Our first stop as we continue our celebrations of International Women’s Day/Women’s History Month (US) has us traveling to Canada! Here we find Lazina (she/her) in Edmonton who shares more than just sweat with her crew.
- Who are some of the women in the world of running/sport that you look up to?
I was a giant Steffi Graf fan. I also really admire Serena Williams- #goat.
- When did you first #JustShowUp to NP? How did you come across NP? What is it that you were looking for in a fitness group? How did NP provide that? What was an “extra” that NP has that you found value in?
I started showing up in June 2014. I just heard about this hockey player who started working out with people in the wee hours in the morning- I didn’t really care about the hockey part but the group workout piece piqued my interest. Hahaha. What an understatement compared to what I experienced when I actually showed up! The bounce. The sweaty hugs. The fuck yeahs. The “good work”. It’s really all about community for me. What else keeps one coming back for almost 9 years… when it gets down to -40C?!
- What apprehensions did you have as you considered coming for the first time? What was your first impression? Why did you keep showing up?
See above!
- What does it mean to you to be a woman Co-leader? What does it mean to your community? What does it mean to our global community?
I don’t think about that. I’m me. I look how I look. I think those who attend NP leave their warm beds not for “me” but for “us”. I’m a small piece of the NP Canada mosaic. It takes all of us to make it great. Same goes for the global NP community!
- How does being a woman influence your leadership? What was it like to be a woman in your community before you stepped into leadership?
I can only speak from the position of I. What I think about is everyone. It’s my default position.
In Edmonton, we always have thought about the entire NP crew. Maybe that’s why 94 year old Bill showed up or 2 year old Ben. Or those who are new to fitness as well as those who are elite athletes. The hill never gets easier, no matter who you are.
- Did you have any apprehensions to lead this group? Did you experience imposter syndrome when you were asked to lead?
I for sure had apprehensions. I don’t think it was imposter syndrome so much as feeling like I had gigantic shoes to fill. I’m confident and comfortable with myself so I really leaned into “this is who I am” as I stepped into this leadership role.
- How do you celebrate International Women’s Day? How can others celebrate you or celebrate with you this day? How can we celebrate you all year long?
Well, on March 8, I started the day having #stairsforbreakfast and ended it speaking on a panel about gender (in)equality in tech and innovation. Year round, I think it’s important to remember to uplift EVERYONE around us. And do that all the time.
- What else do you want people reading this to know? About being a woman in leadership or anything else you’d like to share.
Maybe it all goes back to the golden rule, which I thought my Mother made up. 😉 Do unto others as you wish others to do unto you. Isn’t that how it goes?
