CO-PRESIDENT
kaitlynn@backcountrysquatters.org

Kaitlynn grew up in the front range of Colorado and attended the University of Colorado Boulder. In 2019 she became the President of the first Squatters chapter at CU and the rest is history. Throughout her undergraduate studies she discovered her passion for encouraging leadership opportunities and recreational growth for college-aged womxn. After graduating with a Bachelors in Sociology with an emphasis on public health in 2022, Kaitlynn traveled the United States, exploring in a 4Runner and travel trailer, but continued with Backcountry Squatters as the East Coast Ambassador. She continued to be inspired by the community of Backcountry Squatters and a year later joined the nonprofit board. Kaitlynn is now pursuing a clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. Her favorite occupations include running, snowboarding, bingeing a good book or tv show, a good thrift, and time spent with friends and family. After graduation she hopes to work with individuals with brain injuries to support their return to activities that are most meaningful.

CO-PRESIDENT
emily.w@backcountrysquatters.org

In the valley of the Crystal and Roaring Fork Rivers, Emily grew up in Carbondale, CO. There, she learned that a classroom is not solely found indoors but outdoors as well. Through outdoor spaces, Emily was exposed to the importance of leadership, advocacy, and responsibility. She found Montana State University to be the best fit for continuing her pursuit in the duality of education and felt strongly aligned with MSU’s mantra of “Mountains and Minds”. Motivated to find womxn driven by inclusivity and excitement for the outdoors, Emily grew attached to the Squatters mission. During her undergrad, Emily evolved from the social media coordinator to the Co-President of the Backcountry Squatters Club. She graduated with a dual degree in Applied Psychology and Hispanic Studies on a Pre-Physician Assistant track. Since graduating, Emily has found her calling in Women’s Health and works as a medical assistant in Reproductive Endocrinology. She hopes to attend Physician Assistant school to further her interest in rural medicine and widen healthcare access for Spanish speaking individuals. Emily’s recipe for enjoying life includes but is not limited to: kayaking, snowboarding, sweet-treats, and spontaneous outings with friends.

TREASURER
kaylah@backcountrysquatters.org

Kaylah is Tlingit and a child of the Dakl’aweidí clan. She carries the name S’eiltín and was raised in the traditional territory of the Áak’w Kwáan, the Tlingit communities of the Auke Lake region in Southeast Alaska. Growing up where the mountains meet the sea, she developed a deep reverence for the land, waters, and all the life they sustain.

She later attended Western Washington University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Environmental Policy and a minor in American Indian Studies. These days, Kaylah works at Spruce Root, a Native Community Development Financial Institution that supports thriving, Indigenous-led communities throughout Southeast Alaska.

A Rematriating Economies alum, Kaylah is committed to uplifting matriarchal systems and advancing more just, regenerative models of community wellbeing. As an avid outdoor recreator, she was drawn to Backcountry Squatters’ mission to increase womxn’s presence and leadership in outdoor spaces. Believing that the land takes care of us, she feels deeply that everyone deserves the opportunity to take up space in their communities and to recreate alongside peers who support their growth and personal wellness.

Kaylah finds rest and joy in many places - spending time with family, getting into the mountains or out on the ocean, and sharing good meals with friends.

SECRETARY
molly@backcountrysquatters.org

Molly was raised in the mountains of beautiful Bozeman, Montana. She grew up hiking, biking, skiing, and generally getting as dirty and sweaty as possible. Despite being raised in an outdoorsy family, she still recognized the many barriers to entry for underrepresented groups in the outdoors. While pursuing a degree in Environmental Engineering at Montana State University, she joined Backcountry Squatters as a stoke builder, eventually growing to the role of co-president. One of her most formative experiences with the club was participating in a beginner’s ice climbing clinic, which she took over and organized for the next several years. After graduating she took some time to work as a water resources engineer and hike the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail before coming back to her Squatters roots as a Board Member. She looks forward to sharing the many opportunities she’s been fortunate to experience with the next generation of outdoor leaders. Outside of work you can find her chaotically crafting, making pizza in her homemade turtle-shaped pizza oven, or romping around in the mountains near Helena, Montana.

