•  We strive to create a safe, real, raw, welcoming, and encouraging environment for anyone who wants to be involved in the outdoors. Whether you have done this 100 times or have never been involved in the outdoors and want to learn, we are here to adventure with you.

  •  While we value safety and an encouraging environment, we also wanna have the most fun possible. Trips are often loud and full of laughter, and that's just how we like it, building genuine connections and encouraging women to be their full selves.

  •  I’ve really seen women’s involvement in the outdoors grow since I started hunting with my dad as a kid. Oftentimes I’d be the only female on the trip; too many times I heard women say, “Oh, I couldn’t do that”. My dad never settled for that and would constantly put outdoor/hunting/fishing opportunities in front of me and encourage me to lean into that part of my life.

    Fast forward to now, more women are getting involved in the outdoors, but many women either don’t know another woman to go with or have never gone and need someone to show them. So, I started The Women’s Outdoor Initiative. More wandering, less wondering. It’s a company to give women the stability, community, confidence, and initiative to learn or lean into the outdoors part of their life.

THIS IS US!

THE TEAM

A woman crouching on a wooden deck holding a large fish, with several other fish laid out on the deck in front of her. There is a tree and blue sky in the background.

LAUREN SKALA

 I’ve really seen women’s involvement in the outdoors grow since I started hunting with my dad as a kid. Oftentimes I’d be the only female on the trip; too many times I heard women say, “Oh, I couldn’t do that”. My dad never settled for that and would constantly put outdoor/hunting/fishing opportunities in front of me and encourage me to lean into that part of my life.

Fast forward to now, more women are getting involved in the outdoors, but many women either don’t know another woman to go with or have never gone and need someone to show them. So, I started The Women’s Outdoor Initiative. More wandering, less wondering. It’s a company to give women the stability, community, confidence, and initiative to learn or lean into the outdoors part of their life.

Owner & Coordinator
A woman smiling and kneeling on a boat deck during nighttime, holding a large fish with a light-colored body and a wide tail. She is wearing a pink sleeveless shirt, black shorts, and leopard-print shoes. Background shows a body of water with reflections and distant lights.

AMANDA SWITZER

Hey there! My name is Amanda, and I am a cosmetologist with 16 years of experience. I absolutely love my job because it allows me to travela nd explore new places while having a flexible schedule. I grew up in the city of Louisville, Kentucky, and now I’m settled in Bardstown, Kentucky, with my husband, German shepherd Jolene, and cat Napoleon.

As a young girl, I had a deep love for the outdoors. I craved being outside in the sunshine and embarking on exciting adventures. We were fortunate enough to have a family houseboat and pontoon for many years, which made our lake trips even more enjoyable. I have been fishing and hunting since I was a little girl, and while living in the city presented challenges in terms of finding land, I have gained most of my hunting experience as a young adult.

I joined Lauren in this business because I value her friendship and want to make a positive impact on the women in the outdoor industry. My goal is to help every female feel comfortable and empowered, leaving with newfound strength, confidence, and knowledge. There’s no dress code here; we encourage everyone to be themselves. Our focus is on fostering friendships, creating unforgettable experiences, and respecting the outdoors for future generations. 

Coordinator
A woman taking a selfie outdoors with snow-capped mountains and a lake in the background. She is smiling, wearing outdoor gear and has long hair. 
Coordinator & Graphic Designer

LIBBY REIMER

Hi, I’m Libby! I’m a mountain girl at heart who somehow ended up living in the wonderfully flat state of Kansas. We may not have mountains, but we do have some pretty incredible whitetails, so I guess it evens out!

By day, I work in marketing for a foundation and teach a few college classes. Outside of work, you'll usually find me... well, outside. I grew up on a farm where I was either in the creek catching anything that moved, flying around on a four-wheeler, or coming home covered in enough dirt to make my mom question my life choices. I didn't start hunting until a few years ago when I began working in the outdoor industry, and now it's safe to say I'm completely hooked.

I met Lauren and Amanda on a women's hunt, and we became friends almost instantly. So when Lauren asked me to join WOI, saying yes was easy. I know what it's like to be the new girl who doesn't know all the gear, the lingo, or even what questions to ask. Having a place where you can learn, laugh, ask the "dumb" questions, and leave with lifelong friends is something really special, and I'm excited to help create that for other women.

Oh... and ditto to everything Amanda said. She probably already covered anything I forgot!

A group of women practicing yoga on a wooden deck outdoors, overlooking a mountain range with snow-capped peaks.

Have a question, dream trip request, or something we could be doing better? Shoot us a message below!

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