Uplift, the women in cycling industry mentorship has opened applications for 2025.
The mentorship programme pairs women in the cycling industry with experienced women in leadership positions. Uplift aims to ‘accelerate the progress and number of women leaders within the cycling business in the future, by creating strong networks, building confidence and increasing the visibility of women role models in the bike industry.’
Launched in 2023, the programme is now in its second year and fourth phase of applications. The initiative was the idea of Rachael Burnside, head of growth and marketing at Shift. After having a mentor of her own, Rachael knew the cycling industry could benefit from a mentorship program. With support from Shift Active Media, Uplift was created.
When we launched Uplift I never imagined it would grow into the incredible community it is today. Mentors and mentees alike are learning, evolving, and supporting one another. It’s been amazing to see how much we all gain from sharing our experiences – and it’s even more exciting to watch the next generation of leaders take shape. Beyond that, I’ve made friends for life. Personally and professionally, leveraging my 9-5ish (!) knowledge as a marketer – from brand development and public relations to social and community building, as well as events execution – has been incredibly rewarding.
It feels so amazing to turn these skills into something that I can see instantly making a real difference! Uplift isn’t just a mentorship programme anymore – it’s a global community of talented women, all wanting to help each other, backing each other – and we’re only just getting started!. – Rachael Burnside, Uplift FounderÂ
Uplift Mentors
– Alexa Cunningham – Marketing Manager, Shimano
– Anna Von Senger – Co-Founder and CPO, Standert Bicycles
– Anne-Marije Rook – Editor, Cycling Weekly
– Caroline Julian – Brand and Engagement Director, British Cycling
– Cassondra Spring – Global Brand Manager, Liv Cycling
– Christina Lindquist – Global Marketing Director, Rapha
– Christine O’Connell – Associate Director Stax / Founder One More City / VP The Cyclists Alliance
– Clare Probyn – Board Advisor, Women’s Sports Alliance + Sports Marketing Manager at Very Media
– Elizabeth Walker – Global Sports Marketing Lead & Team Manager, Liv Cycling
– Francesca Ghezzi – Mobility Marketing Manager, Scott Sports SA
– Georgia Yexley – Founder, LOUD Mobility
– Géraldine Bergeron – Marketing Manager, SRAM
– Giulia Mantovani – Head of Market & Consumer Insights, Canyon
– Grace Pyne – Head of Commercial, Laka Bicycle Insurance
– Hannah Parish – Partnerships & Commercial Growth Director, Oura
– Janette Sherman – Marketing Manager, Continental
– Jessica Strange – Senior Social Manager, Komoot
– Kate Veronneau – Director of Women’s Strategy, Zwift
– Kathryn Taylor – Chief Marketing Officer, Feisty Media
– Kelly Booth – Commercial Sales and Partnerships Manager, Rouleur
– Kimberly Coats – Chief Executive Officer, Team Africa Rising
– Lexi Brown – Head of Research & Strategic Insights, Amazon Prime Video/The Cyclists Alliance Board
– Lisa Bourne – President & Founder, DEI Consultant
– Lisa Calvino – Head of Digital Marketing, Brompton
– Maria Chan – Chief Operating Officer, Hiplok
– Melanie Jarrett – Director of Partnerships, Strava
– Naomi Clarkson – Head of Marketing, Wahoo
– Nikki Hawyes – Chief Executive Officer, Whyte Bikes
– Petrá Hájková – Brand and Communications Director, Rouvy
– Sian Keen – Head of Partnerships, Bikmo
A few of the Uplift mentors
As a not-for-profit organisation, mentors give up their time to be part of the programme, pairing up with mentees that allow both parties to benefit from the pairing.
The initiative has already supported a number of women in the industry, with many celebrating its impact on their careers, opening up new opportunities and connecting them to a wider network of people working in the cycling industry.
Uplift has been the missing piece of the puzzle of navigating the bike industry as a woman –Â Abigail, Orbea
Another previous mentee, Jade from Ribble said, “It’s absolutely an investment in yourself, your self-worth, and your future. I’ve been flabbergasted by how much I’ve learned and grown in such a short time, even after having been in the industry for a few years. It will boost your confidence and your competence and set you up for success!”
With new initiatives and meet-ups planned for 2025, the programme has grown into a thriving community.
Applications for the next stage are open until 21 February. Anyone wanting to apply can do so by filling out the Uplift mentorship application form.
