SSN Receives USRowing’s Anita DeFrantz Award
When we started Steady State Network in 2020, we wondered “will anyone notice?” HUGE thanks to everyone who has noticed, supported, encouraged, had fun, and pushed boundaries with us. We are honored to receive the 2024 USRowing Anita DeFrantz Award, recognizing an individual or organization achieving measurable success in expanding diversity opportunities in rowing.
From the USRowing announcement:
Anita DeFrantz Award – Steady State Network
Awarded to an individual or organization achieving measurable success in expanding diversity opportunities in rowing.
The winners of the Anita DeFrantz award, Tara Morgan and Rachel Freedman have exemplified the values of Anita DeFrantz with Steady State Network and have done exceptional work in expanding diversity in rowing.
They embody the idea that rowing should be accessible to all and be as diverse as our communities. They have used their platform and podcast to shine a light on coaches, athletes, and teams who are doing excellent work in the rowing community. They created a podcast series that addresses diversity at every level of rowing, from rower to coxswain to coach. They address issues of race, gender diversity, people with different abilities and disabilities, financial insecurity, and the challenges rowers face every day.
Their creation of the Changemaker Scholarship has provided coaches of diverse minority communities with educational opportunities. Steady State Network also has sponsored the creation of Allies with Oars that supports transgender inclusion in rowing and a Director's Challenge Boat at the Head of the Charles 2023 to provide visibility to LGBTQ+ rowers.
Their work has opened boathouse doors for athletes and coaches around the country and helped make the rowing community a safer, more accepting place for everyone.
We owe big thanks to our Patrons, and sponsors who have helped keep the lights on - Live2Row Studios, Breakwater Realty Group - Brokered by EXP Realty, Concept2, Inc., EB5Investors.com, The Barb Shop