Advocate, author, and running enthusiast Alison Mariella Désir will share her insight at a free Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) Committee-hosted event on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m. in Memorial Union’s Great Hall, the Wisconsin Union announced on Tuesday.
Désir is the author of “Running While Black” and the host and producer of “Out & Back with Alison Mariella Désir,” a video series featuring people of color who are working to increase representation in outdoor recreation, as well as the host of the series’ companion podcast, according to a press release. She founded the prominent running movement Harlem Run, as well as Run 4 All Women, an initiative that utilizes fitness to empower women and support social movements.
The Nov. 15 event will be titled “Beyond the Finish Line: A Dialogue with Alison Mariella Désir,” and will feature a 90-minute discussion and audience Q&A.
Désir also co-founded the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, a nonprofit focused on improving diversity and accessibility, as well as Take the Lead Retreat, the first-ever gathering centered on supporting women and femmes in the running industry.
She has been named one of Men’s Journal’s 45 Most Adventurous Women of the Past 45 Years, as well as one of Well+Good’s Changemakers of 2023.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, click here.
