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My name is Verna NezBegay Volker. I am from the Navajo Nation. I grew up in an area called Blanco Canyon, New Mexico. It is a place where my family is from, my lineage, and there are stories of my family passed from generation to generation. Today, my family is still in the proximity of this area.

As a Navajo person, lineage and heritage are passed down through the mother. My clans are Tódích’íi’nii (Bitterwater) nishlíi, Hashtl’ishnii (Mud People) bashishchiin, Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle) dashicheii, and Tó’áheedlíinii (Water Flows Together) dashinalí. My first clan is my mother’s clan, the second clan is my father’s, the third clan is my maternal grandfather’s clan, and lastly is my paternal grandfather’s.

My oldest sister, Marilou, is the matriarch of the NezBegay family, which is my maiden name.

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Hi everyone,

Excited to share with you an update about the Here for the Women of Color shirts I launched two weeks ago (available for purchase here)! In case you missed it, Here for the Women of Color was launched from frustration and, quite frankly, rage at the continued and intentional erasure of women of color in the trail running community and industry.

Articles ABOUND claiming a real victory for women in trail running. As is often the case, when white women achieve access and resources, the win is hailed as a win for all women, despite the fact that marginalized women rarely, if ever, achieve any material trickle down benefit.

Even with initiatives like Affirmative Action, which demonized Black people and people of color more broadly as “DEI hires,” white women were the primary beneficiaries.

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Imagine being a young Native girl, growing up wrapped in the love of your family and community, knowing nothing of the world outside your homeland. Then one day, government force arrives to take you from everything you know.

This wasn’t a single event. It was a policy, a deliberate system carried out from the 17th to 20th centuries, designed to separate Native children from their families, their languages, and their identities; it was called government boarding schools.

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August EARTHMOVER of the Month: Haley Gonzales

Hey Earthmovers,

It’s Alison here, back with our monthly Earthmover of the Month post. Haley Gonzales is someone who I connected with thanks to social media. For all the harm that social media brings, I come back to it because of the meaningful connections I continue to make on these platforms.

What I appreciate most about Haley is that she is a deep thinker who is able to hold space for critique and hope at the same time.

As she writes in her Substack, “I firmly believe there will be a day when there are nonbinary categories for all races. When everyone feels safe to be who they are at the start line. When people don’t feel the need to ask why a certain runner has a flag pinned to their shirt (surely this would not be asked if the flag were an American flag). A day when this is a non-topic and people will laugh at the absurdity that it even mattered. Because what actually matters is being present and seeing our interconnectedness and making space for all who want to run to be able to flourish out on the trails. I think the world that we want is in our minds and hearts and thoughts and actions. But I don’t know that it is here yet. I think it’s being created and we can see glimpses of it if we look in the right places.”

Get to know Haley a bit more below and I hope you’ll follow and support her via the links below!

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Is there someone in your world who deserves a little bit of shine for their meaningful work in the trail running space? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at earthmoverspodcast@gmail.com to nominate your favorite Earthmover.

Where are you based and what do you do for a living?

Oakland, CA. I’ve worked in veterinary medicine, the running industry, and most recently for an environmental nonprofit around equitable access. However, I am currently looking for a job, but in the meantime I volunteer my time at East Bay Meditation Center and am working to build the Women’s East Bay Running Union that I co-created with two friends.

I am very much interested in how unions can help us create the world we want. Whether that is unionizing your workplace, neighborhood unions, or any kind of union that brings people together to fight for shared power. We should be expansive in thinking what we can do to practice community, working collaboratively, and enacting interdependence, and I see unions as one way to do this.

Considering the running industry and culture, when we run, we are running (or moving) over the land; the conversations being had, ideas that arise from solo runs or running with friends can shape the industry and culture if we are strategic and thoughtful in how to change the narrative. If people in the running industry aren’t talking about unionizing, I think they need to. Whether that is similar to a neighborhood union like what my friends and I are creating, or running stores, running brands, race organizations … I think there is a lot of potential there to change the narrative.

