Let’s face it, there’s a lack of intention and encouragement to engage women in outdoor sports. One may arrive at this realization via some quick Google searches, but I’ve experienced this first hand, on and off the trail.

As a woman, athlete, and outdoor industry professional, I couldn’t stand by and allow the current culture to continue down a path that does not include adequate female representation.

The creation of an online journal sharing any and all female voices was my answer to growing awareness and education. I didn’t know it at the time, but this passion project would quickly evolve into much more.

Growth of the Trail Sisters community includes multiple forms of outreach, resources, and participation opportunities. Though these avenues all contain a different approach to the outdoors, they are all centered on the cultivation of confidence.

I learned very quickly that with a boosted confidence, a person is capable of just about anything. In creating a community that inspires and educates women in conquering primitive environments, women will automatically receive a powerful skillset for self-advocacy within their everyday lives.

The path to expanding women’s representation and opportunity in the outdoors is not only accomplished by participation on the trails, but also by women speaking up for what they want and deserve.

For stable and long-lasting changes, it will take advocacy from the entire community. I’m hopeful that both women, men, and those working within the industry can see and understand the benefits in creating a more equitable outdoors for all.