Gabrielle Rossi

Dr. Gabrielle Rossi is an author, educator, and lover of leisurely bike rides. Gabrielle has spent more than a decade leading youth-focused organizations that use play, movement, and community as powerful tools for growth. She’s the Founder and Executive Director of Girls in Gear, a national nonprofit that helps girls of all ages discover the joy, confidence, and freedom that come from riding their bikes. Gabrielle now has the privilege of watching girls across the country take what they learn on two wheels and carry it into their lives - with courage, tenacity, and pluck. Named the recipient of the Youth Empowerment Award by the League of American Bicyclists, Gabrielle frequently speaks around the country about her work and the transformative potential of biking for girls.

Once a hesitant nine-year-old who had no interest in riding a bike, she now spends her days cheering on first-time pedalers, chasing fearless climbers, and making friendship bracelets at the finish line. She wrote this book because she knows firsthand what it’s like to be a reluctant rider - and that it’s okay to feel big feelings when you’re trying something new for the first time. Having taught hundreds of girls, Gabrielle knows that learning to bike is really about learning to trust yourself because with a little bravery (and your trusted stuffie), anything is possible.

Her upcoming children’s book, Lizzie Learns to Ride, will come out in Fall/Winter 2026 with Strong Girl Publishing!

About Lizzie Learns to Ride

Lizzie Learns to Ride is illustrated by Emjay Haislip, an illustrator from the Washington D.C. area who loves bringing colorful characters and stories to life. They create illustrations for children’s media, brands, and anyone who needs a splash of creativity. They sell goods and run workshops under the name We Are All Makers.

“I am thrilled to be working on Lizzie Learns to Ride!!” says Emjay. “It’s the first picture book I’m illustrating that will be published, which is a huge dream of mine. I love creating stories that can help kids through difficult emotions or the hurdles of learning something new. I think Lizzie will be a great encouragement to young kids, especially girls, who are starting their bike-riding journey.”

Learn more about Emjay: www.emjayh.com and on Instagram: @we.are.all.makers

About Girls in Gear

Girls in Gear is on a mission to ensure that every girl has the chance to grow into the biggest, boldest, and brightest version of herself - on and off the bike. Our research-backed curriculum teaches life skills through bike skills in a non-competitive, supportive environment that helps girls learn to ride with confidence, navigate obstacles, and work together as a team. We remove barriers to access by providing bikes, helmets, and financial support, ensuring every girl has the opportunity to thrive.

In a world where girls are constantly being told who to be, how to be, and why to be, we’re carving out space to push back against those pressures - one mile at a time. Now more than ever, girls need the independence, resilience, and sense of self that comes from moving freely through their communities. When a girl learns to ride on two wheels, fix a flat tire, or lead a group ride, she’s doing far more than biking - she’s discovering her inner strength, self-reliance, and leadership potential. Because when girls can ride safely and confidently through life, there’s no limit to how far they’ll go.

Learn more: girlsingear.org