About

Welcome to Women on the Ascent

We are a vibrant community born from a shared vision of empowerment and inclusivity in the great outdoors. Our journey begins with a profound belief in the boundless potential of all women.

At Women on the Ascent, we envision a world where women have opportunities to unlock their inner strength, nurture unwavering confidence, and lead with courage in the natural world. Opportunities for adventure are endless, whether you prefer the thrill of climbing mountains, scaling rock walls, teeing off on picturesque golf courses, kayaking down serene rivers, horseback riding through untouched landscapes or any outdoor activity that sparks your interest. There are endless experiences we can embark on together to strengthen our bonds. We are committed to creating an open and empowered community, where each individual can discover their outdoor family in a warm and secure environment.

Our path is illuminated by the desire to be a guiding light for those who may be hesitant to explore the outdoors and for those women who are ready to take on leadership roles within our dynamic community. Rooted in our core values of empowerment, inclusivity, and a deep sense of togetherness, we stand united as a force of change.

In our shared vision, women break through barriers, uncover their inner reservoirs of strength, and emerge as leaders, adventurers, and champions of the natural world. As a part of Women on the Ascent, you will witness and be a part of a remarkable journey filled with endless opportunities:

Our Mission

To provide an inclusive and empowering women’s outdoor community where every individual can find their outdoor family in a welcoming and safe environment.

Collaboration

We aim to collaborate with local businesses, outdoor communities, and entrepreneurs to expand our horizons and provide our members with resources and experiences.

Volunteer & service

We believe in the power of giving back. You'll have volunteer opportunities to contribute to the outdoor community, creating a positive impact and nurturing a culture of reciprocity.

Leadership

Whether you aspire to lead outdoor expeditions, inspire others, or take charge of projects that protect the natural world, our organization will support you every step of the way.

Scholarship

Our commitment to inclusivity includes providing scholarship opportunities, ensuring that financial constraints never limit access to the outdoors.

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Board of Directors

Stephanie Hoffee

With an unwavering belief in the limitless potential of women, Stephanie spearheaded this movement to empower and connect women in the great outdoors.
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Sarah Wolfe

Sarah is the driving force behind our quest to create an open and inclusive community. Her commitment to bring together and uplift women is the heart of Women on the Ascent.
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Angela Soltys

Angela is leading the charge in breaking barriers and encouraging women to emerge as leaders and champions. Her dedication to collaboration and outreach is unparalleled.

Want to Become an Ascent Leader?

We are committed to helping you unlock your full leadership potential. Whether you aspire to lead outdoor expeditions, inspire others, or take charge of projects that protect the natural world, our organization will support you every step of the way on your leadership journey.

Apply Now

Meet Our Ascent Leaders

Anah Nosek

Based in Salt Lake County, Anah is our workout and race paced trail running and ultrarunning expert. Trail running since 2019 and beginning her ultrarunning journey in 2021, Anah feels most alive in the mountains. Anah joined WOA as she is passionate about actively supporting others in discovering and chasing their goals. She enjoys sharing her love for nature, adventure, and exploring new limits with folks, while helping to motivate them to tap into their mental and physical toughness, and being a source of support along the highs and lows of the journey. She is a firm believer that nature is nurture and adventuring outside is fuel for the soul.

Angela Soltys

Based in Salt Lake County, Angela is our dedicated mid-paced trail running expert. She joined WOA to help empower others to find their stride and their communities! She holds the belief that anyone can be a trail runner if they want to be.. it's just a matter of finding your people and accepting your pace.

Dawn Muhlestein

Based in Davis County, Dawn is a Physician Assistant currently specializing in urology, previously specialized in spine surgery and interventional radiology with additional training in wilderness medicine. She has been running for 35 years, trail running for 30 years, and participating in triathlons for 20 years. With a background that includes research for NASA, she finds joy in seeing people try new things in a supportive environment and joined WOA to help share her knowledge to encourage women in the outdoors.

