FRNY 2025 PLATFORM

Candidate statement

Since my Front Runners journey began in 2020, I’ve found structure and a vibrant community that has become core to my life. The club’s support has pushed me to new limits and taught me the power of a community that uplifts its members and celebrates their individuality.

I know what it takes to lead an organization like FRNY. For the past 3 years, I served as Executive Director of Delaware County Pride, a volunteer position leading an organization of LGBTQIA+ people and their allies in rural NY. I grew the organization from under a dozen to 200+ members, oversaw securing 501(c)3 status, and served as the internal and external organization point.

When I joined FRNY, I faced a challenge many new members encounter: breaking through existing social circles. As the club has grown, it’s become harder for newcomers to feel like they belong. If elected, I’ll work to make FRNY more welcoming through new member meet-ups before runs and a program that pairs newcomers with seasoned members. Building a neighborly club means ensuring everyone feels welcome – regardless of experience, familiarity, or speed.

I’ll also focus on creating a more inclusive home for trans and non-binary runners, women, people of color, and people with disabilities – groups underrepresented within the club. This requires more than words; it demands action. I’m committed to strengthening support and facilitating connections by championing initiatives that promote allyship and meaningful representation, fostering a space where everyone feels seen and celebrated.

Furthermore, I recognize the importance of bridging generations. I’m dedicated to honoring the traditions of those who came before me; they’re this club’s foundation, and any future growth is rooted in the values that have made FRNY special since 1979. I also recognize the value in empowering Gen Z runners – our next batch of leaders. We can only grow stronger by embracing our history and welcoming new voices, and I genuinely believe I am the person to serve as the connector.

My professional work, including my current role as PR lead for Grindr, has taught me to meet our community where they are. I bring that same leadership and passion here. This year, I’m co-producing Variety Hour and have represented the club worldwide, experiences that have deepened my commitment.

I’d be honored to serve as President, building on our legacy while pushing for greater inclusivity and community spirit.

Let’s continue to run out front, together.

NOVEMBER 7 - INSTAGRAM

🌈 ATTN: FRONT RUNNERS 🌈 I’m thrilled to announce my candidacy for President of Front Runners New York!

Since joining in 2020, this community has given me structure, friendship, and a true sense of belonging. Now, I’m ready to give back by leading FRNY into an even more supportive and vibrant future by building on the great work the club has done advocating for inclusion and equity.

As President, I’m committed to creating a welcoming space for everyone – especially trans and non-binary runners, women, people of color, and people with disabilities. Furthermore, I recognize the importance of bridging generations; we can only grow stronger by embracing our history and welcoming new voices, and I genuinely believe I am the person to serve as the connector. My vision is for FRNY to be a safe, affirming home for all, whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started.

You can read my full candidate statement at the link in my bio. I also encourage you to join us at the Candidates Forum on Saturday, 11/9, at Rutgers Church after the fun run.

I want to leave you with a quote from our 2023-24 President, Kris Imperati: “It is my hope that the next Board of Directors carries that torch and works to defend those of us who would otherwise be persecuted.”

I am committed to doing just that. Let’s keep running out front – together 🏃🏾‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️🏃🏽

NOVEMBER 9 - INSTAGRAM

💙🧡 ATTN: FRONT RUNNERS 🧡💙 Voting is officially open for the 2025 FRNY Board, and I would be honored to have your vote for President!

You can read more about my vision here (and my full candidate statement at the link in my bio), but creating meaningful representation for marginalized groups within FRNY is at the heart of it all. From championing inclusivity for trans and non-binary members, women, people of color, and those with disabilities, to fostering a sense of belonging for every member, I’m committed to building a club where all voices are valued and celebrated.

Bridging generations is equally important to me. FRNY’s strength lies in honoring our legacy while embracing fresh perspectives and the energy of newer members. By creating connections across generations, we ensure our club remains a welcoming and thriving community for years to come.

Your voice matters, and your vote matters.
📅 Voting is open now through 11:59pm on November 15th.
📧 Check your email for your unique link to vote online.
🗳️ An in-person voting option will also be available after the Fun Run on Saturday, November 16th.

