cultivating community in a meaningful way.
Meet our Athlete Advocate OG team of amazing humans, doing amazing, inspiring, heart centered work.
We hope to elevate the heart work of our Athlete Advocates. If you’re an individual with a platform or a company that wants to be in this heart work of justice, equity, diversity, access, safety, and inclusion - we have incredible voices that you can amplify. We are here to establish relationships with partners, organizations, and companies, to work collectively to a shared common goal and future those who have felt oppressed, harmed by the systems and tactics of the running industry, the unheard, and where all bodies, are respected, visible, protected and heard. We will be able to learn from each other’s lived experience and create a support system for each other to safely and successfully do this heart work for not only ourselves, but for our community and the next generations.
We are running with purpose. We are running for justice. We are running in prayer. We are running for healing. We are running for community. We are running for the safety of our communities.
2021 - 2022 Athlete Advocates
Shayla R. Manitowabi Huebner
Pronouns: She/Her/Kwe
New Mexico
I’m Odawa from Wiikwemkoong First Nation and Bear Clan.
Running is more than movement for me—it’s a way to honor those past, present, and future. A way to push limits, connect with land and culture, create space for healing, and find joy.
My passions lie in fostering the well-being of Indigenous youth and communities through culturally tailored health and wellness initiatives. I work on projects centered on mental and behavioral health, substance use, suicide prevention, and Indigenous health equity. I’m also a Volunteer Youth Coach for Running Medicine.
As an Athlete Advocate, I use my miles to uplift stories and voices, advocate for justice, and inspire Native youth to embrace who they are. My hope is for Native youth to foster a sense of place and belonging within their culture and communities. Investing in our youth is investing in the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of our Nations.
For 2025, I’m running to help sustain Rising Hearts' work. If you’re able to donate or share the link below, I’d deeply appreciate it!
Jordan Marie Whetstone
Kul Wičasa Lakota
Pronouns: She/They
Virginia
Fourth generation runner. Passion advocate, running in prayer for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirits, and Relatives - intersecting running and advocacy. Founder & Organizer of Rising Hearts - uplifting Indigenous voices and efforts, cultivating community for intersectional collaboration and fighting for a better future for our next seven generations to come. A filmmaker. Fighting for runner’s safety, the safety for Indigenous, Black, Asian, POC, Two Spirit, LGBTQ+, Non-binary kin, Peoples with Disabilities, for voices and bodies who do not see themselves in the spaces they want to be part of and enjoy, and pushing for meaningful justice, equity, diversity and inclusion efforts within the running, outdoor, organizational, institutional, and company spaces.
Zachary Friedley
Pronouns: He/Him
California
Zachary Friedley is professional trail runner whose life mission is to make trails more accessible to people with disabilities. As a sponsored athlete with On, Zachary is one of a handful above-knee “trailbladers” in the world racing on a professional level, a circumstance he aims to change through his advocacy and DEI work. In 2025, Zachary is collaborating closely with On, other major brands and race organizers to develop new adaptive athlete divisions and policies to welcome disabled runners to major trail racing events around the world. As an athlete, Zachary raced and finished several UTMB World Series races in New Zealand, France, Spain and Switzerland. In 2024 he raced and completed Sierre Zinal in Switzerland.
Through his nonprofit organization, Mendocino Movement Project, Zachary also hosts an multiple trail races called Born to Adapt (www.borntoadapt.org), which invites adaptive runners of all abilities to get out on the trails. Zachary trains in beautiful
California on the Sonoma Coast where he lives with his wife, Meagan, and their tiny dog, Cleo.
Jinghuan Liu Tervalon
Pronouns: She/Her
California
A mother, a runner, a friend, a voice for representation. Advocating for stronger and more diverse representation of AAPI runners, and for all BIPOC runners’s safety and mental well-being.
Kelsey Long
Diné
Pronouns: She/her
Oklahoma
- Diné endurance athlete
- Co-founder of We Run Long
- Fur mom
- Currently residing on the Choctaw Nation reservation in SE Oklahoma
- Can't live without Hot Cheetos and flowers
- Dreams about running Western States
- Working on decolonizing
- Training for Dinosaur Valley Endurance Run 100 miler
- Can be seen wearing WRL/Dirtbag
Michael Harralson
Pronouns: He/him/his
Minnesota
Running to protect and heal the environment by restoring land to the stewardship of Tribal Nations and Indigenous leadership. Founder of ReNew Earth Running.
Nattalyee Randall
Pronouns: She/her
New York
Running to raise awareness for all the Black and brown lives lost to police brutality AND to normalize Black runners.
Candace Gonzales
Pronouns: She/Her
Colorado
I'm very passionate about making trails more diverse. I believe we learn freedom and beauty on the trail. We are in touch with nature and our own spirituality. Being on the trail has a healing energy and is good for the soul. Many BIPOC don't feel welcome or safe on trails. I want to help change the narrative and make trails welcoming, diverse and safe for everyone. I want to see more runners like me out there and I want trails to be welcoming and the land that we run to be acknowledged.
