Chapter: Team RWB National

Member Since: 2015

Personal Motto: “And though she be but little, she is fierce” ― William Shakespeare

Why Did You Join Team RWB?

“I was at a Spartan Race back in 2014, working on the sweeper heat (last wave of the race), and came upon this group of racers.  There were maybe 20-25 people in red shirts surrounding a couple of racers who were struggling to finish the course.  We asked if everyone was alright, or if there was anyone injured, etc, but the red shirts just told us they wanted to help motivate these two to get to the finish line.  My colleague and I joined the group and helped everybody finish the race strong. Afterward, I went up to one of the Eagles and asked them what “Team RWB” was, what the Eagle meant etc. There was no shortage of answers from the group of red shirts, and we ended up going out to a restaurant to talk, share some beers, and enjoy some new friends!  It was at that dinner that I learned what being an Eagle was all about, and decided to sign up!”

What has Been Your Favorite Event or Experience with Team RWB?

“My position at Team RWB is very unique, because I get to collect and share stories from Eagles across the country, learning about them and their chapters virtually.  It’s a much different experience to be in a room with those Eagles, hearing their stories from their mouths and through their actions. For this reason, and so many others, my absolutely favorite Team RWB event was the Eagle Leadership Storytelling Camp. When I arrived (late, because of travel complications), it was already most of the way through dinner on the first night, and after several opening activities had already been completed.  I was nervous that I would be treated like an outsider for being a full time staffer, let alone for being late and missing some of the camp already.  My anxieties were cleared almost immediately when all of the Eagles there were so open and friendly, excited to meet me and talk like old friends.  Throughout the course of the next few days, we learned to be vulnerable, open ourselves to each other and to ourselves (the hardest part), and most importantly, how to reach out to one another. I entered that weekend alone, but I left with so many friends. I’ll forever be grateful to Zack for the invite to that camp!”

How do you serve your community?

“Outside of my work with Team RWB, I serve my community in a number of ways. From volunteering my time to cleaning up the city or spending time teaching fitness classes, I serve my community by being more active in it, and helping others be more actively involved, too.”

What Inspires You?

“I find inspiration from my family, specifically my parents and my sister. There’s not a lot of people in this world that have been through what they have and continue to keep a smile on their face! They are strong and inspire me to live my best life every single day.  I find strength and inspiration through triathletes I have met at races and members that share their stories with Eagle Nation. Everyone has a story, and when they are willing to share that story, that fire, with others, is when I get truly inspired. My absolute favorite part of Team RWB is knowing that wherever you go, whatever race you’re at (even in South Africa for Half Ironman Worlds!) you’ll find other Eagles who are just as excited to see you as you are to see them, even if you’ve never met. That’s what’s truly inspiring to me – knowing you’ll always have someone by your side cheering for you as hard as you cheer for them.”

How has Team RWB impacted your life?

“Team RWB has made a huge impact on my life – it has been invasive in the most positive way. From my very first Eagle gathering, I knew there was something special about this organization. When I first joined, I met Eagles from a chapter in California when I lived in Utah, and have since moved to North Carolina.  I’ve traveled to countless states while on this team and every single local chapter has welcomed me with open arms, ready to learn more about and share more with a fellow Eagle. Each event I visit, I’m convinced will be the one where I’ll feel awkward or out of place – but it hasn’t happened yet.  Team RWB is home, whether that’s my local chapter or an event in a different state or even seeing Eagles abroad in South Africa at a race – it’s truly a feeling like no other.”

What Would You Say to Someone Who is Thinking of Joining Team RWB?

“Stop thinking, start doing.  It’s just like being at a race – the hardest part is showing up. With other organizations and other groups, there’s a barrier to entry – you have to fit certain criteria to join or be a part of something bigger than yourself. Not with Team RWB. It might sound cliche, but getting together with Eagles, whether your local chapter or somewhere you’re just visiting, is just like getting together with family. Everyone’s got a smile on their face, happy and excited to meet you, talk to you, and share an experience with you. There is no better feeling in a race than running along, feeling a little tired, and getting some #EagleFire from your fellow #Eagles either on the course of those supporting on the sidelines. You won’t regret joining, just take the first step.”