Meet your 2022 S.W.E.E.T Ambassadors
Erika Gray
Hi everyone! I’m Erika Gray (she/her), a 2nd year PhD Candidate at the University of Ottawa. I’m passionate about research, community, and sport! I’m a triathlete with a big love for cycling and the outdoors. So far, I’ve completed 16 triathlons, including the Barrelman and Muskoka Half Ironmans. After recovering from a stress fracture (and the pandemic!), I’m excited to race again.
My favourite way to wrap up a ride? Ice cream at the Merry Dairy—nothing better after a tough workout! I love staying active and living a healthy, balanced life.
As a 2022 SWEET Ambassador, my goals are to complete 2 loops of Gatineau Park, race the Kingston Sprint Triathlon, and finish my first 200 km ride in Mont Tremblant. When I’m not training or studying, you can find me coaching, baking, cooking, or sipping wine while watching a favourite show or enjoying a meal at Pure Kitchen with friends. I’m so excited to be here!
Andrea Emery
I found cycling at 50, when my husband built me a road bike—and I’ve been hooked ever since. Over time, my love for year-round cycling and the outdoors has grown to include gravel riding, winter fat biking, and more recently, mountain biking.
Right now, I’m in Wales with my husband Scott, about to start our first self-supported bikepacking trip: LEJOG—riding from Land’s End in southern England to John O’Groats at the northern tip of Scotland, plus a ferry to the Orkney Islands. It’s 1,600 km with 16,100 m of climbing! I’m nervous, excited, and ready to embrace the journey.
Outside of cycling, I’m a full-time Graphic Design professor at Algonquin College, and I stay involved in the cycling community by designing kits, painting shoes, and creating event artwork. I also sew, paint, and am always game for new challenges—this year that might include open water swimming! I’m thrilled to be a SWEET Ambassador and hope to inspire more women to ride.
Julie Piche
Hi everyone! I’m Julie—a graphic designer with a love for active living, volunteering, and fundraising for causes close to my heart. I’m thrilled to be a 2022 SWEET Ambassador!
Sports have always been part of my life in one form or another. I love being active in nature, sharing adventures with friends, and encouraging others to try new things. Staying active helps me care for both my physical and mental health, and it’s led to many meaningful friendships.
Since 2016, I’ve volunteered and fundraised with Imerman Angels, a nonprofit that connects people affected by cancer with one-on-one support. It’s a cause I care deeply about and a way to combine sport with purpose.
This year, I’m excited to tackle a full calendar: the 10K at Ottawa Race Weekend, two Xterra sprint triathlons (Bromont & Quebec), the Chicago Marathon, and Ironman 70.3 Florida. I’ll also be hiking in Peru this September. I’m so excited to share the journey with this inspiring community!
Ellen Lee
Hi, I’m Ellen—and I’m honoured to be a 2022 SWEET Ambassador!
I didn’t discover my love for movement and adventure until my 40s. After years of putting myself last, I hit a wall—exhausted, out of shape, and craving something more. A fluke opportunity to trade interior design services for personal training changed everything. I lost 55 pounds, ran a half marathon, completed a Spartan race, and rediscovered the joy of simply moving.
Then I found cycling—and something in me lit up. Road, mountain, fat, and now gravel biking have become my passion. Being outside on two wheels brings me back to myself: the wind, sun, and space to think feel like freedom. In winter, you’ll find me skiing or fat biking—and always chasing adventure.
Whether I’m on a new trail, at an event, or just out riding, I’m usually the one in the brightest gear with the biggest, candy-filled smile. Let’s talk cycling, running, skiing—or just say yes to the next adventure!
Meet Our Past S.W.E.E.T Ambassadors
Over the years, our SWEET ambassadors have inspired women of all ages and abilities to get active, try new things, and build community through sport. From first-time 5Ks to epic bike tours and trail adventures, these women have shared their stories, celebrated personal milestones, and helped make SWEET what it is today. We’re proud to highlight some of the incredible ambassadors who’ve been part of this journey.
