For these reasons and more, AIARE is thrilled to launch the Women’s Mentorship Program for the 2021–22 season.
This three-pronged community-focused program aims to break down the barriers for women in avalanche education. It features:
- Cohort-based mentorship opportunities for select applicants
- Scholarships for women on PRO 1, Instructor Training, & Course Leader Training Courses
- Panel conversations featuring women in avalanche education and facilitated networking
Want to support the Women’s Mentorship Program?
Purchase a Mammut Barryvox S beacons are for sale in the AIARE online store. All proceeds go towards the Women’s Mentorship Program.
Interested in Getting Involved?
This month we’re offering virtual events in Seattle, Lake Tahoe, and Denver, to connect and share experiences. Each event consists of a panel featuring questions crafted by registrants and panelists on building and sustaining a career in avalanche education and highlighting the unique challenges of women in the industry. In addition to these panels, we’ll be hosting in-person networking events which you’ll gain first access to by registering for one of the three panels.
Julie Ann “Julz” Holder - Bellingham, WA. AIARE Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Guide, W-EMT
Kailey McKenna - Victor, Idaho. AIARE Instructor and Ski Guide, JHMG Office Manager.
Wendolyn Antibus - Reno, NV. AIARE Instructor and Forecaster.
Liz Riggs Meder - Seattle, WA. AIARE Course Leader and Recreation Program Director.
Leilani Bruntz - Crested Butte, CO. AIARE Instructor and AMGA Apprentice Guide.
Kelly Rae McNeil - La Grande, OR. AIARE Motorized/Non-motorized Instructor, Guide, Forecaster.
Meet the 2021– 22 Mentors
“You are not alone in blazing this trail. You also don't have to sacrifice who you are or make yourself smaller to be here.” —Liz Riggs Meder
Meet our experienced avalanche educators and 2021 – 22 mentors. These women share a strong desire to support fellow women in building, growing, and/or sustaining an outdoor career.
Meet our 2021– 22 Mentees
Meet our mentees. These 31 women have been grouped into small cohorts, each facilitated by one of our six experienced mentors. The program is designed to help mentees learn, grow, and connect with fellow women avalanche professionals.
(coming soon)
AIARE Women's Affinity Courses 2021-22
AIARE offered its first Women’s Affinity Instructor Training Course (ITC) in February 2021. Six women successfully completed the course in Washington, and we were able to offer full scholarships to all participants. Through this effort alone, we increased the enrollment of women in ITC courses to 35% (up from 28% the previous year).
In 2022, we will expand our women’s affinity programming with our first Women’s Affinity PRO 1 Course, offered to 12 women in Leadville this spring.
Both courses are currently full with a waitlist.
We hope this is only the first step towards an ongoing strategy to support women who want to build, grow, or sustain careers in avalanche education.
Interested in applying for an all-women’s PRO 1 or ITC for the 2022–23 season? Sign up to be notified about scholarships and course application openings.
Title Sponsor:
Safety Sponsor:
Scholarship Partners:
