Women Who Lead

All month long, we are celebrating some of the women leading organizations that work with Oboz. These women guide their businesses and nonprofits in a way that is aligned with the Oboz purpose of empowering the people of the world to blaze their own trail.

By working hard to protect wild places and access to the outdoors, and by educating users about why access is important to all people regardless of background, these women live by the Oboz mantra of being "True to the Trail."

Each week we will introduce you to a woman who inspires us:

Oboz: What does the trail mean to you? 

JR: The trail is a doorway to experiencing a place deeply. It’s an invitation to slow down and soak in a place – whether in your own backyard or a completely new place to explore. On the trail, you have time for self-reflection, deep conversation, physical exertion and wonder!

Oboz: How can we invite others to come on the trail with us? 

JR: In my experience, there’s nothing better than hiking with my close friends and family. On the trail, we’re able to sift through our week, to think about challenges large and small, to find the space to reflect on dreams and accomplishments. Being with your people on the trail is a special time to build relationship and share the sense of awe felt especially in the beauty of nature. Plus, there’s the added benefit of having a companion along to accomplish hard things together.

Oboz: Where is your favorite place that the trail takes you?

JR: It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I love a multi-day trip outside. I’m a river rat, so floating a river and incorporating hikes from camp has always been a favorite way to move through a landscape. As well, I love wearing my home on my back or carrying it in my boat, the shedding of possessions down to the essentials, and the rituals around waking up each morning in nature.

Oboz: What is your earliest memory in a National Park? 

JR: My first opportunities to experience pristine and protected lands were probably back when I was 9 or 10 years old – traveling in the mountains of North Carolina – in the Pisgah National Forest and driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway. As well, I was lucky enough to spend time on NC’s Outer Banks – along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Oboz: How did this impact you? 

JR: It was eye-opening for me. Being a kid from suburbia – I always loved being outside, building forts and tromping around the woods in our neighborhood. But when I first witnessed the incredible vistas of the Appalachian Mountains or the rugged shores along the barrier reef formed by the Outer Banks, I realized how much there was to see and do in the state where I was born.

Oboz: What does it mean to be a woman in the outdoors? 

JR: It means so much. Being in an all-female group on a river or in the mountains builds confidence and a sense of all that’s possible. Having worked at The Traveling School since 2003, I have seen the power of bringing an all-girls cohort of high school students together, offering them opportunities to hike, backpack, climb and float through amazing outdoor spaces, and witnessing the growth and transformation that occurs. Building skills through a supportive community, finding voices and stretching comfort zones, all this happens on a Traveling School semester. Then there’s the impact that ripples through each student as they return home to their families, high schools and communities!

To learn more about The Traveling School, click here.

Oboz: What does the trail mean to you?

KA: The trails are where I find peace, stress relief, and answers to life’s challenges. It is where I recharge my batteries. It is where I find physical fitness and well-being. The trail is where I find deeper connections with others - as we drop our guard and open up to one another.  The trail is where I connect with myself, meditate, and hear my inner wisdom.

Oboz: How can we invite others to come on the trail with us?

KA: For me, it’s sharing the story of how getting outdoors on a regular basis transformed my life, and can also help change the lives of others through committing to 52 hikes every year. By sharing tips and education on how simple it is to enjoy even a walk at a local park or neighborhood, others can make the trails a part of their lives, too. Lastly, we as an organization make sure our community celebrates diversity and inclusivity of all.

Oboz: Where is your favorite place that the trail takes you?

KA: My favorite local hike is called Top of the World, it starts up on a ridge and eventually opens up to the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Whenever I go there, I get to enjoy beautiful sunsets, a workout, and wonderful views.

Oboz: Essential trail snack?

KA: I love trail mix that includes chocolate!

Oboz: What is your earliest memory in a National Park?

KA: My earliest memory in a National Park wasn't until I was in my early twenties. We went on a road trip to the Grand Canyon. At the time I was not a hiker. I recall getting to an overlook and being overcome with emotion at the beauty and grandeur of nature. The purple, blue, red, and pink hues - I felt small (in a good way). I longed to see more of Mother Nature, but I knew I wasn’t prepared, nor had the skills to veer any further. Little could I have imagined, where my life would lead me today. I have explored many  beautiful National Parks around the U.S. and world. Still, one thing hasn’t changed: I still get choked up thinking about the beauty of it.  Mother Nature has given me the greatest gift - sharing its message with the world.

