Since moving from Kenya to the Pacific Northwest, my passion for exploring nature’s playground has continued to grow exponentially. I helped to start, and now run, the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF) as its Executive Director. I also sit on the board of the Conservation Alliance. My spare time is spent climbing, skiing, and trying not to injure myself mountain biking.
I live in the indigenous territories of the Coastal Salish Tribes, in the beautiful State of Washington. As the Executive Director of ATCF, we work globally to fund community-led conservation projects.
I have had the privilege to see some of the most pristine, beautiful destinations, and experience the hospitality of some of the kindest Indigenous cultures. But I’ve also seen the degradation - overcrowding, disrespect, abuse, overuse, etc. It felt hard to be part of a system that could, and should, be doing a better job in caring for these wild spaces and the communities who live there. I had two choices: Sit on the sidelines, complain and feel helpless. Or find a way to contribute towards a solution.
I chose the latter. I am able to be an active participant to inspire positive change and drive increased environmental and social responsibility within the tourism industry.
I’ve been lucky enough to work closely with some of the most passionate, smart and kind people in the conservation and travel space. A small example -- Just one month after I was officially hired as the Executive Director of the ATCF, a brand new nonprofit, I found out that my husband and I would be expecting our first child. Anyone who has started a business knows that it's all hands on deck for the first several years, so naturally, I was nervous.
I sat down with our Board Chair, and shared the news. Not only did he not bat an eye, but he immediately reassured me that this would have no impact on my position, salary or job security, and that the Board of Directors would help cover things until I was ready to return. It’s one thing for policies to be written on paper, but another thing to see it genuinely put into action. I feel so very grateful to have colleagues who support a healthy personal and professional life balance.
I feel incredibly fortunate to work in an industry where women are represented, particularly in the adventure travel industry. Being North American based, and working in the conservation space, I’m constantly inspired by the creativity, leadership and grit of women who are pushing for a better way to do tourism.
But I am certain that not all women in this industry feel that way.
The UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 has made it a priority to focus on achieving gender equality and empowering women. While women make up the majority of the tourism industry workforce, most are hired in low pay, low tier positions. So while I personally feel supported and represented, I know we still have a long way to go to ensure that all women feel empowered and represented.
We can better support all women, here’s how: Build. The. Pipeline. Just as with DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), if we want to see more women in leadership positions, then they need to be afforded the opportunity to grow into those positions. They won't just appear. All organizations should make it a priority to hire women and then give them opportunities for mentorship, networking, education, training, and professional development.
This Women’s history month is two fold for me: It serves as an inspiration to look back on all women who have broken down walls and smashed ceilings to give a chance for other females to serve in influential leadership roles; it’s also a reminder about how far we have to go in supporting other women around the world to have similar opportunities.
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