Thank you for your support, your trust, and for being part of this incredible community. Together, we can keep FRNY running out front! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

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TRANS AND NON-BINARY INCLUSION
I plan to work with our trans and non-binary members to ensure they feel fully supported and represented in every aspect of the club. This includes advocating for trans-inclusive policies in races we participate in, such as ensuring athletes can compete in divisions that match their lived experience. I’d also like to establish regular feedback sessions with trans and non-binary members to better understand their needs and experiences in FRNY, and to act on their input.

HIGHLIGHTING UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES
FRNY’s communications and social media presence are powerful tools to showcase the diversity of our community. I would create a program to feature members from marginalized groups — sharing their stories, celebrating their achievements, and amplifying their voices to ensure everyone feels seen and valued.

WOMEN’S PROGRAMMING AND REPRESENTATION
I aim to collaborate with the Women’s Committee to host events specifically for our women runners, such as women-only runs or panels that discuss the challenges women face in running spaces. I’d also work to expand leadership opportunities for women within the club, ensuring their perspectives are central to FRNY’s decision-making.

MENTORSHIP AND PAIRING PROGRAMS
One way to build connections across generations is through mentorship. Pairing newer or younger runners with seasoned members would create opportunities for knowledge-sharing and relationship-building. Longtime members can provide guidance, while newer members can bring energy and new ideas, fostering mutual growth.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Building relationships with NYC-based organizations (like True Colors United, the Audre Lorde Project, and Harlem Pride) will allow us to reach more runners of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Collaborating on events or outreach campaigns with these groups would help make FRNY more reflective of the broader community we serve.

HONORING OUR LEGACY
FRNY has a proud history dating back to 1979, and I want to ensure that the traditions and values that have made this club special remain central to who we are. I would propose events that celebrate our longtime members, such as a “Legacy Run” or storytelling nights where members can share their experiences and reflect on the club’s evolution. These traditions remind us of the foundation that makes FRNY what it is today.

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION
As we grow, it’s vital to engage and empower younger members, particularly Gen Z, who will shape the future of FRNY. I’d like to create leadership opportunities specifically for our newer and younger members, such as positions on committees or task forces where they can contribute their fresh perspectives. By giving them a voice in how the club operates, we ensure FRNY evolves to meet the needs of future runners.

CROSS-GENERATIONAL EVENTS
I envision hosting events that intentionally bring together members from different age groups and stages of their running journeys. This could include multi-generational fun runs, volunteer days, or panels where members of all backgrounds share insights and experiences. These events would strengthen our community bonds and encourage collaboration.

WELCOMING NEW VOICES, HONORING VALUES
As FRNY continues to grow, it’s crucial to balance our history with innovation. I want to make sure longtime members feel celebrated and respected while ensuring newer members feel empowered to contribute to shaping the future of the club. This balance is key to keeping FRNY vibrant and united.

NOVEMBER 10: Run Together: All Abilities, All Experiences - INSTAGRAM

Front Runners New York thrives because of its diversity — of pace, speed, ability, background, and experience. To truly live our mission, we must continue evolving into a club that celebrates all runners. To create an inclusive and supportive environment for runners of all abilities means embracing physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, neurodivergence, mental health challenges, sensory impairments, and more. The Run Together: All Abilities, All Experiences initiative will foster awareness and accessibility within FRNY, celebrating every runner’s journey and achievements.

By centering the Run Together: All Abilities, All Experiences philosophy, FRNY becomes a space where no runner feels left out. Whether overcoming visible barriers, invisible challenges, or simply running at their own speed, all runners will find value, recognition, and community.

A huge thanks to @deafworldrunnertom for his friendship and for continuing to hold me accountable.

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INCLUSIVE RUNNING AND WELLNESS GROUPS
Establish an “All Abilities and Experiences” group within FRNY that caters to runners with visible disabilities (e.g., prosthetics, deafness, blindness) as well as invisible ones, such as chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, MS, arthritis), mental health conditions, or neurodivergence. All members will be encouraged to participate to nurture a culture of understanding and camaraderie.

ACCESSIBILITY AND AWARENESS TRAINING
Host workshops for FRNY members on supporting fellow runners with disabilities, including how to create a welcoming environment for those with invisible conditions. Topics could include guide running, pacing support, communication strategies, and understanding sensory sensitivities.

VISIBILITY, EDUCATION, AND REPRESENTATION
Highlight stories of runners with disabilities in FRNY communications, showing that every runner’s journey is valued and celebrated to foster empathy and awareness.

