Speaker Series Looks to Break Down Barriers for Women+ in the Outdoors
Inaugural panel discussion looks to take attendees “from hesitation to hiking”
Trans Canada Trail is thrilled to join with Lean In Canada to host an empowering virtual event series celebrating women and non-binary people in the outdoors.
The first installment in the series, titled “From Hesitation to Hiking” will be held April 9, 2025 at 7:00 pm ET. All are welcome to take part in this free panel discussion hosted (in English) on Zoom.
“Spending time in nature can be an incredibly transformative experience, but many women and non-binary people still face barriers as they try to engage with the outdoors,” says Stacey Dakin, Chief Program Officer at Trans Canada Trail. “This series is all about helping people break through those barriers and we have assembled an incredible panel for our first event. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced hiker, or new to outdoor adventures, this group of women is sure to inspire you.”
In addition to her work with Trans Canada Trail, Dakin also serves as National President and Chair of Lean In Canada, a network dedicated to empowering professional women in their careers. She will serve as the moderator for the “From Hesitation to Hiking” panel.
This inaugural gathering celebrates the journeys of women and non-binary people into the outdoors and explores the profound connection between time spent on trails and thriving in work-life balance.
The panel will feature hikers of diverse ages and backgrounds, sharing their stories of overcoming hesitation and embracing the transformative power of nature. The discussion will explore how these experiences foster resilience, leadership, and a deeper connection to ourselves and others, emphasizing the importance of women and non-binary people supporting each other along the way.
Panelists will include:
- Katie Bell, an ultra-marathoner, veterinarian and mother of four.
- Frieda Baldwin, a certified hike leader, urban poling and snowshoe instructor, and member of numerous hiking and trails organizations.
- Hala Bissada, a certified fundraising executive and event strategist with a career spanning the nonprofit and events sectors.
- Karen Simpson, a former President of Lean In Toronto, who channeled her love of nature into a passion for mountaineering, marathon running and cycling.