BOARD MEMBER
frannie@backcountrysquatters.org

Frannie grew up in Roxbury, a neighborhood of Boston, MA. From a young age, she felt a deep connection to nature that led her to admire all its intricacies, earning her the nicknames “nature girl” and “our environmentalist” among others. She received her BA in Environmental Studies at Wellesley College with a double minor in Economics and Africana Studies. Her passion to work on environmental health in the Caribbean guided her through her academic, scientific and professional careers. She continued her education and recently graduated from the Yale School of the Environment as a Master of Environmental Science. Frannie found opportunities to further explore, study, and take care of nature through coursework, research field trips, kayaking, hiking, and environmental clean-ups. She is eager to help expand the reach of this impactful non-profit to help more students find community and have safe opportunities to experience and lead in outdoor spaces. Currently, she works in ocean, coastal, and coral reef management. Outside of work, Frannie can be found singing, playing instruments, at an environmental cleanup, at the beach, enjoying live music, mentally comparing flora and fauna during travels, and trying new recipes.

BOARD MEMBER
erica@backcountrysquatters.org

Erica hails from the Green Mountains of Vermont and ventured to St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY, where she earned a degree in Environmental Studies and Sociology. As she embarked on her college journey, Erica sought avenues to explore outdoor spaces alongside fellow female and non-binary adventurers—a quest that had eluded her in the past. Inspired by this vision, Erica took the initiative to establish the SLU Backcountry Squatters chapter, carving out the inclusive environment she had longed for as a female outdoor enthusiast. During her time at SLU, Erica also served as an Outdoor Program Guide, guiding others on their own outdoor adventures. Unwilling to part ways with Backcountry Squatters upon graduation, Erica has continued her journey by joining The Board of Directors, dedicated to fostering an equitable future for outdoor recreation.

BOARD MEMBER
sydney@backcountrysquatters.org

Sydney being born and raised in Cleveland Ohio, always knew she was meant to live out in the mountains of Colorado. Being an avid skier drew her to CU Boulder for college where she also was introduced to Backcountry Squatters. She quickly found meaning in its community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. Getting people out in the outdoors became a passion of hers and wanted to continue it in her life going forwards. After graduating, she spent several seasons in Crested Butte teaching skiing and working in the outdoor hospitality world, deepening her appreciation for time outside and the people it brings together. With this mindset, Sydney wanted to re-enter the world of Backcountry Squatters as a board member. Just recently, she settled in Denver where Sydney stays involved with the Squatters’ mission and enjoys spending her free time on skis or exploring new corners of the mountains. Sydney has an urge to try every outdoor activity possible and is always up for any new adventure.

BOARD MEMBER
maggie@backcountrysquatters.org

Growing up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Maggie developed a deep love for the natural world while exploring the Chesapeake Bay. Time spent in wild places allowed her to quiet her mind, build confidence, and push herself in new ways. Moving west to attend the University of Colorado Boulder, she studied Evolutionary Biology and Ecology to better understand the systems that shape our environment. Craving community and technical skills, Maggie discovered Backcountry Squatters during her sophomore year. Inspired by its mission and wholeheartedly believing everyone deserves access to outdoor spaces, she joined as a board member and later served as Chapter President. She also received a BCS Scholarship for Outdoor Education, which she credits with helping launch her career in the outdoor industry - how full circle!

After graduation, Maggie became a W-EMT, spending winters ski patrolling in Utah and summers working in wildland fire. She remains committed to creating inclusive outdoor spaces and is grateful to serve on the Backcountry Squatters Board of Directors, having witnessed firsthand the power of supporting young women and non-binary individuals in their journeys of adventure, growth, and community building.

BOARD MEMBER
abby@backcountrysquatters.org

Abby hails from the great state of Ohio, where she developed a love for the outdoors, playing in the midwestern rivers and creeks. While attending Ohio University, she nurtured a love of experiential learning and outdoor education with her time as a backpacking trip leader at her collegiate outdoor program. After graduating from OU with a major in Graphic Design and a minor in Outdoor Education, they brought their passion to the North Carolina Outward Bound School. Now, Abby educates young students on how to be strong leaders in and out of the woods. When she's not on course, you can find Abby making good coffee, journaling, rock climbing, singing karaoke, porch-sittin and trail running.