Launch campaigns around key awareness months (e.g., Mental Health Awareness Month, Invisible Disabilities Week, Deaf Awareness Month) to educate FRNY members and promote inclusivity.

COLLABORATION WITH ADVOCACY ORGS
Partner with groups like the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Invisible Disabilities Association, and Achilles International to expand resources and bring more diverse voices into the club.

EVERY SINGLE FINISH MATTERS
Emphasize the importance of crossing the finish line by celebrating every runner, not just those who finish first. Whether it’s completing their first 5K, running their longest distance ever, or returning to running after an injury, every achievement should be celebrated.

We should be sharing photos and stories of the last finisher with the same enthusiasm as the first.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Form a task force to assess how the club can be more inclusive in recognizing all members, including those with disabilities, slower runners, and underrepresented groups.

Ensure future leaders remain committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members, regardless of speed or ability, feel celebrated and supported.

NOVEMBER 14 - INSTAGRAM

As we enter the final days of voting for the 2025 FRNY Board, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has engaged with me throughout this campaign. I’m proud of the campaign I’ve run — one rooted in community outreach, open dialogue, and a genuine desire to understand the perceptions, strengths, and areas for growth within Front Runners New York.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with so many of you, listening to your ideas about what makes this club thrive and where we can do better. Whether it’s ensuring FRNY is a welcoming space for runners of all abilities and paces, creating more opportunities for community connection, or celebrating the diversity of every member, I’ve focused on running a clean, positive campaign that reflects the values we hold dear as a club.

I’m incredibly grateful for the conversations I’ve had, the support you’ve shown, and the passion you all bring to this community. No matter the outcome, I’m proud of the vision I’ve shared and excited about what lies ahead for FRNY.

If you haven’t already, please take a moment to vote! You can find all the details above and a link to my full candidate statement in my bio. Thank you for the opportunity to share my vision for the future of this incredible club — and for being such an integral part of it.

Let’s keep running out front, together. 🌈

EMAIL WITH MEMBER

Original Email:

Hi, Ryan

I am glad you are running for President. I am one of the members who has been only partially involved the last few years, but one of the reasons I don't come back more fully is that there seems to be a real decline in the number of women at events and also the support for competitive racing on the women's teams. You mention this and I am curious to hear more the specific thoughts you have about the women's team.

Thank you

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My Reply:

Hi XX,

Thank you so much for reaching out (and sorry in advance for a lengthy email - I sort of went to town here)! I appreciate your support and willingness to share your perspective. I completely understand your concerns about the decline in women’s participation and the support for competitive racing on the women’s teams. This is something I’ve been hearing in my conversations with members, and it’s an issue I feel strongly about addressing if I’m elected President.

One of my goals is to create a more welcoming and affirming environment for women within FRNY, and I have several ideas to support this, which I've shared below. Most importantly, I want to listen to women like you who have valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the club. Through this active listening, we'll best be able to tackle the issue.

Rebuilding and Strengthening the Women’s Team
If elected, I plan to work closely with the Women’s Committee to identify what’s currently missing and what barriers prevent women from participating. Whether it’s a lack of outreach, mentorship opportunities, or visibility, I want to create targeted initiatives that encourage more women to join and stay involved in the competitive side of FRNY.

Increased Visibility and Celebration of Women’s Achievements
Women’s accomplishments - both competitive and personal - should be amplified more prominently in our communications and events. This includes celebrating the contributions of women in all aspects of the club, from racing to leadership.

Women-Centered Events and Programming
Hosting women-specific events, like women-only fun runs or panels featuring inspiring women in the running community, could create stronger bonds and provide a space for women to feel seen and supported.

Expanded Support for Competitive Racing
I’d like to see greater emphasis on developing resources for the women’s team, such as recruiting more women for competitive races, building team camaraderie, and potentially offering coaching or training sessions tailored to the needs of women runners.

Thank you again for reaching out, XX. Your voice is so important to this conversation, and I hope to have the opportunity to work on these issues together. It’s clear that we have work to do to ensure women feel included, celebrated, and empowered within FRNY. If there's anything else I can share as you consider your choice for FRNY President, please let me know, and if these ideas resonate with you and you want to share them with any other Front Runners with similar concerns, feel free to forward them along.

Ryan