Team - Women's Wilderness

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kristen May

Chair

Kristen May

Chair

My passion for the outdoors began in Girl Scouts and summer camp- with lots of opportunities to explore nature with backpacking trips and canoeing adventures. After college, I bought a one way ticket to San Diego and started my career as an outdoor educator- working for companies like the Boojum Institute for Experiential Education, Colorado Mountain Club and Big City Mountaineers. I lead multi-day trips, base camp courses for first time campers, high and low ropes courses, and nature education classes. I took 5 months off during that time to complete a through hike of the Appalachian Trail back home on the east coast. Currently, I work in land management as part of the City of Westminster’s Open Space team. I am thrilled to support Women’s Wilderness and ensure that their programming is available for generations of adventurous people now and in the future. I currently live in Arvada with my husband Andrew and two large rescue dogs, Whiskey and Luna. I love hiking, paddling, fly fishing, gardening and throwing on a potter’s wheel. The outdoors has always been a place where I have felt most myself. I have dedicated my career to sharing this love and protecting precious wilderness areas for recreation as well as the health of our planet. More recently, the outdoors has been a co-regulating space for me and my little one. Watching her explore and seeing the impact of nature already in her young life reaffirms my desire to spend my time either outdoors or fighting for everyone’s right to nature. Being a board member with Women’s Wilderness has meant a lot of me over the years- community, purpose and a chance to give of my time and talents to a cause near and dear to my heart. I have made friends in this journey that I know will outlast my board term and I hope my efforts to support the mission of the organization leaves Women’s Wilderness even better than when I found it- much like any other adventure.

Patricia Châu Nguyễn

Vice Chair

Patricia Châu Nguyễn

Vice Chair

Patricia Châu Nguyễn (she, her, hers) has served as a diversity practitioner for 15+ years leading institutional efforts to champion inclusion and equity. Focused primarily in higher education, she has served as a flagship director for multicultural centers, social justice spaces, and other identity-based support services for marginalized student communities. She also focuses on inclusion efforts in volunteer management and philanthropic efforts. To combat the fatigue of getting into "good trouble" (as the late John Lewis would say), she spends her time outdoors on her mountain bike, in waders and fly rod, paddling, and car camping in National Parks.

Jen Frazier

Secretary

Jen Frazier

Secretary

President + Founder, Firefly Partners

I founded Firefly Partners in 2007 and have more than 20 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector. During my tenure at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, I started our first online action network and helped build a database of more than 500,000 pro-choice supporters and helped organize the March for Women's Lives in 2004. I am deeply passionate about our work at Firefly and the organization’s we support. I love to hear what motivates our clients and to think of creative ways our team can help them move their missions forward.

As Firefly’s fearless leader, I set the strategic vision for the company, keep up with the latest in digital marketing and social impact trends, and support our team so we can continue to do great work for our clients. From local politics to reproductive rights to making outdoor recreation more accessible, I am a champion for progressive causes. I live in Boulder, Colorado with my two kids, my preferred mode of transportation is a bicycle, and I have a B.A. in History from the University of Oregon Honors College and an M.A. in Public Policy with a concentration in Women’s Studies from George Washington University.

Julie Voyles

Treasurer

Julie Voyles

Treasurer

Julie Voyles has worked in the nonprofit sector for thirty years in various capacities including as a social worker, legislative and policy advocate for LGBT rights, and Julie co-founded the Colorado Nonprofit Social Enterprise Exchange in 2012. For the past fifteen years Julie has worked in philanthropy as a program officer, foundation consultant and philanthropic advisor on both a national and local level. Julie serves on the board of directors for Prodigy Venture and is excited to join the board of directors for Women’s Wilderness. In her free time, Julie spends as much time outdoors as is possible and is an avid mountain biker and Crossfitter and dabbles in hiking, rock climbing, and skiing.

Katie Bullock

Board Member

Katie Bullock

Board Member

Katie Bullock has been in the nonprofit sector for over 18 years and has a passion for philanthropy and the difference it can make in this world. She is currently dedicated to using her fundraising expertise to support those historically underrepresented, undeserved and/or systemically oppressed. Her experience ranges from donor advised fund management, event and community partner management, major gift fundraising and management and she has been involved with grassroots nonprofits, community foundations, higher education and academic medicine. Her newest role is with Tennyson Center for Children where she serves as Senior Director of Development. Originally from Columbus Ohio, Katie lives in Boulder County, Colorado with her husband, their daughter, a dog, and a cat and loves the outdoors. She was attracted to the mission of Women's Wilderness as she believes in the empowerment, growth and healing that nature can provide for girls, women and nonbinary people.

