The producers of the Outspoken: Women in Triathlon Summit presented by Triathlete Magazine have announced Meredith Kessler as the opening keynote speaker at the Summit, held, November 30 to December 2 in Tempe, AZ.

Kessler picked up her first triathlon bike after college and entered her first Ironman two weeks later. From that moment on, she caught the spirit of Ironman competition and has not looked back. Since her first Ironman in 2000, Kessler has competed in over 60 full Ironman races across the United States and the world. She is an 11-time full distance Ironman and 22-time half-distance Ironman champion. Kessler is committed to women’s equality in the sport, and is excited to provide the opening keynote at the Summit on November 30 and participate in discussions all weekend.

“It is real privilege to be part of a needed platform that raises the volume of women’s voices within the sport of triathlon,” Kessler said. “The Outspoken Summit provides a connection between like-minded women with a common laser focus and goal: to see women’s equality soar and develop ways to change things for the better in the sport. The best part of the summit will be finding solutions, formulating strategies and making things happen together!”

Outspoken co-founder and women’s equality advocate, Dr. Lisa Ingarfield shares Kessler’s excitement for the Summit and its focus on solutions: “Having Meredith kick off the Summit is a huge honor. We are excited to hear from her and learn from her commitment to women’s equality in the sport. Most importantly, it is exciting to bring together a diverse group of people willing to take this conversation to the next level and develop tangible steps for change.”

Dr. Sara Gross, two-time Ironman champion and co-founder of the Summit agrees: “I was thrilled when Meredith said yes. I can’t think of many individuals from the pro ranks who have given back as much to the sport as Meredith has. I can’t wait to hear from her in November.”

In addition to Kessler, the Outspoken Summit will feature five-time Ironman Champion Rachel Joyce; Environmental Exercise Physiologist and Nutrition Scientist Dr. Stacy Sims; age group triathlete and diversity expert Dr. Shaunna Payne Gold; owner of SwimBikeMom, coach and blogger Meredith Atwood and Ironman champion, former professional cyclist and endurance sports coach Marilyn Chychota among others.

Register now at outspokensummit.com.