Alison is the author of Running While Black, the tv host and producer of Out & Back w/ Alison Mariella Desir (now streaming) and the host of Out & Back’s companion podcast; listen here.

Alison is the founder of Harlem Run, an NYC-based running movement, and Run 4 All Women, which has raised over $150,000 for Planned Parenthood and $270,000 for Black Voters Matter.

Alison is co-founder and former chair of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, a nonprofit that unites the running industry to provide resources, measure progress, and hold the industry accountable to equitable employment, leadership, and ownership positions and improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

Alison most recently has channeled her personal experiences and formal training to bring the mental benefits of running to a broader group. She created a series of events called Meaning Thru Movement that provides education and practical steps to improving mental and physical health, especially for the BIPOC community. These robust discussions not only educate all of us on the realities non-white runners face, but illuminate a more inclusive path forward that fights white supremacy and racism.

Alison was named as one of the “Power Women of 2022” by Women's Running Magazine. She was also listed as one of the most influential African Americans, aged 25 to 45, by The Root 100.

Alison holds her BA in History, MA in Latin American and Caribbean Regional Studies, and EdM in Counseling Psychology, all from Columbia University.

Alison sits on the advisory boards for Strava and &Mother and is an Athlete Ambassador for Athlete Ally.

I know you’ve told this story a lot but for those who don’t know you, how did you get into running and this new career.

I started running in 2012 while going through a period of depression. In those days, I spent most of my time self-medicating, numbing my emotional pain, sleeping, and scrolling through social media. I just so happened to run across my friend’s posts while he was training for a marathon. His journey struck me because he was not a traditional marathon runner - that is, he was not a skinny, white person. He was a Black guy with an average build whose life was being transformed - both physically and mentally. I was inspired by this. A year later, I signed up for the same marathon and raised over $5,000 for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and unlocked a part of myself I had been missing.

From there, I decided to start my own running group because as I reflected on my own training experience, I was almost always the only person of color. I wanted to create conditions where Black people like me would be interested and able to show up as their authentic selves.

This group, Harlem Run, became a running movement of people seeking personal transformation but also social change. We were disrupting the white narrative of who long distance running is for and what a runner looks like. Founding and leading Harlem Run was my first experience in recognizing there was a problem and knowing that I could do something about it. My career has followed that pattern ever since.

What has running taught you that you’ve parlayed into your career and advocacy work?

Running has taught me that I’m more powerful than I even know. I wouldn’t describe long distance running as fun -- definitely not fun all of the time. In fact, it is mostly a struggle. Your mind must convince your body to do something it doesn’t want to do (or vice versa) and in the end you recognize that you are more capable than you thought. That lesson has given me the courage to continue to show up for myself and say and do the often unpopular thing because I have the experience of pushing through and completing difficult things.

Can you share with us why you started your non-profits and what you would like to see them accomplish?

Each organization that I’ve started was responding to a need that I identified and then recognized I could address. With Harlem Run, it was the need for a space that centered Black people who were interested in long distance running. With Run 4 All Women, it was a need to act in the face of reproductive rights being threatened. The organization uses running as a vehicle for social change and has fundraising for organizations like Planned Parenthood and Black Voters Matter, empowering women to resist oppressive policies. Meaning Thru Movement - I started it because I recognized a failure to address issues of mental health within the running industry. I wanted to create a brave space where people could move together and gain psycho education to empower them to live better lives. The Running Industry Diversity Coalition was initially a direct response to the murder of Ahmaud Arbery and the recognition that running has never truly been open to Black people. The RIDC has become an organization dedicated to racial equity in the running community and running industry.

What can other executive leaders learn from your work as they make big transitions and stretch to accomplish more in the years ahead?

My biggest lesson is in the power of collaboration and being scrappy when needed, especially in the beginning. In all of the work that I’ve done, if I had waited for all of my ducks to be in a row, for there to be funding -- I likely never would’ve started.

I’ve come to embrace the messiness and sometimes chaos of starting organizations or initiatives with only a few pieces in place, trusting that it will all come together. Take more risks and chances. It’s always worth it, even if you fail (as I often have!).

What was the most challenging or fulfilling aspect of writing your book Running While Black?

The most fulfilling aspect of writing my book was the opportunity to be really vulnerable. It was also the most terrifying aspect of writing my book because of the fear of judgment that comes with being vulnerable. However, what I’ve found is that my vulnerability allows readers to feel deeply connected to my personal journey and become more willing to see the world through my eyes. I am deeply grateful that I made the choices that I did because I see how much it is resonating with readers and inspiring them to take action after reading my book.

Who are other women you admire?

Generally speaking, I admire women who recognize that their vulnerabilities are their strengths and lead from a place of authenticity. Women like LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, Alysia Montaño, Olympian, author and founder of &Mother, and Mary Wittenberg, former CEO of New York Road Runners and current president of Pro League.

What’s one product you cannot live without?

I started locking my hair almost 2 years ago and discovered rosewater loc spray which has done wonders for my hair! This is especially important as an athlete and someone who is often sweating and in the elements. The other product is Goop sunscreen. I wear it everyday on my face for protection from the sun.

What’s one trend you are noticing at the moment?

I wouldn’t describe this as a trend but rather a long overdue cultural shift: the running and outdoor industries are finally beginning to recognize the lack of racial equity within those who hold power and decision making ability (the industry) and the community (those who run/recreate in the outdoors) and are taking intentional action towards greater accessibility and inclusion. Within the running industry specifically, this shift is in part due to my activism and book, and I’m honored to be leading the charge.

Another cultural shift that is happening is a recognition of the industry’s negative impact with respect to climate change. Climate change will completely transform our ability to spend time and enjoy the outdoors - said simply, what we love is in danger. This industry shift toward sustainability and accountability around environmental impact is welcome and critical.