Running With Purpose means using my miles to advocate for causes that are close to my heart. Using me miles to make a difference one step at a time. I run with Trailtinos and I love running in community with them. I’m affectionately called their Madrina. I also coach Girls on the Run and it is fun to run with youth and share running with them and empowering them through the sport.
Jessica Joson
Pronouns: She/Her
California
1st generation born out of the Filipinx diaspora from Ylocos/Tagalog people living on Ohlone-Oroysom lands. After a few years of chasing obstacle course races and tactical endurance events, running and training was no longer meaningful until I learned about spirit running. Through grace and humility, I continue my spirit running journey with the 500 Mile American Indian Spiritual Marathon whose message is that "All life is sacred" and is demonstrated by its many efforts of building relationships on the lands we run on. It is an extension of my life's purpose of being of sustainable service; how to give and feel fully without burning out. My line of work is teaching skills for activities of daily living to veterans who have endured multiple traumas, how to make meaning again when horrible things happen. Through Running with Purpose, I hope to continue that service, that meaning making, that realness of what breaks the heart and what fills it up, to make it beat again stronger than ever.
Colleen Cooley
Pronouns: She/Her
Arizona
Colleen grew up wandering the mesas, sandstones, and washes in northern Arizona. She is a desert girl at heart and is passionate about the protection of the sacred lands and waters she is surrounded by because it is part of who she is and where she comes from. She is also a strong advocate for the inclusion of Indigenous voices & perspectives in various spaces and is eager to learn from and engage with her fellow Indigenous relatives, runners, and advocates.
Jessie Schwiesow
Pronouns: She/Her
Alabama
I’m a life-long runner and public health professional; I serve as a Community Advisor for Run 4 All Women and I’m extremely passionate about all things related to health equity.
Miel Bohlman
Pronouns: She/ella/ela
Arizona
This mind of mine is transforming and this body of mine is moving to dismantle systemically oppressive systems of our peoples and of our planet and towards the direction of collective learning and healing.
Aaron Simpson
Pronouns: He/him
Dallas, TX
I have been a runner for over 25 years and my running has shifted from chasing PR’s to supporting organizations and their heart work. Work that I believe makes our world and our communities stronger. Today I run for Rising Hearts to promote my fellow advocates and the work they do, I run for Go The Distance to support people in recovery and sobriety, and I run for CureDHDDS to support families living with a rare diseases.
Shaniya Smith
Navajo Nation (Diné)
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Arizona
Through her art, writing, and running, Shaniya strives to bring awareness to border town violence while creating and maintaining space for active restoration within indigenous communities.
Nicol Hodges
Pronouns: She/Her
Virginia
My name is Nicol Hodges and live in Virginia.
I am advocate and voice for black women who no longer have a voice. I am the co-founder of Unity Runners for Breonna Taylor and I run to bring justice for Breonna Taylor and other black women who have lost their lives by the hands of our law enforcement with no accountability.
Passionate wellness leader with expertise in designing impactful wellness programs that align with business goals and promote healthier lifestyles. Skilled in wellness coaching, staff development, and project management. Strong ability to drive brand growth, foster a health-focused culture, and elevate team engagement through innovative program design and strategic leadership.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/therisershub
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@therisershub
The Riser's Hub Podcast
Welcome to The Risers Hub—your go-to podcast for wellness, empowerment, and personal growth! Whether striving for mental clarity, fitness, or a full lifestyle transformation, we’re here to guide you with expert insights, practical wisdom, and a touch of humor. As the author of "Time to Rise and Get Fit and Stay There," your host, Nicol Hodges, is here to help you unlock your full potential—no gimmicks, just real talk, and motivation. Tune in, take action, and rise to your best self! Subscribe. Like. Share. Wherever you get your podcast!
Sara Zapata
Pronouns: She/her
Texas
My name is Sara and I live in Yanaguana, (also known as San Antonio in Texas) lands of the Coahuiltecan people. I’ve lived here my entire life and couldn’t think any place better to raise my kids and build community in. I became a Running With Purpose Athlete Advocate in 2021. I’ve always believed that we each have a responsibility to help create a better world not just for ourselves but for future generations. Whether it’s speaking out against injustices, volunteering locally or educating ourselves about our shared histories and what we can do be better relatives. There is something for us all.
Rising Hearts allows me to share my love for advocacy and running on a larger platform while supporting me along the way. Whether it’s providing new running gear, monetary support for races, or simply sharing our fundraisers, I am so grateful for RH and all the heartwork everyone does for the organization. I currently host a Mural Monday run group that meets at 5 am at Brackenridge High School. We run between 3-4 miles to nearby murals for a group pic. We invite all paces and never leave a runner behind. This group aims to support all runners, our local art community and its many artists. Please join us the next time you’re in the area! I am also currently fundraising for Renew Earth Run Team and their Legs for Landback initiative. This is my third year fundraising for them and have a lofty goal of $750! You can learn more at the link below and donate/share if you feel inclined. Any amount is welcomed!
