March is National Women’s History Month. This month is a chance to acknowledge women’s contributions to history, culture and society. As an organization founded originally to bring girls into the outdoors, we take this time to highlight some amazing women today who inspire us to get outside!
Quinn Brett
In 2017 while climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, Quinn had a life altering accident leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. Brett spent many years reclaiming her identity as a outdoor recreator, but with the help of friends and family she has found new ways to enjoy the outdoors. “My perspective has opened up,” she says. She has been inspired to get more involved in expanding inclusiveness of public lands. She believes it is important for us to have an understanding of the barriers to outdoor access and the importance of access for all.
Gina Begin
Gina is the founder and executive director of the Outdoor Women’s Alliance. The OWA is a volunteer-run nonprofit that engages, educates, and empowers females to have the power to build healthy communities and – quite literally – change the world. OWA runs programs that assist aspiring outdoor industry processionals through a variety of internships, organizational leadership roles, professional mentorship, and other resume building experiences.
Evelynn Escobar-Thomas
Evelynn found a lack of participation of people of color, and specifically Black people, in the outdoors. She created a group called the Hike Clerb in 2017 to bring women from all backgrounds together for hiking groups. She states “our hope is that our work serves as a catalyst for women to discover, love and empower themselves to ultimately take action for them and for their communities”.
Other Awesome Women to Follow on Social Media:
@womenwhohike
@latinixhikers
@browngirlsclimbing1
@indigenouswomenhike
@pdcoutdoorchiro