“One of the first questions I asked myself three years ago remains relevant and pressing today: ‘Is it possible for a brand to have a truly authentic partnership when, above all else, their mission is to profit?’” – Dinée Dorame, citizen of the Navajo Nation, groundedpod host, lifelong runner, and member of NYRR Contributors Circle   In 2020, dinee_pink22 received a small creative fellowship from a running apparel brand and dove headfirst into the world of podcasting. She felt grateful that a brand took her creative ideas seriously, but after realizing the brand didn’t reflect her core values, carry her size in clothing, or offer any meaningful collaboration around Native/Indigenous representation, she learned a difficult lesson: “My identity and culture are not for sale.”   Nowadays, Dinée chooses brand partnerships differently and shares any valuable information she has with other BIPOC creatives in the space.   “Don’t be afraid to demand more from running brands. Our voices and expe...