American by birth, creative by blood, and Dutch by bike.
Hi! Im Mérida, I moved to Amsterdam 7 years ago from the east coast of the US. Impact has always been a big part of my life and for 7,5 years I was an innovation concept designer for Under Armour but in 2019 I left corporate life to found the non-profit Project Fearless, which I am the director of and also a coach.
Project Fearless space for any girl* in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, aged 9-14 to get hands-on, break stereotypes, and create an impact. We create one-of-a-kind, after-school programs that support youth during their formative years. By focusing on building an inclusive community - free from judgment - that encourages girls to explore out of their comfort zones, and to try, fail, brush themselves off and try again. Our programs range from skateboarding, bouldering, to art & science and sustainable sewing.
I'm super proud of the work we do.
Good Energy
I love cheering for people, my LinkedIn even says "Profesional Hype Girl". I get a ton of energy from supporting people, which luckily I get to do a lot in my job. I bring this same "we got this!" energy when on my bike and with my friends.
I get a so much lift from seeing people trying something new, whether thats a new pr, new sport, or just something out of their comfort zone.
In 2022 I joined the No Ordinary Women cycling club, at the time I was still new to the cycling community and finding my way. Riding with this crew gave me so much more than faster legs, I've gained a community that I am so proud and grateful for. We push each other, train with each other, support each other, and most of all just enjoy being on bikes together. I've met some of my closest friends through this group and every time I come back from a ride beaming.
Road, gravel and more...
Road, gravel and more...
Cycling road and gravel are my main sports, I try to be on the bike at least 3 times a week. I'm
a ride leader for a couple of local clubs in Amsterdam, and love sharing my love for cycling with people. Also ride leading gives you the opportunity to get people on board (bike) with your silly ideas like a 65km Ugly Sweater Christmas Eve Ride when the weather is beyond awful.
Although cycling is my main sport, I think it's important (and my ADHD brain would agree) to keep your training diverse. So you can also find me weightlifting, running, and practicing hot yoga weekly.
My goal is always just to have fun and push myself a little harder than last time... and to keep up with my friends who have more cycling years under their feet. I'm currently training for The Traka 100 a gravel race which takes place in May in Girona, Spain. I'm not great on climbs so for the next couple of months that's what I will be focusing on.