WHAT TO KNOW
We look forward to welcoming you to Coast Salish land, the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, on behalf of the Coast Salish Peoples past and present for this inaugural retreat. Please take some time to review the following information in preparation of the event.
AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION
For those arriving and departing Seattle-Tacoma Intl Airport (SEA), we recommend the rideshare apps for ground transportation to and from the hotel. Check out the SEA-TAC Airport website for more information about airport pick-up and drop-off locations.
HOTEL
Staybridge Suites Seattle - Fremont
3926 Aurora Avenue North, Seattle
(206) 632-1015
Check-In - 3:00 pm | Check-Out - 12:00 pm
The discounted group rate of $189 per night is based on availability and includes a Queen Bed Studio Suite with sleeper sofa, separate living room and sleeping area, full kitchen with microwave, refrigerator, & stove.
MEALS
Sunday Dinner
Please join us for a welcome reception and family style dinner followed by a ‘fireside’ chat on Sunday at 6:00 pm at Tavolàta Stone Way Restaurant, located at 3627 Stone Way N, which is within walking distance (0.4 mi) from the hotel. Transportation will not be provided.
Breakfast & Lunch
Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Monday and Tuesday at the retreat venue. The hotel also offers complimentary breakfast in the lobby from 6:30am to 9:30am.
Monday Dinner
Directly following the retreat sessions on Monday, we will walk across the street to The Whale Wins Cafe & Larder for a mentor mixer happy hour and reception style dinner. The restaurant is located at 3506 Stone Way N, which is within walking distance (0.6 mi) back to the hotel. Transportation will not be provided.
PROGRAMMING
Programming will take place on Monday and Tuesday starting at 9:30am at Brooks Offsite Venue located at 1300 N Northlake Way, Suite 101, within walking distance (0.7 mi) from the hotel. Transportation will not be provided. We recommend that you dress in layers for your level of comfort in an air conditioned meeting space and fluctuating temperatures from morning to evening.
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM (optional)
Complete the survey by Tuesday, September 20th
We define mentorship as a two-way street of partnership, learning, and accountability. Mentorship is a critical part of career development, advancement, and sense of belonging. Please take a moment to complete the optional Mentorship Program Survey that will allow us to facilitate connections between those interested in connecting with a mentor or mentee. Information will be used to create a database for attendees to connect following the event. Complete the survey by 9/20!
RACIAL/ETHNICITY SURVEY IN COLLABORATION WITH RIDC (optional)
Complete the survey by Tuesday, September 27th
“Racism is everywhere—we know that even in the absence of data. The purpose of collecting this data is really to see exactly how and where racism is manifesting. Without racial data, there is an erasure of racial disparities. We simply need racial data to root out racial injustice.” Source. Currently, very few companies in the running industry report employment data by race/ethnicity. In the few cases where they do, the data is aggregated (i.e. not specific to the running industry) - for example
Nike and Under Armour – report data on race/ethnicity for the following categories: all employees, leadership positions, and Board of Directors…data is aggregated (i.e. not broken out by division, so we can’t see what the running division looks like)
Deckers – reports data for all employees and leadership positions but not the Board of Directors ….data is aggregated
In all cases, the available statistics do not reflect national demographics on race/ethnicity. We hope that this survey, along with the Running Industry Diversity Coalitions (RIDC) employment survey, will begin to fill in the gap in that research. Your personal information will be removed, and your responses will be shared with the RIDC as well as the public to guide strategy and planning for our racial equity work. Please fill out this survey by Tuesday, September 27th.
PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS (optional)
A current and polished headshot is an investment in your future as a professional. Take the opportunity to update your professional headshot for LinkedIn or any other professional platforms with our photographer Jovelle Taymayo. Limited times will be available during the lunch break on Monday and Tuesday. Sign up for your complimentary head shot here. A downloadable photo link will be shared following the retreat.
MORNING MOVEMENT (optional)
We encourage everyone to kick off the day with one of the following options for morning movement on Monday and Tuesday, 7:00am - 8:00am. Please arrive 10 minutes early for organization.
Sunrise Group Run
Alison Mariella Désir and the Team Game Changers will depart from Brooks Trailhead located at 3400 Stone Way N for a 5K out and back run through Gas Works Park and along the paved Burke-Gilman Trail. Strava Link
Yin Yoga & Mindful Meditation
Adina Crawford, aka Deanie The Yogini, will guide you through an introspective and calming experience in the Orca Room at Staybridge Suites. We will begin with 30 minutes of Yin Yoga, a meditative practice created to target connective tissue while improving mind-body connection and flexibility. Poses are held for 3-5 minutes, which allows a challenge for the body and mind but leads to a deeper sense of relief and relaxation. The yoga practice will then be followed by 30 minutes of meditation. This will be an opportunity to cultivate awareness through your breath. Aromatherapy oil will be used to help the mind wander so that you can meditate in a calm space and focus the mind. Aromatherapy oil is optional. All levels are welcome. Bring your positive energy and your own yoga mat or hotel towels will be provided.
TUESDAY ACTIVITY: PADDLE ON LAKE WASHINGTON BROUGHT TO YOU BY REI (optional)
Register by Thursday, September 22nd
Take the lead and join us for a celebratory two-hour self-guided paddle on Lake Washington at Enatai, a wooded waterfront area south of Bellevue, following the conclusion of the retreat. REI’s Boathouse at Enatai Beach Park has immediate access to open water on Lake Washington and is adjacent to a beautiful wetland called the Mercer Slough which makes for a lush, green, protected paddle. The cost is $10.00 per person. All levels are welcome. We will depart from the Staybridge Suites hotel lobby on Tuesday at 2:00pm and will return by 6:00pm. Choose from a single or tandem kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or canoe. PFDs, paddles, and drybags will be provided. We recommend that you wear lightweight, synthetic, quick-dry, layered clothing. Check out REI’s recommendation on what to wear. Other optional items: sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses with a sunglass strap. We recommend that you leave your mobile device on shore, but if you must bring it to document the fun, we recommend a water-proof pouch with a floating wrist strap. Register here by 9/22 and sign the REI waiver.
ATTIRE & WEATHER
Athleisure attire is welcome for all sessions and meals. We recommend that you dress in layers for your own level of comfort in an air conditioned meeting space and fluctuating temperatures from morning to evening.
Seattle weather in late September is typically warm and dry, although occasional gray skies and a few rainy days are inevitable. Plan for all of it. Temperatures are forecast to range from the high 60’s to the low 50’s.
COVID
We ask that everyone assess their health on a daily basis. If you experience any symptoms outside of your normal for general wellness, we ask that you not join any of the sessions or group events. We will follow the CDC and King County covid-19 guidelines.
CONTACT
For all general inquiries, email us at woctakethelead@gmail.com. For on-site 24/7 support, contact our event planner Jackie Blackwell by phone/text at (805) 455-4675.
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Presented by Brooks
Supported by Salomon, Feetures, and Strava
Appreciation to Title Nine, REI, and Article One Eyewear