AIARE’s Professional Growth Network: Evolving to Foster Inclusivity and Community

Telluride, CO – [08/20/24] – The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) is proud to announce the rebranding of its Women’s Mentorship Program to the Professional Growth Network (PGN). This change underscores AIARE’s commitment to supporting U.S. snow and avalanche professionals of all levels from non-dominant gender identities through community building, skill and knowledge development, and increased representation.

Why the Name Change?

For the past three seasons, the program has been known as the Women’s Mentorship Program. This year, with the guidance and support of a dedicated working group and other community members, the rebranded Professional Growth Network will welcome individuals from all marginalized gender identities, including those who identify as transfemme, transmasc, genderqueer or gender non-conforming, women, and others.

“‘Professional Growth Network’ captures our program mission of fostering a community where aspiring and current avalanche professionals can continually enhance their skills and knowledge,” said AIARE Executive Director Vickie Hormuth. “The expanded program better aligns with its original intent and AIARE’s dedication to supporting those who face unique challenges due to their gender expression.”

The PGN’s mission is to support snow and avalanche professionals by providing opportunities for community building, skill and knowledge development, and increased representation. The network accomplishes this through a blend of application-based cohort opportunities and public events that include virtual, in-person, and on-snow elements.

Program Enhancements

This shift not only includes a name change but also brings several key enhancements to the program:

• Pre-Season Training: Introducing training elements to better prepare both mentors and mentees.
• Dedicated Affinity Opportunities: additional events to foster deeper community connections.
• Community Collaboration: Strengthening ties within the community through in-person backcountry days and continued outreach.

The application period for mentors is from August 15 to September 15, and the application period for mentees is from September 1 to October 1.

In addition to running the PGN and offering affinity courses to train AIARE instructors and aspiring avalanche professionals, AIARE will host a virtual affinity series and backcountry days. For more information and to read about the name change, please visit https://avtraining.org/growth-network//.

Acknowledgments

A special thanks to our title sponsors, Gore-tex and Mammut, and our supporting sponsor, RECCO. AIARE would also like to thank Devin Gaan, Amy Smallwood, and Angelique Carl for their expertise, which has been invaluable to the working group. 

About AIARE

AIARE was established in 1998 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization to create a researched-based avalanche education model for backcountry users with the belief that avalanche education, research, and training can prevent injuries and fatalities due to avalanches. AIARE develops and disseminates research-based avalanche curriculum to over 114 Providers in the US, South America, and Europe. For more information, visit avtraining.org.