REAL Blog
The Power of ‘Together’: Women Educating & Inspiring
- Adina O'Neill
Finding Inspiration: From 80s Tunes to Women’s History Month
As International Women’s Day approached this year I wasn’t sure how to contribute. Sometimes coming up with something for these “big” days feels like such pressure and less authentic than how I show up everyday to support women in our quest for visibility, acceptance and equality.
And then I got inspired. I was driving home from my monthly pedicure belting out my favorite 80s tunes while listening to the 80s on 8 (my favorite SiriusXM radio station) when I heard the DJ talking about Women’s History Month. He mentioned that this year’s theme was something about moving forward. With the recent launch of my book Forward Is A Pace, I was naturally intrigued.
When I got home I googled “Women’s History Month Theme 2025” and this is what I found:
The theme this year is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations”. This theme aims to recognize women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. The key word in this initiative is “together.”
All I could think was That’s ME!! Education, mentorship and leadership describe my life’s work: teaching 2nd graders, setting an example for my daughter to grow into a strong young woman, and building a community of belonging for women athletes of all abilities.
I decided that was my sign to do something special.
A 24-Hour Whirlwind: Organizing the Campaign
Within 24 hours, I organized a campaign to celebrate women leaders. I met with my business coach (a woman), consulted with a graphic designer (another woman) and reached out to dozens of incredible women who inspire me in some way to support this project.
24 hours after that I launched Women Leaders Moving Forward Together, a series of conversations featuring outstanding women committed to education, mentorship and leadership.
As I write this, 4 conversations have happened live on social media with more than a dozen scheduled through the end of the month. Conversations last about 15 minutes and address 4 questions which were carefully selected to support the theme of Moving Forward Together through education and inspiration. Each conversation will include the leader’s perspective on the theme, a look into the women who inspire them and one unique piece of advice or knowledge.
Diverse Platforms: Sharing Stories in Different Ways
As a woman who has been excluded for a variety of reasons in many situations, I have empathy for all the unseen athletes who feel left out – like those in marginalized groups who fight against racism, ageism, ableism and fat-shaming on a regular basis. I dedicate my voice to speak up for all of us and fight for belonging.
Part of being a champion for inclusion is recognizing that people learn and share in different ways. Some leaders do not enjoy being part of a live conversation so some will be recorded offline. I’ve created a playlist on my YouTube channel where all the recorded conversations will live for you to grab some inspiration any time you need it.
For the leaders who prefer gathering their thoughts with time to reflect, they will share through writing. Most will be shared through my newsletter and social media posts. And since you are reading a blog, I’m honored to share these words from my friend and fellow USAT coach Jennifer Giesber.
A Voice of Inspiration
Guest Contribution from Coach Jennifer Giesber, SHINE Multisport Coaching
Moving Forward Together: Raising a Son Who Inspires Change
As a mother, one of my greatest responsibilities is raising my son to be a man who sees women as equals—not just in words, but in actions. From an early age, I’ve had open conversations with him about the inequalities that exist: how women still don’t receive equal pay for equal work, how it wasn’t long ago that women couldn’t even vote, own property, or get a credit card without a man’s approval. I’ve taught him that these systems weren’t built by accident—they were designed, and they continue to be upheld by societal and familial beliefs that encourage men to fall in line with dysfunctional norms.
But he doesn’t have to.
I remind him that being strong isn’t about dominance—it’s about character. That respect isn’t just about being polite—it’s about recognizing the value and autonomy of every woman he encounters. I challenge him to reject the idea that there are “men’s roles” and “women’s roles,” and instead, to choose his path based on his values, not outdated expectations. I encourage him to call out injustice when he sees it, to be the voice in the room that disrupts harmful conversations, and to set an example for his male friends.
Because change doesn’t just happen—it’s modeled, it’s taught, and it’s lived. And if we want to truly move forward together, we need men who don’t just support equality but who actively challenge the legacies of dysfunction that continue to hold women back. My son is learning to be one of those men.
