A volunteer-run, community-based nonprofit serving women+ in Virginia and beyond.
Mission
To educate, connect, and empower women+ in Virginia to grow and heal their minds, bodies, and souls—both on the trail or off.
Board of Directors
Aleia Ringel
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Director
Alejandra Villanueva
Vice President
Caroline Helmers
Ambassador Director
Carolyn Mollen
Treasurer
Heather Meixler
Trailblazer Director
Jenn Loving Wade
Board President
Kayla Yurco
Board Member At Large
Lori Lawson-Dischner
Communications Director
Molly McFadden
Operations Director & Secretary
Tasha McKelvey
Programming Director
Vittoria Doyle
Summit Director
Girls Who Hike Virginia began as a Facebook group, revived by Stephanie Whitesides to create a welcoming space where women+ could find hiking buddies, ask questions, and share our love of the outdoors. Within months, the group grew rapidly as more hikers found a sense of belonging and adventure in the outdoors.
In 2022, a team of women formally established GWHVA as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. What began as a grassroots effort is now a statewide community of 34,000+ hikers committed to making the outdoors more inclusive, accessible, and empowering.
Today, we’re a fully volunteer-run organization connecting women+ with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to confidently enjoy the outdoors—whether they’re taking their first hiking steps or leading others up the trail.
Our Story
