Last Update: 28 October 2021
Whether on snow, dirt, asphalt or sand, women are participating in powersports more than ever before and helping to expand and diversify the industry. To champion and sustain this growth, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) created the Empowersports Women’s Riding Council made of 12 powerful women – including MOTORESS Founder Vicki Gray. Women motorcycle and powersport riders from all backgrounds will uplift the passions that fuel women and put forth deliberate efforts for increased representation, inclusion and participation of women in powersports.
The council unites 12 phenomenal female riders whose voices will drive increased participation, inclusion and representation in the world of powersports.
“For over 65 years, Polaris has created new ways to connect riders with the outdoors on all terrains, and we are committed to inviting more people to join powersports for work and for play,” said Polaris Chief Customer Engagement and Growth Officer Pam Kermisch. “We are so honored to have these trailblazing women join in this initiative, not only to inspire and empower more adventure-inclined women to enter the space, but also to lead industry improvements for the women already immersed in powersports culture.”
The Empowersports Women’s Riding Council is composed of distinguished women who are riders, adventurers, leaders and entrepreneurs who bring unique perspectives and insights to the powersports space. They are champions for advocacy, empowering women, building community, sparking adventure and fostering safety.
Empowersports Women’s Riding Council Members
| Vicki Gray | International Female Ride Day® & Motoress.com Founder, Road & Race Instructor |
| Michelle Barraza | RZR Racer |
| Carrie Barton | Klim & Timbersled Brand Ambassador, Dirt Bike Racer & Tour of Idaho Finisher |
| Julie-Ann Chapman | She Shreds Mountain Adventures Founder & Professional Snowmobiler, Team Polaris Athlete |
| Amy David | Professional Mountain Athlete, Skier, Guide, Polaris Snowmobile Ambassador & Content Creator |
| Gevin Fax | Actor, Musician, Educator & Speakers Bureau Ambassador |
| Lisa Lockhart | Rodeo Champion, Rancher & Polaris Ranger Ambassador |
| Kristen Matlock | Professional RZR racer & SCORE Baja 1000 Champ |
| Jody Perewitz | Racer & Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Famer |
| Porsche Taylor | Black Girls Ride Magazine Founder And Cross-Country Rider |
| Jolene Van Vugt | Stuntwoman, Nitro Circus Action Sports Athlete, CAD. Woman’s National Motocross Champion & RZR Ambassador |
| Kelly Yazdi | Wild Gypsy Tour Creator, Polaris Adventures Ambassador, Actor & Host |
The Empowersports Women’s Riding Council will meet regularly with Polaris leaders to discuss breaking down barriers including increasing diverse female representation, vehicle and gear considerations, safety practices, combating biases and demystifying the sport for more women.
Polaris’ Focus on Customer Growth
The creation of the Empowersports Women’s Riding Council is part of Polaris’ broader growth initiative, which aims to grow their customer base by nearly 50% over the next 10 years through introducing new customers to Polaris and continuing their commitment to supporting diverse riders. During its second quarter the company saw an influx of new riders with nearly 75% of off-road and motorcycle buyers being new to Polaris, fuelled by significant increases with women and families as well as younger and multicultural customers.
The increasing presence of women in powersports is an industry-wide trend. Female motorcycle ownership has doubled in the last decade, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. With a 2018 MRI-Simmons survey showing nearly half of all off-road vehicle-owning households having women in them and Black women outnumbering their male counterparts in snowmobiling by 61%, Polaris is focused on sustaining and growing this movement in a way that uplifts both new and experienced female riders.
“As the leader in our industry, we have a responsibility to ensure diverse voices in the powersports space are heard to drive action and make the industry even stronger,” Kermisch said. “While we are proud of the efforts made thus far, we also recognize there is room for improvement. We look forward to having these honest conversations and instilling actionable change, so all women feel empowered, no matter the terrain or vehicle.”
ABOUT POLARIS INC.
As the global leader in Powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. With annual 2019 sales of $6.8 billion, Polaris’ high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER, RZR and GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; snowmobiles; and deck, cruiser and pontoon boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets includes military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe.
