U.S. SailGP Team's Andrew Campbell and CJ Perez on Identity, Diversity & Inclusion

Professional sailing is often associated with privilege and exclusivity, but the U.S. SailGP Team is committed to making their sport more inclusive, and is taking the necessary steps to do just that. In June 2021, they launched “Foiling First,” an initiative aimed at creating opportunities for diverse youth to pursue sailing and educating and empowering the entire sailing community to address matters of racism, discrimination and inclusivity through a partnership with RISE. RISE's Ian Cutler and Jared Shanker speak with two pro athletes from the U.S. SailGP Team who have taken different paths to reach the top of their sport but are both actively trying to make it more inclusive: Andrew Campbell is a veteran sailor who has competed for Team USA in the Olympics and participated in two America's Cup races. CJ Perez is the youngest and first Latina to compete for the U.S. SailGP Team in its history, debuting at age 18 at the Spain Sail Grand Prix in October 2021. CJ and Andrew discuss how the sport of sailing can overcome its diversity and inclusion challenges, the impact that Foiling First and RISE trainings can have for the future of the sport and the adversity they've seen and faced throughout their careers.