Bozeman Magazine

Registration is now open for a workshop focused on women leaders in outdoor industries, titled “She Has My Back”. The workshop will take place on Tuesday, November 12th at 6:30pm in MSU SUB Ballroom B. Refreshments will be served at the reception. During an interactive discussion, guest speakers will share stories about their experiences as leaders in male-dominated industries. According to the National Forest Foundation, in 2017, approximately 10% of wildland firefighters were female. In 2013, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that only 7.8% of welders were women. Women represented only 6% of pilots worldwide in 2017, as stated by Women in Aviation. Guest speakers include Regional Director of the US Forest Service Mary Erickson, owner and operator of Iron Maiden Welding Brenda Stredwick, pilot Nikita Norton, Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) Director Chris Nesset, and MCC Wildland Fire Crew Lead Holly Black. “It is critical to hear stories of leadership to better understand women’s experiences in these industries,” says Amelia McGrath, a Student Associate of the MSU Leadership Institute. “These speaker’s stories will be a call to action for those in the room; whether that be women joining these industries, men stepping up as allies, or attendees offering support to their friends or family who are in these fields,” added McGrath. Topics include how women practice leadership in male-dominated fields, how men can serve as allies, and how to encourage female leadership within outdoor industries. This workshop is hosted by the MSU Leadership Institute, the Office of the Provost, and the Associated Students of Montana State University. Space is limited. To register for this free workshop, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/she-has-my-back-tickets-76837762817. The deadline for registration is Monday, November 11th. For more information, visit www.montana.edu/leadership or facebook.com/MSULeadershipInstitute or call 406-994-7275.