What brought you out onto the trails?

I grew up hiking, camping, and mountain biking, so being on trails is something I’ve done my whole life. What keeps me going back to the trails is feeling grounded, connecting with friends, as well as connecting with myself, and nature. I also think there are many lessons we can learn from the land, plants, and animals who are also out on the trails.

Do you belong to a historically underrepresented group? If so, how does your involvement in trail running intersect with who you are and what you stand for?

I am a bi-racial woman, so yes I would say I could fit into a few underrepresented groups. At this moment in time, I think my identities, beliefs, and my love for trail running inform how I want to live and the people I choose to have in my life. Since I began running in 2011, I have thought of running to be more than just running.

Currently I think of running as a practice to inform how we can create the world we want to live in. Running is an embodied practice in which we can become aware of our strengths, weaknesses, push through suffering to come out better on the other side, and be more connected to the world around us. I think of the possibilities when that is our reality rather than the isolation and disconnection we experience in our current societies.

I like to consider when I have paced or crewed a friend during a race and how much love, care, support and attention goes into being there for your runner. If someone hasn’t crewed or paced a friend, surely they have cheered at a race and understand the feeling of all the runners out there being our runner we are supporting. Instead of so much of the focus being on accumulating golden tickets, or FKTs, or medals, or stones, or photos to post on instagram, I would urge us to let go of the spectacle of running and focus on what is real in the present moment and build from there.

Is there an aspect of Earthmovers, a trail podcast reclaiming the narrative, that resonates with you?

Three women of color doing something outside the binary of what we are told is how things should be! Shaking up the status quo. Naming the structures and systems running came from because they are the structures and systems we live in, and doing things to create something different and better. I’m here for all of that.

What does being an Earthmover mean to you?

Being an Earthmover is to shape change in a way that is liberating to all living beings. I see it as actively building the life we want to see vs passively letting things happen.

Learn more about Haley Gonzales
Haley Gonzales on Instagram: @thoughtful.rebel.running
Haley Gonzales on Substack: substack.com/@haleymgonzales
Women’s East Bay Running Union on Instagram: @werun.eastbay

***

Warmly,

Alison

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Earlier this month, I publicly shared some exciting news I’ve been keeping close to my heart: I am expecting my first child this December. This isn’t my first pregnancy, so I am extra grateful to be where I am now. The decision to try to conceive this year didn’t come lightly to me and my husband, as we’ve always been really cognizant of current political landscapes and decisions that impact long term variables such as human rights, climate change, food and water availability, the global economy. I sometimes wonder if we are too self aware, as my mind snowballs to thinking of our child’s grandchildren and the brooding anticipation that they might be fighting for resources or suffering in ways that were ultimately preventable by our and previous generations.

While I still have roughly twenty weeks left to go in my pregnancy, I can say with certainty that the time I’ve had growing, loving, and protecting my child has already comprised the happiest and most fulfilling days of my life thus far. Because I have experienced loss, I already knew that I would welcome any of the symptoms, identity shifts, and even the anxiety … because they’re all such a privilege to simply feel. And, I’m coming to understand that being a parent largely means worrying for the rest of my days, but learning how to tamper those worries with hope and opportunity for what I do have control over.

Since becoming pregnant, I have joined a handful of expecting mother online forums. Like any online platform, it’s always a bit of a jolt to the system to be immersed in the general population, particularly the US-based one.

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This special episode focuses on the lack of accountability by prominent figures in trail running to address the inherent political and white supremacist views being spread by people they support. Earthmovers hosts Alison Mariella Désir, Verna NezBegay Volker and Stefanie Flippin are on the mic to address this directly.

This conversation was inspired by recent events, but as the hosts make clear, this lack of accountability isn't new. Verna, Stefanie, and Alison provide context and critique around why and how running is always inherently political, especially trail running, and how the power structure of white supremacy continues to play out in these spaces.