Beca Perez
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Washington
I was born and raised on what is currently known as Mexico City, The great Tenochtitlan, but I'm currently living on occupied Duwamish territory, Seattle. I identify as Otomi. I am an advocate for justice. I want Black, Indigenous and People of Color to be able to free themselves from the oppression of white supremacy. I want our lands back and I want reparations for Black People and i will love to see my country and all the over exploited countries free of the white colonies that are taking advantage of us and our lands. I hope I can use my voice to bring awareness and change so that future generations of BIPOC can have a better future full of opportunities, free of fear and a place were melanated bodies are celebrated and respected.
Alyssa Jojola
Pueblo of Isleta
Pronouns: She/Her
New Mexico
As an educator and program coordinator for a non-profit organization serving Native youth & their families, one of my passions is bringing awareness and fighting stigma around mental health issues; because I want our young people to know that its ok to need help, to understand healthy ways of coping, and to see future generations supporting one another better than we have before.
Susie Stephen
Pronouns: She/Her
Arizona
Runner, yogi, coach & writer // Advocate for how we all connect: intersectional environmentalism.
Megan Driving Hawk
Pronouns: She/Hers
Arizona
Megan Driving Hawk is an artist, mother, educator practicing habits of the heart to facilitate connection, healing and learning. She is a white wife and mother in a Lakȟóta Thiwáhe based in the Sonoran Desert.
Running with purpose means I’m running for collective & familial healing. I run for and with my children to be an example of how to physically care for our mind, body & spirit. I am learning alongside them how to live in reciprocity with the lands by weaving together ancestral Celtic teachings with Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Indigenous knowledge of place.
Special project: Running with Purpose Artwork Collection
*The Running with Purpose artwork collection is a series of photographs made while participating in any Rising Hearts movement event or in person race. All profits from this collection are donated to Rising Hearts.
**This collection was created as part of an initiative I created and participate in. The Indigenous Land Acknowledgement and Reparations Pledge is an initiative to support adding land acknowledgement awareness in artmaking and reparations by shifting a percentage of an artist’s profits to Indigenous-led land stewards.
Daryl “Stretch” Murphy
Pronouns: He/Him
Ohio
I run a 5k a day everyday as a silent protest against oppression. I call the initiative Miles For Justice and raise money to help marginalized communities.
Miles For Justice is a grassroots social justice initiative running a 5k a day to advance more equitable communities through education and athletics. Our ultimate goal is to bridge the opportunity gap and create a level playing field for all people regardless of race, economic status, or industry. We move closer to that goal by creating space and opportunity for marginalized groups through education and athletics. Our founder, Mr. Murphy runs 5km (3.1mi) every day (since 4/13/2020) as a form of resistance and silent protest against oppression while raising awareness on the inequalities that perpetuate the status quo. The 5k a day run streak is the driving force behind Miles For Justice and will continue until the economic disparities and opportunity gaps in American society subside.
You can learn more at: www.milesforjustice.org
Listen to Daryl’s story with The SPARC Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/79vMJmKwndZwDQNSMjozzq?si=6625aa40b1284b28
Son Sanchez
Dine' Xicano
Pronouns: He/Him
Utah
I run for healing intergenerational trauma and to build community with the youth to gain a connection to Mother Earth.
Desiree Pettibone
Ho-Chunk Nation
Pronouns: She/her
Wisconsin
Start working with youth and addicts to outrun addiction to provide a healthy stable environment for the Ho-Chunk Nation Community and its future.
Gretchen Tome
Pronouns: She/her
Maryland
I am a founding member and current organizer of Runners4Justice. We run to raise awareness and encourage action on racial and social justice in Baltimore and beyond.
Jane Morley
Pronouns: She/her/hers
New Jersey as a guest on Lenape Haki-nk land
I'm a weight-inclusive running coach and animal rights advocate. Some causes I'm passionate about include animal advocacy, reducing the suffering and environmental damage caused by animal agriculture, body liberation/fat positivity, and making sport safe for folks with historically marginalized identities.
Emily Campbell
Pronouns: She/they
Texas
I run for the love of running. I am working towards using my running as a method of advocacy and to honor those that are unable to run freely like myself. I care deeply about dismantling the ways white supremacy has created my life and the lives of my white neighbors. I am committed to personally unlearning the ways that I have contributed to the systemic oppression of BIPOC and to nurturing my children, friends and family through this process as well. I live on and profit off stolen land. I am privileged to have the opportunity to learn from Jordan.
Chloe Rohl
Pronouns: She/Her
Wisconsin
Born & raised in Wisconsin. I’m dedicated to raising awareness for Rising Hearts’ Running on Native Lands Initiative, as well as advocating for racial, social, economic, and environmental justice for future generations.
