Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Apone.
Hi Gina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been drawn to writing and communication in some form. I attended Michigan State University, where I earned a dual degree in Pre-Law and Professional Writing, along with a minor in Public Relations. From there, I went on to complete my MA in Writing & Publishing at Emerson College in Boston. That foundation naturally led me into a career focused on storytelling, strategy, and connecting with people.
At the same time, biking has been a big part of my life for over a decade. I got into mountain biking after my mom fell in love with the sport and introduced me to it, and it quickly became something we could share together. It’s also pushed me in ways I didn’t expect, physically, mentally, and personally. While I’m most at home on singletrack, I’ve come to love all kinds of riding and the community that comes with it. Some of my favorite places to ride are Stony Creek, Addison Oaks, Pontiac Lake, and Potawatomi, and I’ve had the chance to connect with so many great people through local groups and events across the state.
That mix of passion for biking and a career in communications is what led me to the League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB). I joined the organization in 2022, and stepping into this role has been incredibly meaningful. As Director of Communications & Marketing, I get to help tell the story of our work to unify Michigan’s cycling community, advocate for safer and more accessible roads and trails, and educate cyclists, drivers, and decision-makers alike. Being part of an organization that represents such a wide range of cyclists and helps make riding better for all of them is something I’m really proud of.
When not riding my favorite trail, you can find me marathon training, traveling, getting lost in a good book, or drinking copious amounts of coffee!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, more like a mountain bike trail with plenty of roots, rocks, and unexpected turns. But that’s also where the growth happens. Working in the nonprofit space, especially in advocacy, comes with challenges like limited resources and big, complex issues to tackle. What makes it worthwhile is the support behind the work. Our members, partners, and community are what keep things moving forward and make that “bumpy ride” meaningful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the League of Michigan Bicyclists, I lead communications, but really I’m connecting people to something they care about. At LMB, that not only means making sure everything we put out reflects who we are and why it matters, but translating advocacy, policy, safety, and community work into messaging that people can actually understand and connect with. (I’m on a secret mission to make sure every LMB email is a must-read that keeps you hooked from subject line to sign-off!)
A big part of my approach to communications comes from being a cyclist myself. I’ve been riding for over a decade and it’s where I’ve found community, pushed myself, and built some of my closest friendships, so this work is personal. I know what it feels like to ride Michigan’s trails and roads, and I care deeply about making that experience better for others. I’m not just talking about better biking, I’m part of the community we’re trying to reach.
LMB is known for bringing together cyclists of all disciplines across Michigan while advocating for safer, more accessible roads and trails, and I’m proud to help shape the voice behind that work. A lot of what sets the organization apart is that we try to meet people where they are. We want advocacy and education to feel approachable and accessible, not intimidating or exclusionary.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I wouldn’t describe myself as a big risk-taker, but I’m definitely not risk-averse either. I’m very intentional, so when I do take a risk, it’s not impulsive, it’s something I’ve thought through, weighed out, and decided is worth it.
In communications, that often shows up as being willing to try a different approach whether that’s pushing tone, testing new ideas, or shifting how we engage people. There’s always some level of uncertainty, but if the potential impact is there, I’m open to it.
I think of risk less as something to avoid and more as something to manage. If you’re thoughtful about it, it’s usually where the most meaningful growth happens.
Pricing:
- LMB Advocacy Membership – Free
- Student/Senior Membership – $25
- Individual Membership – $50
- Family/Household Membership – $75
- Organization/Business/Club/Team/Industry Membership – $125
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lmb.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mibicyclists/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeagueofMichiganBicyclists/
- Twitter: https://x.com/MIBicyclists
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MIBicyclists
