The Outdoor Industry Women's Association

Meet Taylor Murphy, OIWA's Founder & Executive Director ✨ As an outdoor enthusiast and certified ~leisure~ athlete, Taylor enjoys spending her time exploring by bike, on skis, or on foot, all with her dog, Millie, by her side. Taylor's professional career in the Outdoor Industry started post-grad and has since allowed her the opportunity to do more of what she loves. From mountain biking in Canada, to running in France, to skiing in Norway, this industry has consistently given her permission to explore and push her limits. Throughout all these experiences, it has been abundantly clear to her where women are considered and valued, and where they are not. Because of this, Taylor has made it a point to be a strong advocate for women and always look for ways her work can elevate their projects and ideas, especially in male dominated spaces. She looks forward to continuing this work both with The Outdoor Industry Women's Association, and in her role as Kari Traa's Head of North America Marketing—a women's outdoor apparel brand that empowers women to be confidently and unapologetically themselves.

Meet Carly Mariani (she/they), OIWA's Director of Operations ✨ Growing up immersed in the outdoors on the unceded Nisenan land of the Sierra Foothills in California, Carly developed a deep connection to nature through hiking, biking, snow-sports, camping, and woodcarving—a true “Goonies” childhood adventure. With extensive experience in the Outdoor Industry, Carly is a passionate supporter of women-led businesses and an accomplished professional specializing in business operations, internal communications, and process development. This U.S. Air Force veteran lives the values of “Integrity first, service before self, and excellence” in all they endeavor. Outside of work, you might find Carly cheering at a National Women’s Soccer League match or exploring the coastlines, forests, and high-desert trails of the western United States. Please join us in celebrating Carly as they bring their expertise and dedication to our mission! We know they enjoy a challenge and are ready for the work ahead. (Image: Carly atop the summit of Misery Ridge at Smith Rock State Park in Terrebone, OR - occupied land of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs)

Meet Abigail H., OIWA's Director of Community Imapct ✨ Born and raised on the lands of the Lumbee people (Durham, NC), Abigail Hollie grew up immersed in the arts and the outdoors, with a heart set on recreation. Now residing on the lands of the Wichita people (Dallas, TX), Abigail is guided by her faith in Christ, which fuels her deep passion for equity, inclusion, and community. She began her career as a recreational therapist, promoting healing through activity. She now works as the Program Manager for the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC), advocating for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the running industry. Outside of her work in the running industry, Abigail and her husband own One of One (https://lnkd.in/gQr5f_t6), a designer watch and apparel company that supports feeding the hungry in their Texas community. In her free time, she loves traveling, spending time with family, and mentoring youth. In Abigail's role with OIWA, she will aim to increase the nonprofit's visibility, particularly for Women of Color, who face even greater obstacles in securing funding and a place in an evolving industry that has historically overlooked them.

Introducing The Outdoor Industry Women’s Association (OIWA), a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to elevating the leadership, ideas, and initiatives of female identifying folks in a male dominated outdoor industry. We plan to drive equity and innovation for female founders in this space by facilitating resources to apply for grants that fund their for-profit business ventures. It’s simple: we want to see more female identifying folks as leaders in the outdoor industry. But this isn’t just about gender. It’s about taking action, at scale, to evolve the outdoors. Welcome to our association. We’re so happy you’re here. Learn more or reach out to us here: https://lnkd.in/gQ8PKMEA