ALLYSHIP

2021 - This page was sparked in response to the all-too numerous occasions I've been invited to teach at international conferences (online in particular recently, but also in-person events) with up to 50 presenters in which the lack of inclusivity has been stark.

After simply turning down events for their lack of diversity, I started communicating with company owners and event hosts; their feedback ranged from absolute accountability to wilful ignorance. These discussions sometimes ended with proactive, positive results and some with infuriating acts of denial.  

Time and again I was asked for my personal contacts because the companies didn't want to do the work themselves (even something as simple as searching hashtags like #blackpilatesteachers).  I expressed frustration at being asked to do the work that should've done by the companies themselves, but I gave in because I also wanted to make sure I was doing what I could to promote friends, colleagues and professionals who were not being represented at these events.

I'm torn because I find this reductive way of promoting professionals offensive, but more offensive is the lack of accountability by companies looking to create “representative“ forums and events who do so lacking representation of all. 

So...below are the names and Instagram accounts of intelligent, creative voices, new and known; studio owners, presenters, thought leaders, powerhouses in our field and beyond. I did not simply look for people of color to include here, but for those accomplished professionals that any conference would be lucky to consider when booking presenters for national and international conferences.  

These multi-talented Pilates teachers/Health & Fitness coaches range from those with whom I am very close to those from whom I have taken classes, to some of whom I have been following and interacting with via social media only.   

I have not spoken to everyone on this list about their inclusion here, nor are many of these professionals necessarily, involved in public discussions on racism - although some are. I hope this list will continue to grow - or better yet, become unnecessary.

I hope simply to be  sourcing an incredible line-up of non-white teachers so I never have to hear the words "I didn't know where to find teachers of color for the event" ever again.  

Maria Earle - @maria_earle 

Martin Reid - @realmendopilates 

Eleshia Harris - @eleshialifestyle 

Tela Anderson - @telapilates

Nicole Smith-Alvarez - @coreloveculture 

Kira Lamb - @kiraslamb

Misty Lynne Cauthen - @mistylynnecauthen

Danica Kalemdaroglu - @pilates804

LaBriece Ochsner - @labriecepilates

Sophie Aldini - @sophie.aldini True Pilates Perth

Chris Robinson - @pilatesandsports_cr

Michelle N. Leach - @noexcusespilates

Brett Howard - @bhpilates

Jean Claude Nelson - @jean_claude_nelson

Alexandra Bollingher - @alexandra.osteopilates

Angelique Campbell - @imyourangil

Everlea Bryant - @pilatesbyeverlea

Mychele Sims - @get2werk

Marjorie Oron - @marjorieoron

Cynthia Shipley - @lifespanpilates

Cynthia Lochard - @cynthialochard_pilates

Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN

@mayafellerrd

Chronic Disease Prevention 

Nicola Finley, M.D.

@nicolafinleymd

Integrated Medicine 

Dr Jessica Clemons

@askdrjess

Audiobook: Be Well: Guide to better mental health for all 

Martin Reid, MA 

@personalvictory @realmendopilates

Counsellor turned fitness/Pilates expert

www.personalvictory.ca 

Lalah Delia

@laladelia

Author: “vibrate higher daily, live your power”

Drea Rawal 

@snatchedxdrea

Find the best version of yourself

Mr. SupaNova Slom 

@supanovaslom

Award winning Author: The Remedy

Creator “Super Mega Greens”

Trudie German

@bodyenvy1

Fat loss for women over 40 

Christyna Johnson

@encouragingdietician

Specialist in Intuitive eating 

Eleshia Harris

@eleshialifestyle

Podcast on well-being over 40

Mr. Light Watkins

books: The Inner Gym, Bliss More

Specialist is meditation

Kay Ali

@kayali.official

Women’s Health, hormone health 

Abiola Akanni

@yogabybiola

Non-performative yoga

Kevin Curry

@fitmencook

Author: Fit Men Cook

Jerlyn Jones

@thelifestyledietician

Lifestyle Transformation 

Inflammation vs. Allergy

Llaila O. Afrika

@llailaoafrika

author: The Complete Textbook of Holistic Self Diagnosis 

Former nurse & respiratory tech

Rovenia Brock, ph.D

Author: Dr Ro’s 10 secrets to livin healthy

Nutritionist

Ayana Habtemariam

@thetrillrd

Truly Real Nutrition 

Basheerah Enahora

@bloomwithbenutrition

Holistic RD

Wendy & Jess RDs CDEs

@foodheaven

Dr Marishka Brown, microbiologist

Director of Sleep disorder research at National institute of health