Rosie Entress

Board Member

Rosie Entress

Board Member

I’m a passionate marketing professional with over 10 years of experience creating bold, memorable brand campaigns and events that inspire action. As the Local Marketing Program Manager at REI Co-op, I thrive on bringing unique and memorable community activations that spark connection and adventure. My love for the outdoors was ignited at the summit of Mount Marcy in the Adirondacks, where I realized that the world was full of bigger mountains to climb—literally and figuratively. That realization led me to Colorado, where I’ve made my home and continue to fuel my adventurous spirit. I’m deeply committed to supporting Women’s Wilderness and its incredible mission to empower individuals through transformative outdoor experiences. I truly believe the outdoors has a unique ability to heal, challenge, strengthen, and unite us. Outside of work, you can find me on the slopes, paddleboarding, or training for my next physical challenge. I live in Denver with my fiancé, KJ, and our rescue dog, Kingsley. I choose to support Women's Wilderness because their mission aligns with my values and experiences. As a BIPOC individual, I wish I had access to such programs growing up, and I want to help raise awareness about the opportunities they provide. I believe in the transformative power of the outdoors for healing, growth, and empowerment, and I see nature as a space that teaches valuable life lessons, builds strength, and fosters unity. Women’s Wilderness' commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for girls, women, and non-binary individuals is especially meaningful to me, as I recognize the importance of feeling supported and included in outdoor spaces.

Leah McDaniel Parvez

Board Member

Leah McDaniel Parvez

Board Member

Leah McDaniel Parvez (she/her) has lived in Colorado for over twenty years and loves being outside. She believes the outdoors should be accessible for everyone and is thrilled to advance diversity and inclusion in the outdoors with Women’s Wilderness. Leah serves as the executive assistant to the senior vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion at the University of Colorado Boulder. She has an MBA from CU Boulder, where she focused on sustainability and entrepreneurship, and a BA from Colorado State University. Before her current role at CU, she worked in telecommunications at Lumen Technologies in financial assurance and project management. She has also worked with NGOs that provide adult education classes and domestic violence victims assistance. Leah loves hiking, camping, riding bikes, playing tennis, and adventuring with her partner Osman.

Aimee Stitt

Board Member

Aimee Stitt

Board Member

Aimee Stitt is a nonprofit development professional with experience in the outdoor stewardship and youth development sectors. She is currently the Development Manager at Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, where she manages foundation grants and an individual giving program. Aimee found her place in the outdoors, fishing the lakes of Minnesota with her family and hiking the mountains of Colorado with her husband and friends. She is passionate about creating opportunities for girls and women to reach their goals and sharing her love of the outdoors with those who have not had the opportunity to find their own place in nature. Aimee spends her free time reading, volunteering with folks experiencing homelessness, and exploring with her husband, Ian, and two dogs, Banjo and Koda. Everyone deserves to find their place in the outdoors—to feel safe and know that they belong. I grew up with bold women who helped me see my potential, and I cannot imagine where I would be today if they had not been there to support me. I hope that my work with Women's Wilderness can provide this same sense of support and security for the individuals we serve. There is a myth that the outdoors is free and open to everyone. In reality, barriers to accessing the outdoors, like the cost of travel and equipment, getting time off from work, and feeling unsafe, prohibit many folks from enjoying the benefits of nature. For me, being in nature has added so much joy and peace to my life, so I am thrilled to serve on the board with Women’s Wilderness to help more folks feel welcomed and empowered outdoors.

ADMIN STAFF

Kriste Peoples

Executive Director

Kriste Peoples

Executive Director

Kriste Peoples 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.

Marley Steele-Inama

Director of Programs & Courses

Marley Steele-Inama

Director of Programs & Courses

Marley (she/her) grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado, connecting with the natural world through her neighborhood parks and car camping with family. When she moved to Denver for college, new friends expanded her world of what adventure means, cultivating her long-term passion for outdoor recreation. Professionally, Marley has spent over 25 years engaging communities in wildlife conservation education, as well as evaluating environmental education programs and measuring impact. Working for Women’s Wilderness is a meaningful intersection of Marley’s passion for outdoor recreation and her commitment to equity, access, and inclusion for individuals and communities historically excluded from experiences in and with the natural world. Marley lives in Westminster with her spouse, daughter, and perfect kitty. Free time for Marley is spent mountain biking, running, snowboarding, floating our gorgeous desert rivers, reading, playing Ultimate Frisbee, and volunteering with a local racing company.

