Cadenshae, &Mother and the backing of three American professional athletes…who are also moms. This is a story all about campaigning and celebrating women who are both athlete and mother.
These women are living proof that you don’t have to be a mom OR an athlete, you can be both…and there are companies out there who will support you. Glass ceilings are being broken!
MATERNITY BRAND BACKS THREE OLYMPIC HOPEFULS THROUGH PROGRESSIVE U.S NON-PROFIT – ‘&MOTHER.’
February 25 2020 – Cadenshae – the global leaders in activewear for pregnant and breastfeeding moms – has announced a formal partnership with the new US non-profit ‘&Mother,’ and together, the organizations will help support three US Olympic hopefuls get to Tokyo in July.
&Mother, co-founded by former US Olympian Alysia Montaño (who Cadenshae sponsors personally), is a nonprofit dedicated to breaking barriers limiting a woman’s choice to pursue and thrive in both career and motherhood — starting with professional athletes.
Cadenshae – now officially a Founding Partner of &Mother – will provide the below athletes with specialized elite sportswear, as well as donate financial contributions to go towards training, travel and family support for the 2021 US Olympic Trials, and then, all going well – the 2021 Olympic Games.
- Dawn Harper-Nelson (36). Harper-Nelson competes in the 100m hurdles and won gold in the event in Beijing in 2008 before claiming the silver in London in 2012. Harper-Nelson is mother to Harper Renee Nelson, born April 2019. (Dawn is picturedin her Cadenshae gear with her daughter Harper on the medicine ball).
2. Sara Vaughn (34). Vaughn is a middle-distance runner who specialises in the 1500m. One of her most recent successes was placing third at the US Outdoor Track and Field Championships in California in 2017. Vaughn is a mother of four: Kiki (14), Calia (10), Cassidy (5) and Davey (1). (Sara is pictured above sporting her &Mother jersey).
3. Olicia Williams (26). Williams will be competing in the 800m at the US Olympic trials, and possibly the 1500m. As a Baylor University athlete, Williams was NCAA All-American and two time Big 12 Champion in the 800m. Williams is mother to three-year-old Gia. (Olicia is pictured running).
Cadenshae Founder Nikki Clarke says she felt compelled to support the &Mother cause and their athletes.
“Cadenshae inherently recognizes the value and importance of supporting mothers and everything they choose to do. We’ve always campaigned that women do not have to choose a career or motherhood…they should be able to thrive in both areas, given the right support.”
During the peak of her career in 2013, Montaño discovered brands weren’t always so on board with motherhood, as her then sponsor – Nike said they would cease her pay if she fell pregnant, which she soon did.
Months later, the 6 x 800m US champion was picked up by Asics and promised maternity coverage for the future. But, following the birth of her daughter (Linnéa) in 2014 – and after a change of management – Montaño’s contract was cut due to her performances whilst pregnant.
Montaño’s treatment became the catalyst for a movement to find companies who support female professional athletes in pregnancy, and beyond.
Fellow moms and star runners, Allyson Felix (the most decorated female Olympian of all time), and long-distance champion, Kara Goucher joined Montaño’s plight, with all three women speaking out, and standing up for maternal protection in their contracts.
“After my awful experiences, I’ve been on a mission to find companies who will back and showcase the ‘whole person,’ not just the athlete,” says Montaño.
“Cadenshae is one of these trailblazing businesses, also Altra, Athleta, Nuun Hydration, Oiselle…but we need more. We want to show the world we can excel as athletes AND as mothers.”
Nikki Clarke says Cadenshae and &Mother are clearly mission-aligned.
“We’re honored to be part of &Mother’s movement that aims to break glass ceilings for the generations to come. Young women across the globe will see these athletes chasing down their dreams, and realize it’s truly possible to have it all.”
Montaño says things are moving in the right direction, but there’s still much that needs to be done.
“We’ve lit the match, but the fire is yet to roar. We need other brands, other companies to sponsor female professional athletes for their whole career…not just the times that best serve them.
With Cadenshae’s help, we can support three strong &Mother athletes, to continue showing the world how moms CAN get back to business when given the opportunity. Organisations need to see and accept that it’s possible.“
As for the athletes, Harper-Nelson says she’s beyond excited for the challenges ahead.
“I know I speak for myself, Sara and Olicia when I say everyday of our training is about putting in our very best to give us the greatest chance at the Olympic trials to make the Olympic team. The blessing in all of this is not only are we pursuing our dreams but in doing so, we are able to create more exposure for the cause.”
“We wouldn’t be where we are without the true support of &Mother and Cadenshae. It’s something very satisfying to be backed by these companies and people that “get it.”
They get the fight and desire…the behind the scenes and everyday life of not just an athlete, but a mother that wants to thrive. Hopefully our part in this initiative will see positive outcomes in the future for all women, in all careers,” says Harper-Nelson.
“This is our time…we so deserve it.”
The 2021 US Olympic Trials are to be held in Eugene, Oregon in June 18-27 – albeit Covid-19 depending. The 2021 Olympic Games are set to begin on July 23 2021 in Tokyo, Japan – again, Covid-19 dependent.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
