Issue link: https://takingitglobal.uberflip.com/i/1477966
87 # R I S I N G Y O U T H C O M M U N I T Y I M P A C T V O L . 2 M ichelle Friesen discovered a love for mountain biking in her home of Whitehorse, Yukon and decided to put together an event bringing together other women mountain bikers for an event she called ShredHERS. The event was a simple but powerful way to safely break out of isolation in the midst of a global pandemic while also spending time on the land and in the great outdoors. ShredHERS is inclusive of all women with the first race including five generations of women with riders as young as five years old. It was such a huge success that ShredHERS has now grown to become an annual event hosting a race, group rides, and a retreat each year. "I remember thinking it's 'just a bike race', but through the process, I realized that what was happening was much bigger," reflected Michelle. "I was able to see women get out of their comfort zone and feel empowered, and create a safe way to feel connected and healthy during a time of fear and isolation. I realized it was more than just mountain biking, it was community building and looking out for one another." Beyond the experience and community, Michelle built within the mountain biking community, Michelle carried the skills she learned while organizing and hosting her #RisingYouth project into the political realm. After recognizing her potential, Michelle decided to run for office and has since become the first Indigenous woman to ever be elected to Whitehorse City Council! "This experience helped me to realize the importance of representation in leadership and how others, like myself, really didn't see themselves as a politician," Michelle explains. "But going through the process, it was more clear than ever that we needed more people like me to get involved." More Than "Just A Bike Race" I was able to see women get out of their comfort zone and feel empowered... Michelle Friesen A special thank you to Youth Of Today Society (YOTS) for sharing the #RisingYouth grant opportunity with Michelle to make this project possible. A blog post written about Michelle and ShredHers, her project's social media page.