As I sit down to start jotting down this little note, a feeling of deep gratitude overwhelms me. If you’re reading this, I first want to give a sincere thank you. You’ve been an integral part of the success of Mile in My Shoes since its beginnings in 2014. We wouldn’t be here without your support.

In August 2020, I went to the woods to be quiet, to be still, and to decide who I was going to be. I had lost a job I loved due to the pandemic and, like many Minneapolis residents, found myself forever changed by living through the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent racial reckoning. The way I viewed the world changed and I needed to carve out time for all the parts of my body - my eyes, my heart, my head - to catch up. I emerged from the woods days later with a deeper sense of myself and more aligned with what my purpose was - using movement to influence change.

And that is how I come to you today. I’m passionate about making community giving fun, and from what I know of MiMS, this crowd knows how to have f-u-n. I hope you’ll say hello when you see me out and about, connect with me on socials, or help me reach this year’s FundRacing goals in ways that feel good for you (did I hear Downtown Run Around registration is open??). 

At my core, I’m just a kid from rural Minnesota who grew up hearing the phrase “It takes a village.” from my mother as we gave what we had and accepted what we needed. All these years later, I believe in nothing as much as I believe in the power of community and the impact sharing our stories can have on…changing perceptions and changing lives.

I’m so glad you’re here.

With gratitude,

Sarah