been competing professionally for over a decade in various off-road disciplines: cyclocross, XC mountain bike, marathon mountain bike, enduro, gravel, mountain and gravel stage racings.
For the past seven years, she has ridden for the dedicated women’s brand, Liv. In her career, Crystal has won 20 UCI cyclocross races, been named to five World Championship teams in various disciplines, earned top-7 results at Nationals in five different disciplines, and competed in all three editions of the Life Time Grand Prix. She is also passionate about giving back to the sport and helping others reach their goals through her coaching business, Crystal Anthony Coaching.
Michaela Thompson
Instagram: michaelamthompson
My name is Michaela Thompson. I’m 22 years old, and from Durango, Colorado where I’ve lived for five years now. I have much passion for inspiring others in the sport, and sharing my journey through professional cycling. I’m a member of the Life Time Grand Prix series and focus on both mtb and gravel endurance racing, where I hope to continue finding progress over the next few years!
Anna Yamauchi
Instagram: yamaggucci
Anna Yamauchi is an up and coming pro from Santa Cruz, Ca. As part of the Lifetime Grand Prix, she loves the longer races, but feels especially at home riding trails on her MTB. When Anna’s not riding she loves to surf & ski, cook and do crafts!
Anna Hicks
Instagram: annnahicks
Anna Hicks is a professional off-road cyclist, competing in the Lifetime Grand Prix. Anna began racing both mountain and road bikes in 2021. Anna has raced on the road as member of a UCI Continental team, racing both in Europe and the US throughout 2023 and has recently shifted her focus to the US off-road scene after finding early success.
Some notable results include 3rd at Big Sugar in 2023, 8th at Pro Road Nationals, and recently 5th in the LTGP results at Chequamegon Mtb Festival. Outside of cycling Anna works as a Sports Nutritionist for female athletes and enjoys empowering women to find their confidence both on and off the bike!
Leah Van der Linden
Instagram: leahvdl3
Pro Cyclist in the Lifetime Grand Prix, dirt chaser, living a passion.
Sponsors: Lauf Cycles – Eliel – Hunt Wheels – Giro – Tifosi
THE RISE FORUM
goals
Empowerment
Engage in discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities that highlight and celebrate female leadership in cycling.
Education and Awareness:
Gain insights into women’s leadership, wellness, mental health, technology in cycling, and the state of the industry for women in leadership roles.
Community Building
Foster connections and collaboration within the industry and local community.
Fundraising
Support programs and initiatives that empower women leaders and promote participation in cycling and outdoor leadership roles.
Auction
Donors
Sponsors