In this episode, there is also celebration. Among the highlights, the hosts talk about the accomplishments of former Earthmovers guest Tuvshin Baatar–at 58, he finished the 2026 Western States 100-miler, cheered on by his parents, both in their 90s, who flew over from Mongolia for the event.

Tuvshin was featured, along with his wife, Zagdaa, in conversation with host Stefanie Flippin. You can watch that incredible conversation here:

You can always keep up with us @earthmoverspodcast on Instagram. And we have merch (all purchases support the podcast)!

Earthmovers will be returning in the fall with season 3. Be sure to subscribe wherever you watch or listen, so you don’t miss future episodes.

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Also, you can listen to this episode on your favorite podcast app, like Spotify or Apple, or you can listen here:

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Verna here, with an update from one of our season 1 guests, Missy Hendricks. Missy is a 2-time 250 miler finisher at Cocodona 250 (2025 and 2026).

Missy is a Native woman from the Mescalero Apache tribe. A few things the Mescalero Apache have been known for are being fierce warriors and skillful strategists during confrontations. They were fighters and skilled in so many ways. As someone who has known Missy for a few years, I see how Missy follows in these footsteps.

She is strong and can take on hard things. This year, she ran Cocodona 250 for the second time, in addition to other races throughout the year. Missy takes on these challenges with ease and knowledge. She is stubborn and determined but at the same time, she is joyful and laughing wherever she runs and during whatever she is running.

I asked Missy a few post race questions so we could see her perspective on this massive achievement.

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Hey ya’ll,

Alison here, just coming off of so-called Independence Day. From an early age, I knew that the holiday wasn’t for me—not because anyone told me so or because I actually knew the history of this country yet, but because of the way I saw the holiday celebrated.

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July EARTHMOVER of the Month: Sky Tulley

Hi friends,

Running can take you further than you think, not just in miles but in connection. You see people online, they follow you, they like your posts. But then, you think, meeting in person—that’s never going to happen.

Then you find yourself running 100 miles with them.

That’s how I met Sky Tulley. Almost a year ago, August 2025, we finished our first 100 miles together. I knew Sky was Navajo like me, and I soon found out we were related by clan, which basically meant we were family. We met at RedWoods of California; Sky had been selected to receive a scholarship by Milestone Events, the organization that puts on the event.

That day was the first time we met in person, and we hit it off instantly—laughing, joking, sharing the same offbeat sense of humor. We started the morning running together, and at one point we told each other good luck and figured we’d go at our own pace. But he ended up sticking with me through the night, laughing, hallucinating a little, having the time of our lives. We kept each other going like siblings, trading what we jokingly called our “trauma stories/miles.”

I want to highlight Sky not just because he’s my clan, not just because he’s Navajo, but because of how far he’s come as a runner and how much he underestimated himself along the way.

Sky and I stay connected today. I feel like an older sister watching out for him from afar. We talk often about our 100 miles and still to this day laugh about it. More importantly, we actually still can’t believe we ran 100 miles together!

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Is there someone in your world who deserves a little bit of shine for their meaningful work in the trail running space? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at earthmoverspodcast@gmail.com to nominate your favorite Earthmover.

Where are you based and what do you do for a living? What types of volunteer or community work are you involved in?

I grew up all over because my dad was in the military before I ended up on the rez at 8 years old. I grew up in Window Rock, AZ, on the Navajo Nation. This is where I consider home. Currently I live in Provo, UT, with my two sons (Eden, 15 and Jules, 10). Professionally I work in Environmental Compliance with the Water Resource Department, working with industries, manufacturers, and businesses to help them maintain compliance.

What brought you into the running world, whether roads or trails?

I started running two years ago as a means to lose weight. After my divorce, I was trying to figure out who I was again. I’ve always enjoyed hiking and being outdoors. My best friend saw the progress I was making and offered to coach me after telling me, not asking, to pace her for her upcoming Cocodona 250 race.

