Going farther together

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Sometimes, it takes leaning on the belief of others to help you live in to your next big thing. For me, it’s the people who know and care for me, the people who see and believe in me, those people who lift and ground me, and I am grateful.

As I move into the role of Executive Director, I know I’m not going in alone. I assume this role not only with excitement but also with the support, care, and courage of so many visionary women who stood at the helm before me. It’s humbling and hugely exciting. 

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Laura Tyson, the Founder of Women’s Wilderness. She’s still as passionate about this org as she was twenty-five years ago when she breathed life into her dream of empowering others by spending time in nature. It felt like the passing of a torch to receive her encouragement and support for this new chapter of WW or ‘dubdub,’ as we lovingly refer to Women’s Wilderness. 

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been asked how I feel about stepping into this role, and I’ve replied that I feel it all: excitement, joy, nerves, and, if I’m honest, I’ve seen fear creep into the mix a little bit, too.

But as Audre Lorde wrote: “When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” These lines remind me of the difference between dreaming and doing.

From where I’m standing, Women’s Wilderness is poised to embrace a new chapter of growth and adventure, and I feel honored to be sharing this path with you!   

Written by Kriste Peoples

Executive Director, Trailblazers Program Manager & Instructor

Kriste (she/her) is a writer, speaker, trail running coach and outdoorist. Her work in the field of equity and inclusion in nature combines her passions of speaking and facilitating instructional workshops that connect underrepresented communities to new, empowering narratives of engagement and adventure.