An Inspiring Woman in My Life
It’s impossible to choose just one, because two incredible women—Kathryn Bertine and Selene Yeager—have profoundly influenced me in different but equally powerful ways.
Kathryn Bertine is a force of change. Her book, STAND: A Memoir on Activism. A Manual for Progress., and her documentary, Half The Road: The Passion, Pitfalls & Power of Women’s Professional Cycling, opened my eyes to the deep inequities in women’s sports and the relentless fight for equality. She didn’t just highlight the problems—she took action, standing on the front lines to demand change. Her work inspires me to push forward, to advocate, and to never accept the status quo when it comes to fairness and opportunity.
Selene Yeager has been a guiding light in the world of women’s health, particularly in menopause and aging as an athlete. Through her Hit Play Not Pause podcast and online community, she has created a space where women can learn, connect, and take charge of their health and performance. She is breaking the silence around menopause, dismantling myths, and ensuring that women feel empowered rather than sidelined during this phase of life.
Both of these women embody strength, resilience, and action. They don’t just talk about change—they make it happen. They inspire me to do the same in my own way, whether through coaching, advocacy, or simply leading by example.
How Being a Woman Makes Me Uniquely Positioned to Serve My Clients
Being a woman gives me a unique perspective on the challenges many of my clients face, especially in endurance sports. I understand the complexities of training while managing family, work, and health changes like menopause. My personal experiences—whether it’s overcoming injury, navigating menopause, or balancing multiple responsibilities—allow me to approach coaching with empathy, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the mental and physical aspects of sport.
Life is never linear, and my own 12-year journey in triathlon has been filled with major challenges that have shaped me as both an athlete and a coach. I lived with undiagnosed AFib for years, feeling its impact on every aspect of my training and life until finally receiving a diagnosis and undergoing a cryoablation in 2022. I have also moved across the country twice, rebuilding my life and finding new triathlon communities along the way. Just as I had settled into my new hometown, reconnected with the sport, and returned to racing, I suffered a severe bike crash during a triathlon in July 2024. The crash left me with significant injuries and a long, grueling recovery process that continues to test my resilience.
These experiences have deepened my understanding of perseverance, adaptation, and the emotional and physical toll of setbacks. I know what it’s like to face uncertainty, to rebuild, and to find strength in the process. This is what makes me uniquely positioned to serve my clients—not just as a coach, but as someone who has lived the highs and lows of endurance sports. Whether my athletes are overcoming personal challenges, injuries, or self-doubt, I am here to guide them with knowledge, empathy, and unwavering support.
If I Had 1 Minute to Teach You Something…
I see a lot of athletes panic when their chain falls off and don’t know how to put it back on. But it’s actually a quick and easy fix!
First, stop safely and, if possible, shift your rear derailleur to the smallest cog to create slack. Then, locate the chain gobbler—the small arm on the derailleur that hangs down. Push it forward to add even more slack to the chain. Now, carefully place the chain back onto the chainring. Slowly turn the pedals forward, and the chain should pop back into place.
It’s a simple skill, but knowing it can save your ride and keep you rolling with confidence!
Life is a lot like dropping a chain—things don’t always go as planned. Change is inevitable, and what matters is how you respond. Accept the moment for what it is, make the adjustments you can, and keep moving forward. One thing my bike crash has taught me is that no matter what life throws at you, even the most difficult and sometimes traumatic moments, there are always silver linings. Be open to receiving them. It’s not about avoiding setbacks, but about focusing on solutions and maintaining your momentum. By embracing challenges and learning from them, you shift from feeling like a victim to taking control and finding your way forward as a victor—one swim stroke, one pedal stroke, and one walk/run step at a time.
It’s your turn! Celebrating Women Leaders Moving Forward all month long by watching the conversations, adding your thoughts and sharing whatever inspires you.