With her help and guidance, I found a true passion for trail running. Running with her and through her lens, I found ceremony in running: learning to give offerings, show respect for the land, and acknowledge those lands we were running on. I leaned to be grateful for my body and mind for being able to carry me through those miles. Born with Severe Hemophilia B, a bleeding disorder, running challenged me and allowed me to prove to myself that I don’t have to be limited by this diagnosis.

Do you belong to a historically underrepresented group? If so, how does your involvement in running intersect with who you are and what you stand for?

I do. I am Navajo and I grew up on the Navajo Reservation. I also have severe Hemophilia B, and not in my wildest dream would I have thought that I would become an ultra runner. I don’t run because I am trying to prove that Native people belong in these spaces. We already belong here. I run because I want Native kids, people with disabilities and anyone who’s ever been told “that’s not for you” to see someone who looks like them or shares part of their story doing hard things. Every mile is a reminder that resilience has always been a part of our people.

Is there an aspect of Earthmovers, a Trail Podcast Reclaiming the Narrative, that resonates with you?

So often native stories are told by someone else or reduced to history, books, stereotypes, or mascots. I love that trail running and Earthmovers creates space for people to tell their own stories. Every runner brings a different reason for being out there. I have shared and have heard many stories during those “trauma miles.” Running to me now is about healing, family, community, and reconnecting with the land.

What does being an Earthmover mean to you?

As a Navajo runner, I think about our relationship with the land. We don’t conquer it, we move with it. Being an Earthmover means to me, honoring the places we run, respecting the people who came before us, and making sure the next generation has even more opportunity than we did.

Learn more about Sky Tulley
Sky Tulley on Instagram: @skytulley06

Warmly,

Verna

In season one of Earthmovers, cohosts Verna and Stefanie Flippin discussed Verna’s first 100 miler, and Verna talks about time she and Sky shared during the event. You can see that conversation on YouTube, or listen on your favorite podcast app, or here:

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Ah, summertime! It’s one of the best seasons for long trail runs, but it’s also the hottest and one of the most difficult times to train.

As temperatures and UV indices climb, runners in many regions can feel the dew point explode, and that can make it seem like any semblance of fitness gained over the winter and spring are suddenly gone. We can all recall an early summer run that makes us not only question our confidence, but whether we’re going to make it through the next few months.

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Verna here, to share the story of how and why I decided to stop giving away my time and knowledge for free. A few days ago, I received an email from a white-led race organization asking how they could increase inclusivity. My first instinct was excitement. I wanted to help. I didn’t even think about compensation.

That reaction told me everything. Because it’s the same reaction I’ve had for years.

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Hey everyone! Happy Monday and welcome back to our weekly Earthmovers post. A few weeks ago, we had a listener write in asking for coverage on issues that marginalized athletes are facing right now and how this impacts the coach/athlete relationship. I really appreciate this question, especially because it has been a central theme to many of the relationships I have with a number of athletes I coach.

In the 15 years I have been working with athletes, this of course came to light in 2020, but the broader conversation within the running community began to peter out since—perhaps from fatigue and a changing political climate (speaking from the United States), or the continued treatment of inclusion as a trend instead of the commonplace pillar that it needs to be. The obvious fact is, these issues didn’t disappear in the last six years; in fact, they’ve been omnipresent points of discussion and concern for many of the athletes I work with.

We are continuing to experience a robust running boom right now, which is exciting, but I think it’s really important to speak up about the challenges that many runners are still facing in this current climate and to encourage other coaches and leaders in the space to be aware of these issues, so they can support their athletes in a more holistic manner. The glossy, influencer-driven depiction of a “day in the life” of a runner is simply not the reality for many of the athletes I coach.

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June EARTHMOVER of the Month: Aaliyah Earvin

Hi friends,

Happy June—how is it June?!

