RISE PERSPECTIVES

Author: Julianna Starr Collazo

I remember the exact moment I felt a feeling of powerlessness. It sat heavy on my chest after the election, a weight of uncertainty and fear that felt impossible to shake. Maybe you've felt it too — that sinking feeling when the world seems to be moving in the wrong direction. That feeling when the fight feels too big, and your voice feels too small.

If you have, take a deep breath. Show yourself some love. It is exhausting to carry the weight of empathy and kindness and move through the world with the intention of making it better. However, you are not alone in this quest for change.

When our identities, rights, and values are being challenged by the ones meant to lead us, it's easy to feel small. But change has never come from silence. There are more people than you realize who believe in equity, equality, kindness, and community. Now, more than ever, we need to organize. We need to gather, to stand together, and to raise our voices — because our voices are stronger when they rise as one.

Equity isn’t just a buzzword. It’s about making sure no one is left behind. It’s an issue that touches every industry, including sports. In 2020, the Global Sport Institute found that while 70% of NFL players were Black, only 9% of head coaches were. That gap between opportunity and representation is clear, not only in coaching but also in front offices, broadcasting, and leadership roles across both professional and collegiate sports. When pathways to leadership are blocked, progress is blocked too.

We also see proof of how equity changes lives. Since Title IX was passed in 1972, participation by girls in high school sports has grown by 990%, and women’s participation in college sports has risen by 600%. That’s more than a win for athletics. It’s a win for leadership, education, and workplace equity. In fact, studies show that 94% of women in executive roles played competitive sports at some point in their lives.

Access matters. Representation matters.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, we saw just how powerful representation in sports can be with Triple Espresso — the trio of Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Wilson. These young stars didn’t just bring talent to the U.S. Women’s National Team, they also embodied the future of soccer that is more diverse, dynamic, and inspiring than ever before.

For young girls, especially girls of color, watching Rodman, Swanson, and Wilson dominate on the world stage was confirmation that they belong in the sport. Soccer can be a place for young women of color, like it was for the generations of women before.

For me, sports have always been a source of empowerment. As a proud Puerto Rican woman from New Jersey, I played just about every sport from baseball and track to soccer, and I even cheered for some of the top all-star gyms in the country. Growing up, though, I didn’t fully realize how powerful it was to see someone who looked like you on the field, on the pitch, or on the podium. As a teenager, I often cheered in spaces where no one looked like me, and I knew it felt different. It wasn’t until adulthood that I truly appreciated how meaningful it is for today’s youth to see themselves in places they once only dreamed of.

Trailblazers like Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, who secured gold in the 100m hurdles for Puerto Rico; Lauren Scruggs, the first Black American woman to win an individual Olympic fencing medal; and Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, challenging norms in motorsport, are proving what’s possible. They are not bound to the limit’s society places on them.

These moments aren’t just inspiring; they’re proof that equity and representation open doors. I had the privilege of playing any sport I wanted, but that privilege existed because of those who fought before me. That’s the power of opportunity and the work we must continue today.

When feeling powerless, the key is to harness your inner power to drive change and create true equity. Equity isn't about treating everyone the same, it's about giving each person what they need to succeed based on where they are starting. It's a recognition that not everyone has the same opportunities or resources. At RISE, we focus on creating systems that provide the resources people need to thrive.

Equality, on the other hand, is about treating everyone the same. But it often overlooks the barriers certain groups face. For example, giving everyone the same pair of shoes doesn’t help someone who needs a different size or style to succeed. Equity is about giving each person the pair of shoes that fits them, so they can walk the same distance toward success.

Understanding the difference between equity and equality is essential in working toward a fair and just society. While equality ensures that everyone receives the same resources, equity acknowledges that individuals have different starting points and need tailored support to succeed. Here’s how you can apply these principles in your own journey:

• Recognize Areas of Power and Advantage: Take a moment to reflect on the influence you hold, whether in your career, community, or personal relationships. Acknowledging your privilege or position of influence is the first step toward using it to create meaningful change.
• Act to Foster Equity: Use your understanding of equity to create impact in the spaces around you. This can mean mentoring underrepresented individuals, advocating for more inclusive policies, or addressing systemic barriers that limit access and opportunity.
• Dismantle Systemic Barriers: Identify where inequities exist, whether in education, sports, or leadership, and actively work to remove those obstacles. Ensuring that everyone has access to the tools they need to succeed is a crucial part of building a more equitable society.

Working here at RISE, I see firsthand the power of creating equitable spaces. The young leaders I work with, who are striving to create lasting change in their communities, remind me every day that the fight continues, and they will carry it forward. It is up to us to create the space they deserve to step into — one that is fair, just, and supportive of their dreams.

I challenge you to think of your younger self. What did you need when you felt out of place? How did you feel when the room didn't feel welcoming? Now, move through life creating the space you once longed to step into.

What is one action you can take today? Maybe it's mentoring a young leader, supporting an organization doing the work, or simply having a courageous conversation. Small steps create momentum, and momentum fuels change.

So, if you feel powerless, remember that you are not alone. Your voice matters, and the fight for a fair and just world is worth it. Keep going. Keep building. Keep creating the world that should have always existed.