Meet some of the women Garmin is celebrating on International Women's Day
From off-road cyclists and Olympians to pilots and collegiate anglers, Garmin is proud to support these women who are making a powerful impact in their industry
OLATHE, Kan., March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) is celebrating International Women's Day by spotlighting some of the incredible female athletes and ambassadors who use Garmin products in their professions. From land to sea to air, Garmin makes products to fuel its customers' passions, and these women are excelling at just about everything.
Garmin is proud to showcase these accomplished athletes and ambassadors who rely on Garmin products and technology in their professional pursuits. We asked a few of our sponsored athletes and ambassadors what advice they would give to others in their industry. Here's what they had to say:
Elena Cecchini, professional road racing cyclist
Favorite Garmin gear: Edge® 1050, Varia™ RCT715, Tacx® NEO 3M
Elena is from Italy and currently rides for Team SD Worx – Protime. She is in her 15th season as a professional cyclist and joined Team SD Worx – Protime in 2021 where she currently serves as a road captain.
"To all the young girls dreaming of becoming pro cyclists, have fun—a lot of fun. I can deliver a strong performance when I am just having fun and when I am happy and grateful for what I am doing. So never take what you are doing for granted because it's amazing to be a pro cyclist. It's really cool and challenging, but also a special kind of life. So my wish is that if young girls dream of becoming a pro cyclist, they become a pro cyclist. It takes a lot of hard work and it can be a really cool life. I hope that they can make their dreams come true, and it all starts from having fun and enjoying what you do."
Baylee Rayl Christophel, elite fitness athlete
Favorite Garmin gear: fēnix® 8 AMOLED, Forerunner® 265, HRM-Fit™
Baylee is an elite fitness athlete who has been in competitive sports for much of her life. When she isn't training in the gym, she is focused on building her health and wellness brand, Called to B, and loves spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, crafting and traveling.
"Never underestimate what can be done through one simple 'yes'—you never know what doors will open or how your courage to step into the unknown can inspire not just your life, but the lives of those around you. Remember, trials aren't setbacks; they're opportunities to grow. Growth rarely happens in comfort zones, so lean into the challenges and trust that progress, even when it isn't linear, is still progress. On the hard days, don't let discouragement define your path. Cling to what is good, stay grounded in your goals, and never give up. Surround yourself with people who are better than you—people who challenge you, push you, and elevate your standards. Your climate determines your forecast, so be intentional about the environment and community you're building around you. Keep showing up, even when it's hard. Water your goals every single day, knowing that the most rewarding journeys are often the toughest."
Hilary Martin, professional angler
Favorite Garmin gear: ECHOMAP™ Ultra 2, Force® Trolling Motor, LiveScope™ Plus
Hilary has been in the fishing industry her whole life and knew she wanted to pursue her passion at the age of 14 when she went fishing with her dad on Lake Okeechobee. She is currently studying at the University of Alabama and is most proud of placing 2nd overall in the 2023 Pan American Bass Fishing Championship.
"Empower yourself with confidence, master your craft, build a supportive community, and advocate for the next generation of women in fishing. Walk into any fishing tournament, trade show, or tackle shop with confidence. You belong in this industry as much as anyone else. Don't let skepticism or doubt from others make you question your place. Learn everything you can about different fishing techniques, gear, and industry trends. The more knowledgeable and skilled you are, the more respect you'll earn. Connect with other women in fishing through social media, fishing clubs, and networking events. Having a strong support system makes a big difference. And stay resilient. Unfortunately, there will be challenges, from outdated mindsets to unfair assumptions. Stay persistent and prove people wrong through your skills and dedication."
Chelsea Smith, instrument-rated commercial pilot and A&P mechanic
Favorite Garmin gear: GI 275 Engine Indication System (EIS)
Chelsea developed a fascination for mechanical technology at a young age after watching her dad work on "greasy projects". During her first semester of A&P (airframe and powerplant) school, she fell in love with aircraft maintenance just as much as she'd already fallen in love with flying. She bought her first airplane, a 1966 Cessna 150F, in 2019 and has recently spent time giving it a makeover—from new paint and an interior to windows and hardware.
"Personally, I never paid attention to the fact that there weren't other girls in my class, to me it was irrelevant. I felt that if I gave that fact attention it would give others an invitation to do the same. Growing up as a tomboy inherently made maintenance class feel normal, I didn't have to try to fit in."
Check out our blog post to learn how Garmin is celebrating their own women in aviation.
Sarah Sturm, professional offroad cyclist
Favorite Garmin gear: Edge 1050, Varia RTL515
Sarah has podiumed at some of the most prestigious offroad races the sport has to offer. She is most proud of rising to the level that the sport has become; when she first started racing, she would pack PB&J sandwiches in her pockets and hope for the best, and now, she's racing all over the world. Off the bike, Sarah enjoys exploring the mountains and camping with her dog, friends and family.
"It's easy to get distracted by what and how everyone else is doing something. We are constantly ranked and compared to each other so it's vital that you try to maintain confidence in your own methods. Creativity in process and execution is what pushes the sport forward. If we all did it the same way we wouldn't have progressed very far. Remember, rising tides lift all ships. Find inspiration in new spaces, find motivation in new ways, find yourself and bring others along for the wild ride!"
Allie Wilson, professional track athlete
Favorite Garmin gear: Forerunner 965
Allie focuses primarily on the 800m distance and, last year, represented the United States at the Paris Olympics, claimed the title of USATF Indoor National Champion in the 800m and earned a spot on a World Championship team. When she isn't training or competing, Allie is enjoying time with her family and friends, cheering on her Philadelphia sports teams, testing out new recipes in the kitchen and relaxing on the beach.
"Focus on your own journey. The running world is filled with incredibly talented athletes, and it's easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others. But you have to remember that you are just as capable as anyone else. Give yourself credit for the hard work you put in every day. Trust the process, be kind to yourself, and never stop dreaming big. When you keep pushing toward your own goals and stay true to your path, great things will happen."
To learn about all the products that can help you fuel your passions, visit www.garmin.com.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized the aviation, automotive, fitness, marine and outdoor markets. Dedicated to helping people make the most of the time they spend pursuing their passions, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garmin on social, or follow our blog.
About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin, Tacx, Forerunner, Edge, fēnix and Force are registered trademarks and Varia, HRM-Fit, ECHOMAP and LiveScope are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2024, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0001-411180). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
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SOURCE Garmin International, Inc.
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