Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition Announce Bike Industry 2013 Pioneering Woman and First Ascent Award Winners

Boulder, CO (September 12, 2013) – The Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC) is delighted to announce the winners of the OIWC 2013 Pioneering Woman and First Ascent Awards for the Bike Industry.

Jenn Dice, Vice President of Government Relations at Bikes Belong has won the Pioneering Women Award and Anna Schwinn, Lead Engineer at Quality Bicycle Products (QBP), has won the First Ascent Award.

Nominated by their peers for their inspiring leadership both inside and outside the companies where they work, the OIWC created the Pioneering Woman Award and First Ascent Award to honor women in the outdoor industry who have furthered the vision of the OIWC.

“We are thrilled to be able to recognize these two women. Jenn Dice exemplifies OIWC’s mission – she is a recognized, respected, and trusted leader by all her peers, men and women. Anna Schwinn is one of a few female engineers in the bike industry. She is not only a leader by example, but she has also been an active creator of a culture of mentorship at QBP. We are so happy to honor all of their efforts,” said Deanne Buck, OIWC Executive Director.

The Pioneering Woman award recognizes a woman who has paved the way for women in the industry through outstanding commitment toward mentoring female colleagues.

Upon learning of her award, Jenn Dice said, “This is so wonderful and I am thrilled. I will keep working every day to further the goals of this incredible organization and our national goals of growing bicycling across America.”

Nominated by fellow Bike Industry associate, Elysa Walk, GM- USA of Giant Bicycles, Elysa said. “Jenn is absolutely paving the way for women to take senior roles in advocacy and in government relations. She takes an active role in participating in the Executive Women in Cycling private mentorship/leadership group, and is a regular participant in all OIWC events. As a high potential contributor to the industry, she will only continue to inspire women far and wide within not just the bike industry, but also in politics.’

The First Ascent Award recognizes a woman new to the industry who demonstrates strong potential for leadership. Anna Schwinn said, “I’m honored. There are so many amazing ladies in the industry currently. It is really incredible to be recognized within that group.”

Nominated by Lindsay Piper, Consumer Brand Softgoods Manager at QBP, Lindsay said, “Anna has been a voice for women at QBP since her first day, encouraging her female coworkers to achieve and encouraging management to take a more active approach to recruiting & including women. She is a born leader.’

Jenn and Anna will be honored at the OIWC Thought Leader and Awards Presentation at Interbike, September 18, 4:30-6pm, in Mandalay Bay’s Islander Ballroom C. The awards are supported by Bicycle Retailer and Industry News. The event will also feature Keynote Speaker Elysa Walk. More information at the OIWC website.

About Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition

Founded in 1996, the Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition is the only national organization dedicated to workplace diversity and inclusion by expanding opportunities for women and companies in the Outdoor, Snow, Run, and Bike Industries. The OIWC provides for professional development and women’s leadership programming that promotes women’s advancement. For our over 90 industry partners, OIWC is the trusted resource for best practices and industry models around workplace gender equity, respect, and inclusion. To learn more about OIWC and to become a new member or sponsor, visit oiwc.org. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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