Meet the Judges of SELF’s 2024 Activewear Awards

The 2024 SELF Activewear Awards are here! This year, we tapped seven expert judges to determine the best sports bras and leggings on the market. Our judges are a truly awesome group—they are trainers, community organizers, mothers, yogis, runners, and authors who all share a love of feel-good movement for every body. 

During our testing and review process, everyone you’ll meet below weighed in on the items and brands they love and rely on, keeping an eye on pieces that are comfortable, durable, reasonably priced, and, of course, cute. They shared when and how they wear their gear (for a marathon? to hop over to Trader Joe’s?), notable features they love, and even downsides anyone shopping might want to know. 

We’re excited to introduce you to all of our 2024 Activewear Awards judges below. And don’t forget to check out all of our winners here!  

Alison Mariella Désir

Alison Mariella Désir is the author of Running While Black; host and producer of the award-winning PBS show Out & Back with Alison Mariella Désir; and the host of Out & Back’s companion podcast. She is the founder of Harlem Run, Run 4 All Women, and the Running Industry Diversity Coalition.

Cameron Oaks Rogers

Cameron Oaks Rogers is a mental health champion, community curator, and mom of two who is passionate about spotlighting the challenges of pregnancy, postpartum depression, and motherhood that are often unspoken or overlooked. Cameron is the founder and host of Freckled Foodie & Friends, a weekly podcast produced by Dear Media.

Chrissy King

Chrissy King is a writer, speaker, educator, and former strength coach with a passion for creating a diverse and inclusive wellness industry. She is also the author of The Body Liberation Project. With degrees in social justice and sociology from Marquette University, Chrissy seeks to inspire members of the fitness industry to create spaces that allow everyone to feel seen, welcomed, affirmed, and celebrated.

Jessica Rihal 

Jessica Rihal is a plus-size yoga instructor and advocate who believes that all bodies can be (and deserve to be) celebrated through movement. She is dedicated to helping others rebuild and redefine their connection to exercise and is based in Irvine, California.

Laura Burns

Laura Burns is a certified yoga teacher and trainer (E-RYT200/YACEP), an ambassador for the Yoga & Body Image Coalition, and the leader of the Houston chapter of Fat Girls Hiking. As the founder of Radical Body Love, she helps folks heal from body shame and oppression so they can empower themselves to live the lives they deserve. Her book, Big and Bold: Yoga for the Plus Size Woman, is available everywhere books are sold.

Lauren Leavell

Lauren Leavell is a NASM-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor based in Philadelphia. She started working in fitness seven years ago with the goal of making movement more accessible and joyful for all and is now the owner of a virtual fitness platform that includes barre, HIIT, and strength classes live and on demand.

Lianne Saffer

Lianne Saffer is a founding instructor at Barry’s Portland. She has been teaching Spin, Lagree, and HIIT classes since 2013. She is also the author of Please, Don’t Send Me Flowers, a memoir about her experience going through divorce, coming out, and being diagnosed with cancer.