Steph Zoccatelli

Director of People & Operations

Steph Zoccatelli

Director of People & Operations

Stephanie Rose Zoccatelli (she/her) is a writer, coach, world-traveler, and truth-seeker. Growing up, she would get lost in reading books and found solace staring at Yosemite’s towering granite walls. Nature has always been a place where she could both reconnect to and meet new parts of herself; which is one of the many reasons she’s passionate about facilitating powerful outdoor experiences for others. She’s spent the past 7 years working in the coaching industry and childcare, where she applied person-centered, social justice, and sustainability lenses to her work. Always curious about learning new skills, she first came into contact with Women’s Wilderness in 2017, when she signed up for an outdoor rock climbing class. For the following year (2017-2018) she helped out with social media efforts, wrote guest blogs, and attended different community events as a spokesperson for Women’s Wilderness. After working as Gear & Transportation Intern in Summer of 2022 she's excited to continue being a part of the team and helping the organization run more smoothly.

Bekah Hayes

Impact Director

Bekah Hayes

Impact Director

Bekah grew up in Colorado’s Front Range, exploring the local trails and mountains, which fostered a deep appreciation for wild places and public lands. Bekah studied Cultural Anthropology during undergrad and went on to receive a Masters in Education from Prescott College with a focus on culturally responsive and place-based pedagogies. Bekah is also completing a certificate in Learning Experience Design with a focus on human centered design and user experience research. Bekah has taught, guided, and developed curriculum for public schools, charter schools and place-based experiential education programs across the Western US, Central Appalachia and Southern Africa. Most recently, Bekah has spent the last several years working in the EdTech industry coaching and mentoring graduate students and developing resources and processes that build resilience and a sense of belonging in students. Bekah is an aspiring potter, birth doula and ethnobotany nerd. When not at the office Bekah can be found biking, skiing and hanging out with her family.

Savina Treves

Youth Programs Manager

Savina Treves

Youth Programs Manager

Savina grew up in Patagonia, Argentina. Surrounded by the immensity and beauty of that landscape, from a young age, she developed a sense of belonging in nature and a feeling of responsibility for its protection. Once in Colorado, Savina completed her Master's degree in International Disaster Psychology and specialized in working with refugee and immigrant children and youth. As the Outdoor G.I.R.L.S. Manager, Savina is excited to support immigrant and refugee girls in finding community as they discover nature’s ability to offer joy and healing.

Cheyenne Smith

Programs Coordinator; Lead Rock Tech

Cheyenne Smith

Programs Coordinator; Lead Rock Tech

Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Cheyenne is a certified AMGA single pitch instructor, field guide and entrepreneur. Her passions include cultivating mentor-mentee relationships and expanding her skill set in her interests (backcountry expeditions, rock-climbing, highlining, art and business). She's committed to creating real change for diversity, equity, and inclusion and to share the magic of nature with people of all colors, backgrounds, sizes, gender identities, and experience levels.

Lisa Smith

Gear & Transportation Coordinator; Trailblazers Instructor

Lisa Smith

Gear & Transportation Coordinator; Trailblazers Instructor

Originally from the “snow belt” of upstate New York, Lisa was drawn to Colorado and just had a feeling she would love being here. Her intuition was right! The Army brought her to Colorado and she never left. Retired from the male-dominated fire service, Lisa found strength and support throughout her career by networking with other women firefighters, and wishes to do the same type of women networking in the outdoor industry. Her goal is to welcome and introduce women of all colors to the beauty and benefits of the outdoors, and she occasionally nerds out on wildlife, plants, rocks, stars, and weather, taking those around her along for the ride with nature apps and reference books. She also actually loves the solace of tinkering in the gear room, where she organizes and repairs program equipment. Free time will find Lisa enjoying hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, all season camping (say yes to winter!), and playing ice hockey. A lifelong learner, she holds degrees in zoology, healthcare science, outdoor education, and park ranger technology. Lisa is also an instructor for the WW Trailblazers affinity group.

