Cycling, Confidence, and Representation: These Women are Leading the Way
Outride’s work thrives because of the people who bring vision, heart, and a deep belief in the bike as a powerful tool for wellbeing. These leaders create space for confidence, connection, and opportunity in classrooms, community programs, research labs, or out on the trail. They’re the ones turning bikes into catalysts for growth and ensuring more people, of all ages, can access the joy and benefits of riding. Today, we’re celebrating three partners who embody Outride’s mission in action: Brianne Blaszak (Riding for Focus), Roxanne Mejia (Community Impact Grants), and Kayla Marsh (Research).
Along with sharing bits about their work, they also reflect on why it matters to have more women represented in their fields. Representation isn’t just symbolic, it’s catalytic. It shapes who feels welcome, who sees themselves reflected, and who imagines a future in these spaces. When women lead in programming, education, and research, they expand what’s possible for the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and riders.
Riding for Focus: Brianne Blaszak
Brianne is a Physical Education teacher Global Concepts Charter School in Buffalo, New York and was awarded 2026 Middle School Physical Education Eastern District Teacher of the Year!
Tell us a little about yourself. Brianne: I’m a physical education teacher and outdoor adventure educator committed to helping students build leadership, resilience, and lifelong wellness. Through experiential learning and outdoor exploration, I try to empower individuals to grow through challenge and lead active, healthy lives.
How did your partnership with Outride begin? Brianne: My school received a Riding for Focus grant in spring 2025 which opened so many doors!
How many students have you reached so far? Brianne: We had 70 students start the program last fall, and we’re adding another 30–40 in spring 2026!
Why is it important to have more women in your line of work? Brianne: The presence and leadership of women in physical education, adventure education and cycling is essential to shaping stronger, more inclusive outdoor and movement communities. When young women see female educators and leaders confidently guiding adventures, teaching skills, and navigating trails, it expands their belief in what they are capable of achieving. Women also bring valuable perspectives to leadership, collaboration and community building within these traditionally male dominated spaces. Increasing representation helps challenge outdated stereotypes about who belongs in outdoor and endurance pursuits. Ultimately, it empowers the next generation of girls to move boldly, explore freely and see themselves as leaders in these fields.
A woman who inspires you? Brianne: I am inspired by women who lead with passion, perseverance and a deep commitment to help others. My New York State colleagues Shelly Connors and Monica Wolfe have taught me so much about what it means to be an outdoor educator for middle school students - how to create meaningful experiences, foster confidence and help young people discover what they are capable of beyond the classroom walls. In my community, runner Shanna Hansen continually inspires me through her perseverance and determination - she set audaciously ambitious goals and pursues them with courage, including competing ultra marathons as long as 100 miles. I am deeply grateful to Marcy VanZandt, my kindergarten teacher, who gave me the very first foundation of encouragement, curiosity and belief in myself - qualities that continue to shape both the person and educator I strive to be today. Together these women remind me that inspiration often comes from those who teach, challenge, and quietly believe in us long before we fully believe in ourselves.
What’s next? Brianne: In regard to Outride, the next step is to introduce the program to more of our PE classes this spring. We are also in the process of scheduling multiple opportunities for our students to ride a variety of courses including a pump track, trails and suburban trails along Lake Erie! And personally, I am in the process of completing my recovery from an ankle/achilles injury and am looking forward to spending the summer biking and running in the amazing state parks in New York State. I am also looking forward to exploring a few National Parks this summer as well as relaxing on my stand up paddle board on some local lakes.
Instagram: @brianne_adventurer_runner
Community Impact Grant:
Roxanne Mejia
Roxanne is a native New Yorker with 16 years of experience in K-12 education nonprofit services - as an educator, curriculum developer, and program manager.
Tell us about your work. Roxanne: I’m the Program Director at I Challenge Myself, where she leads youth cycling and wellness programs in New York City. With over 16 years of experience in education and youth development, she is passionate about helping students build confidence, leadership skills, and healthy habits through biking and fitness.
How did your partnership with Outride begin? Roxanne: We first partnered with Outride by supporting a school in applying for a Riding for Focus grant. Since then, we’ve expanded to two more schools with the help of the Community Impact Grant. And we’re adding another next year!
How many students have you reached through cycling? Roxanne: More than 550 students so far.
Why is it important to have more women in your field? Roxanne: Young people, especially girls, need to see women leading in cycling and fitness spaces. Representation helps them envision themselves in these roles and feel a deeper sense of belonging.
A woman who inspires you? Roxanne: I’m inspired by women across nonprofit, cycling, sports, and fitness spaces. This work isn’t easy, and I admire those who keep showing up to expand access and opportunity for others.
What’s next for you and Outride? Roxanne: I’m excited to continue using cycling to build community, strengthen partnerships, and open new doors for our students.
Instagram: @ichallengemyselfnyc
Research:
Kayla Marsh
Kayla has developed, implemented, and researched an SEL-based mountain biking program in Laramie, Wyoming - learn more about her work here!
Tell us about your background. Kayla: I got my bachelors and masters at the University of Wyoming where, as a grad student, I worked with a SEL-focused middle school mountain biking program. I am now a K-5 PE teacher in Wyoming and loving every second of the chaos!
How did you begin partnering with Outride? Kayla: I started partnering with Outride in my grad work. Through support and partnership with Outride I was able to develop and implement a SEL-based mountain biking program into a middle school in Wyoming, which was the focus of my master's thesis. [Read more about her work here!]
How many students have you reached through cycling? Kayla: Around 70 students over two years of doing my research. And that program is still running!
Why is it important to have more women in research and cycling? Kayla: Women in research focused on SEL and physical activity is extremely important as research as a whole is generally a male-dominated world. While I had amazing male professors and colleagues during my time as a grad-student, the few women in my field were my truest inspirations and support system. Strong and intelligent women bring such a power to research such as the kind I was invested in. Mountain biking is also generally considered a male-dominated sport as well, which was seen in my research. I believe having several female leaders helped us to attract more female students to the program and show that this is a female-led sport as well.
A woman who inspires you? Kayla: Angela Simonton, assistant lecturer at the University of Wyoming and Molly Garson, K-5 PE teacher in Laramie, Wyoming. Both of these women have been such sources of strength and amazing role models throughout my time in grad school and now as a PE teacher. I strive to be half the woman that either of them are!
What’s next? Kayla: Mountain biking continues to be a huge source of outdoor enjoyment in our community. I hope to find ways to include biking programs into my teaching at the elementary level in the near future.
Brianne, Roxanne, and Kayla each represent a different branch of Outride’s mission, but their roles share a common thread of impact: bikes are more than tools for movement, they are vehicles for confidence, community, and possibility.
Their leadership is shaping the next generation of riders, researchers, and changemakers. And their work reminds us that when women lead, entire communities move forward.
Celebrate their work with your community, share the inspiration, and subscribe to our newsletter for more stories of impact!