Leslie Cisneros

I grew up in rural Sequim, where the Latinx community was small and often reserved. That environment shaped how I showed up in the world for many years. It wasn’t until I moved to Seattle to attend university that I began to more fully explore my identity and values. There, I saw greater representation and began to understand the power of taking up space — confidently and unapologetically. Sports have always been central to my life. While I’ve loved the competitive drive, what has meant the most to me is the community they create — being surrounded by people who align with you, who see you, and who move alongside you. Running, especially, embodies the sense of familismo that is so rich in Latinx culture. In many ways, we are all working toward the same finish line — fueled by different stories and motivations, but united by a shared goal and collective spirit.