Alison Mariella Désir here, and I’m excited to once again share with you an incredible person making the outdoors and trail running more fun and accessible.

Aaliyah Earvin is a badass athlete, coach, single mother of three, and co race director of We Out Here Trail Festival. We met when I moved to Washington 5 years ago and we have been friends ever since. Aaliyah is rarely the loudest person in the room; instead, she is the thoughtful person in the room, making moves without need for recognition and bringing her heart and soul to everything she does.

On Saturday, June 13th, she and I will cohost the second annual We Out Here Trail Festival, an event that was birthed from our shared belief that trail running should be a welcoming space for all.

I hope you enjoy our interview below! And to hear more about her story, check her out on Out and Back here.

Is there someone in your world who deserves a little bit of shine for their meaningful work in the trail running space? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at earthmoverspodcast@gmail.com to nominate your favorite Earthmover.

Where are you based and what do you do for a living?

I am based in Seattle, Washington, and I work as a fitness professional: I am a fitness and recreation coordinator, sprints and hurdlers coach, and community builder.

What brought you out onto the trails?

I ran cross country in high school, and then several years later, a group of friends asked me to join a trail race with them. It brought me such joy and adventure. My favorite part is the single track that twists and turns, going up and down. It reminds me of rollercoasters. I give myself the permission to stop and look at the trees, moss, and mushrooms. And I love the soft dirt for my aging joints.

Do you belong to a historically underrepresented group? If so, how does your involvement in trail running intersect with who you are and what you stand for?

Yes, I am a Black woman. I grew up in the city, even though I’m comfortable running on trails. I want Black women to feel comfortable taking up space on the trails. I want to lower the barrier to getting out there, and that’s why I started offering trail previews for trail races my group was going to run.

A top concern about entering a trail event is getting lost on the trail. So we go out in a group and pre-run the course. Then on race day, we know what to expect and feel confident about where we are going.

Then an idea was sparked to create a trail race for beginners. A lot of the races that existed were challenging and lacked Black culture. So We Out Here was birthed. A party with a trail race. A race that is entry-level with permission to show up as you! Last year, over 60% of our participants were first-time trail runners.

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Is there an aspect of Earthmovers, a trail podcast reclaiming the narrative, that resonates with you?

The podcast itself has grown my confidence as a coach and a trail runner. Hearing these incredible stories of Black, Indigenous, and humans of color just being themselves is incredible. This podcast makes me feel more connected in these spaces because I know others are trying to represent us across the globe on the trails.

What does being an Earthmover mean to you?

Being an Earthmover means being person who is intentionally on the trails. They are there to make space for others. Moving to create community, connection, and purpose outdoors.

Learn more about Aaliyah Earvin
Aaliyah Earvin on Instagram: @confidentaaliyah
Aaliyah Earvin Website: www.aaliyahearvincoaching.com

Warmly,

Alison

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It’s Earthmovers co-host Stefanie Flippin here, and I am so excited to be back today with an update from an Earthmovers Season One guest Tuvshin Baatar. I spoke with Tuvshin alongside his wife, Zagdaa, in May of 2025. You can watch that episode here:

Tuvshin and Zagdaa are the founders of Nomadic Adventure Club located in the Bay Area, where they have encouraged more and more athletes onto the local trails and into various local trail races, all while remaining grounded in their Mongolian culture. During our conversation, I asked Tuvshin what his dream race was, and he responded immediately and enthusiastically with: the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run.

Fast forward to 2026 and Tuvshin was awarded a scholarship entry into Western States via Gu Energy Labs! I have had the honor of coaching Tuvshin in his preparation for the race and I am really excited to share this update with our readers about what he’s been up to since having him and Zagdaa on the podcast. Let’s dive into the interview!

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It’s Verna NezBegay Volker here, Earthmovers co-host and also the founder and executive director of Native Women Run, a 501c3 nonprofit. I’m writing this from a plane headed to Berlin, Germany.

