March 1st marks the start of a very special month - Women’s History Month. This recognition month was initially recognized as a weeklong observance, starting in 1982. It then became a recognition month in the United States in 1987. Women’s History Month recognizes and pays tribute to the challenges women have faced, as well as the path to gender equity throughout society, including in the workplace and sports. This special month also recognizes the wonderful achievements of women and the contributions women have made to our world.
Despite the progress that has been made over the years in the fight for gender equity, there is still a way to go. That’s why it’s so important to be intentional about supporting women in all fields - including woman-owned brands, artists and athletes. We need to continue to elevate women, who still to this day, statistically receive less support and pay than their male counterparts. We need to continue to empower the women of today in order to further the progress for the women of tomorrow.
We at Wedderspoon are so proud to have some of the smartest, most creative and driven women on our team who support and elevate our brand and products on a daily basis. In addition to the fabulous women in the Wedderspoon family, we work and partner with some very inspirational women, including Ali Riley. Ali is an olympian, professional soccer player, advocate and creator. Wedderspoon has proudly partnered with Ali for the past few years to share health and wellness tips and recipes.
Ali is a truly impressive woman who does it all! She’s an award winning professional athlete who has played soccer around the world, and yet she still finds time to host her own podcast and serve as an advocate for issues she’s passionate about - including opportunities for women to excel. Ali is the epitome of a great role model for girls and women everywhere, and we are honored to work with her.
Participating in sports is a great way for girls and women to build strength, confidence and strong relationships with other girls and women. Getting involved in sports during childhood can improve girls’ body-image and mental wellbeing. It also teaches them vital, lifelong skills about teamwork and leadership. Unfortunately, when it comes to sports, we still have not reached gender equality. Women’s sports receive less funding, viewership and interest than men’s sports.
We sat down with Ali Riley to talk about all things women! We chatted with her about Women’s History Month, her experience as a female athlete and advice for young girls. Read on to see what she shared with us.
Q&A with Ali Riley
Wedderspoon: How does Women’s History Month empower you as an athlete? A woman?
Ali: Seeing women celebrated gives me energy to keep fighting for an equal society, especially in such a male-dominated field like sports. It makes me proud to be a woman athlete, for what my body has been able to do, for what I’ve pushed for during my career, and the positive changes I’ve seen.
Wedderspoon: What advice would you give young girls aspiring to be an athlete?
Ali: Work hard and always be prepared. Don’t take no for an answer. You belong here. If you love sports, there is a place for you here.
Wedderspoon: What challenges have you faced as a woman in sports?
Ali: Fewer resources, less coverage, lower salaries, less prize money, poor conditions for travel, housing, and competing. Being constantly told nobody cares about us and we don’t deserve investment. Being asked to prove we deserve to be invested in without being given the support to “prove” ourselves. Online abuse. Studies and research are done on men so there is less data on women’s health.
Wedderspoon: Why is it important that brands support female athletes and sports?
Ali: It’s the right thing to do, obviously. We do the exact same job as male athletes, if not more because we are also raising families and have second jobs and spending energy pushing for more and better. But from a financial standpoint it’s just smart. People watch women’s sports. People want to know what we are wearing and eating. It’s a good investment.
Wedderspoon: How have your team members given you strength and hope during this tough past year?
Ali: My teammates have supported me with so much love. They have made me feel like I am still part of the team and valued by them even if I cannot play. They always make me laugh and cheer me on when I am doing my rehab and gym sessions. They make sure I know that they are there for me if I need to be sad or mad or just have someone next to me.
Wedderspoon: How do you promote balance in your life with all that you juggle as a professional athlete?
Ali: Making sure I get enough sleep and taking time to breathe. Listening to my body. Thinking about Ali the person and not just Ali the athlete. Spending time with my family.
Wedderspoon: Who do you find to be inspirational in the women’s sports world?
Ali: Every woman athlete who is pushing to make things better for the next generations. The women who speak up when they have a platform, doing whatever they can to make a difference. I’m a huge fan of Billie Jean King and Serena Williams.
Wedderspoon: How can we celebrate the achievements of female athletes and make them more visible?
Ali: Pay them!
Wedderspoon: What Wedderspoon products do you use to get game ready?
Ali: I love a spoonful of honey to get my energy up, either right before a game or at half time.
Wedderspoon: What’s your best Manuka hack?
Ali: Manuka with lemon in hot water when a cold is coming on. Or just a chilly night. I’ll drink that over any tea in the world! But Manuka on a buttered and toasted slice of sourdough is also hard to beat…
Now that you’ve learned all about Ali Riley, we would love to learn about your favorite inspirational women. Leave a comment below to recognize a woman you look up to.
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