Megan Bowyer

Food Coordinator

Megan Bowyer

Food Coordinator

Originally from Colorado, Megan has spent her life exploring nature in and outside of the US. Initially seeking a degree in Outdoor Education, she worked for Washington State Parks for 4 years, completed three long-distance hikes, and volunteered with various outdoor programs. Ultimately, her lifelong interest in food, nutrition, and health promotion led her to obtain a BS in Human Nutrition-Dietetics and her Registered Dietitian Certification. Megan strives to help people from all walks of life to achieve healthy, happy lives through fostering community connection, movement, and nourishing diets. She couldn't be more excited to combine her love and knowledge of nutrition and the outdoors to help fuel the experiences Women's Wilderness offers. When not geeking out on food, Megan can be found romping in the mountains or desert, sun bathing with a good book, digging in the dirt, or playing music with her family.

Linnea Delucchi

Youth Programs Lead

Linnea Delucchi

Youth Programs Lead

Linnea grew up in Sacramento, California and moved to Denver in 2021, after checking off some bucket list items that include hiking the PCT, living in New Zealand and getting her Master’s in Adventure Education. She has been venturing outside since three years old, when her mom started taking her skiing, backpacking, and rafting in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Her outdoorsy childhood in combination with helping raise her brother with severe autism, is what inspired her to start working in the outdoor equity space. Linnea is stoked to work with Women’s Wilderness to increase access to the outdoors and help facilitate outdoor experiences for youth who have faced barriers to the outdoors! She believes in the power of natural spaces to help people grow, overcome challenges, and learn new ways to process. When she isn’t working, you can find her skiing, mountain biking, hiking, or attempting to make delicious food. There is always a tupperware filled with baked goods in her kitchen.

FIELD STAFF

Satya Akquia

Trailblazers Instructor

Satya Akquia

Trailblazers Instructor

Hi! I'm Satya (she/her) and I'm excited to be joining Trailblazers this summer as a guide. I have multiple years of leading hiking and camping trips and a fair bit of experience sea kayaking and rafting. My favorite post long day in the forest meal is pizza. My dog is a big fan too (he gets the crusts). I'm also really into plants and history if you like to talk about that sort of thing on the trail. See you soon!

Sam Bryson

Youth Programs Instructor: Outdoor GIRLS

Sam Bryson

Youth Programs Instructor: Outdoor GIRLS

Sam grew up on a ranch in Colorado, where she developed a deep love for the outdoors through horseback riding, hiking, and camping during the summers, and skiing in the winters. Her passion for nature and adventure flourished during her seven years at Geneva Glen Camp, where she worked as a Camp Counselor before becoming Head Wrangler, leading barn programs and mentoring campers. While attending college in Bozeman, Montana, Sam discovered climbing and backpacking, finding joy in the challenge of these activities and the sense of community they fostered. Her love for outdoor adventures blended with a commitment to mental health and youth empowerment through her volunteer work with Big Sky Youth Empowerment, where she mentored children and advocated for mental wellness through outdoor experiences. After graduation, Sam pursued her dream of becoming a skilled outdoor leader by moving to New Zealand to earn certifications in rock climbing and backpacking guiding. Now, working with Women’s Wilderness is a dream come true. She is dedicated to making outdoor recreation more accessible and empowering young girls to connect with nature, build self-confidence, and discover a lasting sense of power and resilience. In her free time, Sam enjoys climbing, reading, camping, trail riding with her family, and playing board games.

Katie Colson

GLFL Instructor

Katie Colson

GLFL Instructor

Katie (she/her) grew up in the Pacific Northwest among towering evergreen trees and picturesque Cascade mountains. She found her way to Colorado to study Human Dimensions of Natural Resources at CSU and enjoy more sunshine. Through her time in the Rocky Mountains, she developed a love for rock climbing and mountaineering, eventually leading her to guide ice climbing in Alaska and rock climbing Montana during her summers. Katie is a certified AMGA single pitch instructor and wilderness first responder who is committed to cultivating inclusive spaces outdoors. Her goal is to be a part of the change in creating a more welcoming space for people of all backgrounds outside.