From the outside, that probably sounds impressive. And honestly, it is. But the woman on this plane is the same woman who used to stretch a single income to keep her family going, who learned early that showing up consistently, quietly is its own kind of strength.

Let me back up.

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As trail running continues to expand and reach new audiences, there is a rising tension among people about what this change means and what will come with it.

There is a loud contingent of folks bemoaning the fact that there are newcomers and longing for things to remain the way they used to be. There’s another contingent of people claiming that trail running has always been for everybody and, on the surface, are extending an open arm.

But being inclusive is more than simply saying “come join us.” It is ensuring that the environment to which you are welcoming people is one where new people will feel comfortable showing up as their authentic selves and seen as valuable.

To date, there are very few races that understand these nuances and are doing the work.

Here at Earthmovers, we’ve decided to compile a list of those races and/or race organizations that are going the extra mile to not just welcome people but also ensure that the environment they are welcoming people into is safe and affirming.

Enter: The Earthmovers List—a dynamic list of trail races and organizations who are really doing the work, graded A to F

We’ve come up with a simple ranking system, which we will continue to refine, that takes into account several considerations:

• Price point: Measuring affordability is subjective and, in this case, contextual. We are rating these races based on other races within the same category of race distance or based on offerings as compared to other similar races.

• Culture/vibes: When you enter, does it feel like the record stopped and everyone looked at you? Or, conversely, did no one look at you at all? What was the language used like, the music, the feeling?

• Representation: Were you the only? Could you count the number of BIPOC folks on one hand?

• Location/accessibility: Trail races often take place outside of cities, in rural communities, or in the mountains. For BIPOC, this comes with obvious fears rooted in historical and present trauma: for instance, are you likely to encounter confederate flags or similar signage? Additionally, accessing transportation to reach many of these destinations can be difficult and expensive.

• Values: Do the organizers of the event operationalize their values? That is, do who they say they are match the experience that they create? Or even, do they state values at all?

• Time cut off: Are there generous cut-offs (an A grade) or is this an event more focused on speed?

The list begins below, and it is a work in progress. We know there are more races and organizations out there—we’d love to hear from you: What race directors/races should we be adding to this list? We always welcome emails at earthmoverspodcast@gmail.com.

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May EARTHMOVER of the Month: Liz Andersen

It’s Stefanie, and I am back with another Earthmover of the Month: I am so excited to introduce Liz Andersen, also known as @PNW_Introvertedrunner on Instagram. Liz and I initially connected at the We Out Here Trail Fest in 2025 and soon after began working together as coach and athlete. Liz ran the Chicago Marathon last year representing Native Women Run, setting a near 40 minute personal best on the heels of her 50th birthday. Liz is an incredible human and athlete who is deeply steeped in her community. Let’s dive into the interview!

Is there someone in your world who deserves a little bit of shine for their meaningful work in the trail running space? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at earthmoverspodcast@gmail.com to nominate your favorite Earthmover.

Liz, where are you based and what do you do for a living? What types of volunteer or community work are you involved in?

I live on the Olympic Peninsula in Port Ludlow, Washington, and I work for Alaska Airlines as a supervisor in our contact center.

At Alaska, I also serve as co-chair for our Native Employee Network, and through that work I have been able to support Indigenous-led organizations in meaningful ways. One of our biggest volunteer events is the Prom Prince and Princess Program at Mount Edgecumbe Boarding School in Sitka, Alaska, where we help Native students get ready for prom. Throughout the year, we also host Native speakers and partner with Native organizations with a focus on impact and connection.

A big part of my community connection also comes through running with Native Women Run, where I have found both belonging and purpose.

What brought you into the running world, whether roads or trails?

In 2017, I decided to take a path toward better mental health and it became so much more than that.

I started with yoga and strength training, then signed up for a Spartan Sprint with a coworker. That is when running got introduced into the mix. Once I realized I could run a 5K without stopping, I pulled a few coworkers in and we trained for a half marathon in 2019.