Oboz: What does it mean to be a woman in the outdoors?

KA: For me, being a woman in the outdoors is in our DNA, our ancestors lived peacefully with the land at one point. We drank water directly from the streams. Created fire when we were cold and for cooking. We thanked the wind for cooling us down on a hot day. Land gave us nutrient-rich food, trees, and a place to live. I am thankful I have been able to reconnect with land in such ways and honor that. Now that I know the importance of nature, I can stand up for it and protect it. It is our job to show up for it, for our children's children.

Oboz: Anything else you'd like to share?

KA: Let’s practice gratitude for our ability to enjoy nature safely in our country, the U.S.A. As much as I’ve traveled, I’ve noticed accessibility isn’t there for everyone. Safety is not guaranteed. Be mindful and grateful that you have the ability to find reprieve on the trails. I know I do. 

To learn more about 52 Hike challenge, click here.

Oboz: What does the trail mean to you?

TM: For me, "the Trail" has always been a pathway of motion and emotion - it's an actual path way to go somewhere, and then in that more "figurative" sense - as trails lead me somewhere that I may or may not have been before, and is always an adventure. Trails in general, and definitely the Appalachian and Continental Divide Trails for me, have been pathways to a career, toward independence, toward freedom, toward self confidence; they have been places to face my fears and grow, to feel safe and to heal, to grow to connect with friends and family, to build memories, and they have been critical in helping me learn how to adapt, be resilient, and most of all be present in the moment, regardless if the moment is a challenge or opportunity, and know that with each step or pedal forward, I am one step closer to accomplishing whatever challenge or climb I am facing. Every trail I experience, I know I am in a place that connects me to the ground, the dirt and air, and that I am a part of something so much bigger than myself. And on a deeply personal level, they are simply where I connect to my mom and dad who aren't walking with me anymore (at least physically) and where instead they are everywhere and in everything around me - it's like every time I am on a trail, I am walking beside them and I feel their love.  

Oboz: How can we invite others to come on the trail with us?

TM: I think always extending the invitation through simply saying, "wanna join me for a walk?" is how we welcome everyone to experience nature. I walk every day and sometimes I run into my neighbors in their driveways, and aside from taking the time to stop and chat with them, I always say "if you ever wanna go for a walk with me - just let me know"  and a few times they have said yes. Sometimes, it's just a walk around the block, and sometimes they take really long walks with me along the trail in our neighborhood, and one time, one of my neighbors met me for a walk on the CDT!

I think keeping it human and real, and remembering that invitations should be about the connection, not just the physical activity. Inviting others, whether we know the person or not, gives us a chance to get to know someone better, to slow down and take the time to build a memory with someone, and hopefully to share a beautiful moment in nature together. I think the best thing we can do is make the invitation, often and especially when it's done with a smile, without ego and with a genuine interest to get to know the folks we are sharing the trail with, - the rest will take care of itself!

Oboz: Where is your favorite place that the trail takes you?

TM: My favorite place the trail takes me is where ever it goes. I guess the cliche is true - it's not the destination, it's the journey. I think anytime I get to be on a trail, especially when I am walking on the CDT, I have a deep and strong connection to the dirt underneath my feet and the air I am breathing in and It takes me to a place where I just want to smile. When it takes me somewhere with my dog and friends in tow, well we could be going anywhere and it would be a-ok with me. But if we are going to an overlook along the CDT and get to watch a sunset or sunrise from that overlook, and I get to share a special moment - you know one of those times whenever everyone just kind of gets it, I think that would be my favorite and icing on the cake.

Oboz: Essential trail snack?

TM: This is a hard question - on trail - definitely chocolate, and maybe Twizzlers would be a close second. Followed by a post-hike Green Chile Cheeseburger at one of my favorite places...that is always a great way to end a hike!! 

Oboz: What is your earliest memory in a National Park?

TM: Well if you count the Appalachian Trail - my first time experiencing a National Park was when I was 18 years old and I did my first maintenance trip on the A.T. I had no idea anything like the A.T. existed and it changed my entire world view in one instant.