Mac Dvorak

GLFL Instructor & Youth Summer Instructor

Mac Dvorak

GLFL Instructor & Youth Summer Instructor

Mac (they/them) grew up in rural South Jersey and recently made their way to Boulder, CO in 2023. Mac graduated from Hampshire College in 2019 with a BA in Critical Youth Studies. Mac was awarded the Business with Purpose Scholarship from Clif Bar in 2019 to fund a full-year independent project, where they worked with the National Eating Disorder Association and youth programs local to New Jersey/Philadelphia to create a body image and self-esteem outdoor education curriculum for girls. Following this, Mac spent several years as a Faculty Instructor at the Philadelphia Outward Bound School, leading backpacking, canoepacking and rock climbing courses for youth. Mac is continuing this work with Women's Wilderness in the Girls Lead for Life program, as well as working as a Mental Health Advocate at Nederland Middle/Senior School. Mac is passionate about helping young women and non-binary folks develop connections, a sense of self and community advocacy skills through outdoor education. When they aren't working, Mac can be found playing with their cat, making art and playing board games.

Brigit Stattelman-Scanlan

Office Support

Brigit Stattelman-Scanlan

Office Support

Brigit (She/her/ella) grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and recently moved to Boulder over a year ago. She has a background in environmental studies and political science from her university in Minnesota where she was also the Director of the Institute of Women's Leadership. Brigit grew up surrounded by the lakes and forest and constantly went on canoe trips, as well as hiking and camping adventures. She loves learning from her natural environment and constantly exploring new areas and learning from new people. Brigit is passionate about making the outdoors a welcoming and accessible environment for all people regardless of race, gender, experience, and ability. When she isn't guiding, Brigit works at an environmental non-profit as well as does pottery. See you in the backcountry!

Alison Lee Sikowitz

Youth Summer Instructor

Alison Lee Sikowitz

Youth Summer Instructor

I'm Alison (she/her), a hiker and climber originally from New York City. I'm a Wilderness First Responder who has backpacked over 2000 miles (and counting!), including the Colorado Trail and the majority of the Pacific Crest Trail. My outdoor experiences have led me to believe that there is no teacher quite like nature. My goal as an instructor is to foster connection, competence, curiosity and awe. Beyond outdoor adventure, I love all forms of art, life's hardest questions, and cute pictures of rodents.

Syd Slouka

Rock Tech

Syd Slouka

Rock Tech

Hi, my name is Syd Slouka (she/they). I am a lead rock tech and I have been running rock climbing courses with Women’s Wilderness since 2017. I am a certified AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Wilderness First Responder, climbing instructor at Movement climbing gyms, and validated nerd. My favorite jokes are ones with puns and my favorite group game is zip zap zop. My goal with Women’s Wilderness is to bring out the confidence and strength in everyone and to connect with others though climbing things, sharing jokes, and asking any and all questions. If you could have any food truck, what would it be? What will you do to get yourself to smile today? See you out there!

Amber Valdez

Youth Summer Instructor

Amber Valdez

Youth Summer Instructor

Born and raised in Central New Mexico, Amber spent summers wandering through the ponderosa pines and jumping junipers of the Sandia Mountains. Amber has experience working intake, logistics, and operations for various outdoor education organizations, including the Northwest Outward Bound School. She has been a guide in Wilderness Therapy and Nature-Based Early Childhood Education (Forest School!) and believes the natural world can be our greatest mentor. Amber is a certified Wilderness First Responder and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Social Work. Her passions include supporting accessibility and representation in the outdoors and reminding women/girls of their power. In her free time, Amber enjoys trail running, snowboarding, drinking tea, and napping in the sun with her pup, T-bone.

Ivana Vu

Youth Summer Instructor

Ivana Vu

Youth Summer Instructor

Ivana (she/her) has worked in non-profit environmental sciences for almost 20 years, with fieldwork taking her from the alpine tundra to the ocean floor. Born and raised in southern California to Vietnamese refugees, one of her favorite memories is when the family would load up the old station wagon and drive for what seemed like days to get to a national park. She moved to North Carolina as a teenager and then to Colorado in 2016, where she volunteers with local youth and first discovered Women’s Wilderness through a Trailblazers program. She is excited to work with kids from all backgrounds and hopes to share her passion for science, nature, and the outdoors with everyone. Ivana has hiked the Appalachian Trail, sailed across the Pacific, and currently works at NCAR’s Research Aviation Facility, where she daydreams about exploring more of this amazing world.

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