Jessi Elder

Based in Salt Lake County, Jessi is our marketing expert and a dedicated trail runner. After 14 years of track, cross country, road running and road cycling, she moved from the Midwest to Utah and traded the road for the trail, inspired by the SLC trail running community. Jessi also loves skiing, mountain biking, and camping, and is a passionate mental health advocate. She joined WOA to help create an encouraging space on WOA’s marketing platforms to unite women outdoors.

Kim Ludlow

Based in Salt Lake County, Kim is our dedicated mid-week trail runner and mountain biker. She joined WOA aiming to get women on the trails during the morning/mid day when evenings are just too full! She loves that biking and running complement each other well with cross training to allow more time on these beautiful trails!

Krista Fehr

Based in Salt Lake County, Krista is an outdoor enthusiast and leader with a serious skill set! She's an advanced skier with 10 years of experience as a ski instructor, holding all the skiing certifications including Avy 1. With leadership experience from Japan’s JET program and years of climbing and working at Momentum, she’s also dabbled in mountain biking, SUP, hiking, backpacking, roller derby, and has her scuba certification! Krista brings her energy and expertise to WOA, inspiring others to push their limits, connect, and grow.

Lauren Kidd Wolf

Based in Salt Lake County, Lauren is one of our hiking experts. She joined WOA to share the trails she grew up enjoying with women new to Utah, new to trails, or simply looking to connect with other women who share her passion for the outdoors. Lauren enjoys all things outdoors and, as a new mom, is eager to introduce her daughter to nature. One of the mantras she’s trying to live by right now is “go slow to go fast.”

Lindsey Nelsen

Based in Davis County, Lindsey is a mom of 5 who was a road runner turned trail runner. She loves trail running because it is an escape from the stresses of everyday life. She became a part of WOA because she loves meeting and exploring with women of all backgrounds and sharing the trails that she has come to know and love up in Davis County.

Mary Schwartz

Based in Salt Lake County, Mary leads hikes, paddle boarding, and yoga. She joined WOA to find a community of women who love the outdoors as much as she does. Inspired by the leaders in WOA, she became a leader to bring women together to find the strength that comes when they come together and empower each other while basking in the beauty of the mountains.

Melissa Coles

Based in Utah County and as a native Utahn, Melissa is our swim, bike, and run expert. Whether it’s running the Wasatch mountains or the red rocks of southern Utah she knows that Utah provides amazing adventures everywhere she goes. Melissa joined WOA to expand her network of enthusiastic women, people who challenge her to try to be better everyday, and to share her passion with like minded women.

Michelle Martineau

Based in Salt Lake County, Michelle is one of our mountain biking experts. She joined WOA to help other women experience the joys of exploring the trails on two wheels. She took up riding at age 31 and is convinced that if she can learn the sport, anyone one can!

Natalie Smith

Based in Salt Lake County, Natalie (Nat) is a native Texan who somehow ended up in Utah and luckily stumbled upon WOA. She originally joined to find her people but has since found a passion for making the outdoors a more inclusive space for all. You can find her on adventures with her two border collies and taking leisurely backpacking trips.

Sarah Wolfe

Based in Salt Lake County, Sarah is our rock climbing expert with over 10 years of experience in all things alpine. Her happy place is scrambling a ridge in the Wasatch. Sarah joined WOA to fulfill her passion for empowering women to challenge their perceptions of their limitations and to do what they might have thought impossible!

Serena Lambiase

Based in Salt Lake County, Serena loves leading workout and leisurely paced trail running events as well as hiking, gravel biking, snow shoe, cross country ski, book club, and virtual cycling (when we can't bike outside). She is a "jack of all trades"! She joined WOA to encourage other women to get outdoors and find their community in a supportive environment. She enjoys meeting new people and finding new trails to explore.

Stephanie Hoffee

Based in Salt Lake County, Stephanie is our passionate founder and community leader of Women on the Ascent (WOA). An expert in all things outdoors, Stephanie created WOA to provide women with a safe and inclusive space to connect and thrive. She firmly believes that with the right resources and supportive camaraderie, women are capable of achieving anything and reaching new heights together.