My first experience with a more traditional National Park was Rocky Mountain National Park in the Fall of 1991. I remember we hiked up near Estes Park and aside from seeing a really neat waterfall, we came upon a cow elk and her young calf and I remember being sooooo amazed that these creatures existed and how beautiful and BIG they were. I also remember being completely mind blown by the size of the mountains and in that short day hike we did we experienced sun, snow and crazy cold winds....it was wonderful!

Oboz: How did this impact you?

TM: The whole reason I have the career I have today is because of that first maintenance trip on the Appalachian Trail. In one instant I fell in love and ever since then National Trails have been center stage in my life. I had no idea that anything like the AT existed, or that I could help steward it, it just blew my mind that even as an 18 year college student - I could make an impact on the world and be of service, it just compelled me in a way I had never felt before. Then it led me to a great group of people who became my family and friends, and who helped shape me into the person I am today. I would definitely not be here today in the role I am at CDTC or have been a part of the National Trails System if I hadn't discovered the Appalachian Trail. That one day also is why I commit every day to making sure these places and that trails exist so if another young 18 year old Latina steps foot on the trail, she sees herself in its future and that I have helped blaze a trail for her to follow or that encourages her to blaze her own trail forward!

Oboz: What does it mean to be a woman in the outdoors?

TM: It means everything. I think over my entire career in the Outdoor Recreation profession, I have always been one of a few, and in the past, definitely more times than I cared for, I was the only woman of color in my line of work. But not anymore. I think today we have an opportunity and a responsibility to make sure we keep the trail forward clear of as many obstructions as possible for other women, young and old, alike. I mean trails no matter how well-manicured, and cared for or tended to, can be hard, they can be challenging, but we must make sure that they are safe, welcoming, inviting, and that there are the resources needed to navigate the challenges are there so those following in our steps can focus on the trail challenges and not on having to deal with unnecessary barriers or obstacles. I see my role as a Latina woman, to do what I can to lift up the women around me, to help them be successful in whatever adventures they choose to undertake and whatever challenges they wish to embrace. I want them to know I believe in them and that I will always be there to support them with words of encouragement or to help carry the load - whatever they need. And that there is NOTHING they can't accomplish, no climb that is too steep, no mountain too tall, no trail too long - that they belong and they can look fabulous while out there - and that it is worth every "foot or pedal" forward.

Oboz: Any other sharings?

TM: I just want everyone to know they belong. Even if they don't look like the magazine models, or they don't "think" they have the right gear or food, or whatever, that they should just put on a pair of shoes, or tune up the bike, or whatever mode of transport they choose - and get out there and experience all the benefits that being outside has to offer. And maybe encourage them to invite their besties to join them! These days, we need each other more than ever before, so never hesitate to extend the invite - even if its just a walk around the block or to the coffee shop - do it, you won't regret it! And share your successes even if you don't think they are that big - you never know what seeds you might be planting for someone else, so know you matter and they way you get outside is just as awesome as anyone else's, especially if it makes you smile!

To learn more about the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, click here.

Earlier this month, we caught up with our leader, Oboz President Amy Beck, on the trail just steps away from the front door of the Oboz office.

Oboz: What does the trail mean to you? 

AB: A place of solitude, a place to think and be peaceful in my own thoughts. 

A place of joy, especially when I’ve got my little pup with me. She makes me smile because she has so much fun just exploring endlessly and every time it’s a new adventure.  

Oboz: How can we invite others to come to the trail with us? 

AB: I think about this all the time. I am an outdoor enthusiast, but I am not an expert. I think about my first time on the trail; I went with someone who invited me. I had never been and didn’t know what I needed to do or how to act.

We can invite others by reaching out into our communities, going deeper, giving more access to more people. And when you invite people who end up not having the same experience as you, you gain even more by seeing it through their eyes. The collective power of people's stories makes you feel less intimidated – and you realize people are looking out for you.

Oboz: What is the best place that the trails take you? 

AB: A mountain lake. It is my favorite place to take the trail. So much joy and serenity is found at a mountain lake. Plus, the dog loves swimming! 

Oboz: Essential trail snack? 

AB: Chomps 

Oboz: Earliest memory in a National Park? 

AB: Yellowstone in my 20s. This also just so happened to be my first backpacking trip. It was also my first trip to Bozeman, as well as the Tetons. I remember being in awe. I like to think about the people who first discovered the park. For instance, what happened when someone first explored the thermal features? I loved learning more about the park and it’s even better now that we live close by and are able to access it.