I loved the training, but more than that, I loved what it did for me mentally. Running became my therapy. It helped me work through anxiety and depression, and over time I was able to come off more than 20 years of medication, something I never thought would be possible.

When COVID hit, running became the one constant that kept me grounded. It truly became my medicine.

Since then, I have run multiple half marathons and, at 50, completed my second marathon just two days after my birthday at the Chicago Marathon representing Native Women Run.

I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with the trails. As long as I can stay upright, I love them, but more times than not I end up face planting. I really love the rhythm of road running, so that is where most of my miles happen.

Do you belong to a historically underrepresented group? If so, how does your involvement in running intersect with who you are and what you stand for?

I am a Tulalip tribal member, and representation in running matters deeply to me.

I first connected with Native Women Run in 2022. Their mission is to bring visibility and representation to Native women in running because the reality is BIPOC runners are still underrepresented in this space. When you show up to a race, you look around for people who look like you just to feel like you are not alone, and a lot of times there are only a handful of us.

Being part of Native Women Run changed that for me.

Many of us have been impacted by historical trauma, and because of colonization, a lot of families were separated from their culture. My dad and his siblings were fostered or adopted out and did not reconnect until later in life. So for me, reconnecting to my roots is something I am actively doing now.

Some people reconnect through language, dance, or art. For me, it is running.

The most meaningful moments are standing at the start line surrounded by Native women feeling like we are not just participating, we are seen, supported, and celebrated.

I continue to stay involved by running with Native Women Run, bringing runners together, representing the community at races and events, and supporting the organization through my work and network whenever I can.

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Is there an aspect of Earthmovers, a Trail Podcast Reclaiming the Narrative, that resonates with you?

What really resonates with me is the idea of reclaiming the narrative.

There is not just one version of what a runner looks like or how a runner starts. Some of us come into it later in life. Some of us come into it through healing. Some of us are still figuring it out as we go.

Those stories matter.

The stories about mental health, community, identity, and showing up anyway, those are the ones that deserve space, too.

I also think this applies beyond running. Whether it is corporate spaces or running spaces, we have to show up and remind people we are still here. We are not the stereotypes we were painted to be. We are powerful, thoughtful, spiritual, and intentional people.

What does being an Earthmover mean to you?

I love this question. Whenever I hear it on the podcast, I already know my answer.

When I think about an Earthmover, I picture a heavy piece of equipment digging deep, not just moving what is on the surface but actually changing the landscape.

That is a metaphor, but it is also real.

For me, it reflects the kind of work I have had to do in my own life, the deep, sometimes uncomfortable work of healing, growth, and pushing through things I never thought I could.

And it is also about impact.

It is about helping shift the landscape so other people, especially Native women and girls, can see themselves in these spaces and know they belong. Maybe their path feels a little easier because someone else went first.

For me, being an Earthmover means doing the deep work and using it to create space for others.

Learn more about Liz Andersen
Instagram: @PNW_Introvertedrunner

Warmly,

Stefanie

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Hosts Alison Mariella Désir, Stefanie Flippin, and Verna NezBegay Volker are together on the mic once again for this, our Season 2 finale episode. They catch up, take a look back at the incredible conversations that happened over the season, and look forward to what’s next.

Hear about memorable moments from the season; surprises, learnings, and joys. Alison, Verna, and Stefanie also discuss what they are looking forward to next.

Remember, you can also keep up with us @earthmoverspodcast on Instagram. And we have merch (all purchases support the podcast)!

Thank you to our listeners, supporters, Altra, and everyone who continues to help make this idea into a reality. Changing the narrative is a community effort.

We are already seeing the power of sharing these stories, highlighting different perspectives and experiences in outdoor spaces, and making connections to grow community, representation, and support so that everybody feels welcome and safe to show up as their full selves.

We are still just getting started!

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