Waffles and syrup; tacos and salsa; kayaks and Lady Bird Lake. There are some things that you just associate together. The same can be said of Gina Rivera and November Project Austin. She has been an engine powering this free fitness movement since the days we were meeting in small groups as Project Austin. She has led through the ups and downs, the different locations (including that year virtually!), the humidity and days you shiver because you really should’ve thrown on some gloves. And while she will always be at the heart of this amazing community, tomorrow is her last day co-leading November Project Austin.
We invite you to join us as we celebrate her legacy tomorrow (8/25) at 6 AM at Waterloo Park. Bring a mask, bring a friend, and bring some hype. As we gear up for this big day, some people who’ve worked most closely with Gina tried to put into words the mark she has left on us and on our city.
Gina,
By the end of this Wednesday, you will have led Project Austin and November Project Austin for a combined 5 years, 9 months and 24 days! That’s 3,058,560 minutes or 436,937 full rounds of Sebastian’s (IYKYK). Not many NP leaders have passed the 5 year mark and you did it with such love and dedication for a community that has had such a positive impact on so many.
Gina – THANK YOU for always showing up for us. Thank you for leading by example and for providing a safe and inclusive space for all of us. Thank you for the creative workouts, community events and social gatherings. Thank you for being a wonderful friend. I’ll always cherish the memories of our twitter friendship turning into co-leading by your side.
Enjoy retirement, friend. Sleep in a little. – Edwin
I remember my first November Project workout 3 years ago clear as day. I was in the middle of a chanting crowd, everyone close together doing a “bounce”… whatever that meant. Someone yelling incredibly loud at the top of their lungs, “faster, further, stronger, together”. I thought to myself, “It’s 6am… geez how could anyone shout so loud?” I peered around searching to see who the person yelling was because I couldn’t see them. Then I caught sight of Gina, one of the shortest of the group, but with the towering booming voice. Talk about hype. About determination. About commitment. About love. Deep love, in fact. 7 years (and counting!) worth. She envisioned what a strong fitness community could look like in Austin, and worked away consistently day by day, year by year, to make it happen. She brought people along for the ride. She created a ripple effect that is still going strong. Thank you Gina, for planting this tiny NP seed so long ago and nurturing it into the beautiful tree it has become, and the garden it will continue to be. -Maria
Gina, Congrats on one of the most well-deserved retirements ever. You gave so much of your time and energy to ensure that November Project Austin came into fruition, survived, and thrived. Serving alongside you was a privilege and I hope you know the impact you had on so many community members. Lots of folks lead but very few give their whole heart like you. I hope you soak in all the kudos and get some much-deserved rest. <3 – Rachel
November Project Austin has had such a profound impact on my life and has shaped my entire experience of living in this city. I know this is not a unique experience; whether it be someone who has joined just once or someone who has joined us for years, NP ATX has welcomed thousands of different people into tight bounces, silly group pictures, and cheer tunnels. These experiences are thanks to the years of creativity, love, and passion given by Gina, who has helped build and sustain this movement through highs and lows. I’ve had the pleasure to lead nearly 200 workouts with her and feel so much gratitude for everything that I’ve learned and for being able to share this special experience with her. To riff on her favorite bounce – Gina’s star is big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas.
