Diva and Conquer

Outdoor Diva Mary Pat Jones

Mary Pat Jones, 21, of Atlanta, GA takes her beloved Mountain Hardwear gloves, hats, and shirts to places that most will never go. She once said, "Mountain Hardwear makes the best shirts for training. I wish I could afford more of them." An avid vertical caver, cyclist, and triathlete, Mary Pat has accomplished more in the past six years of her life than most accomplish in a lifetime. Mary Pat holds two age group world speed records in women's 30-meter sit-stand, a discipline of vertical caving. Her caving career, which began in early childhood, has also led her to many interesting places. Using a frog system, she rappelled and climbed Sotano de las Golondrinas, an 1,100 ft pit in Mexico (best known as a popular BASE jumping venue) at the tender age of 17, rappelled and climbed a 1,500 ft. section of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado last year at the age of 20, and is a four-time Bridge Day participant, where she has rappelled and climbed the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia (876 ft). Just this past weekend, she was given the honor of climbing with the West Virginia flag in the opening ceremonies at Bridge Day. Next on her list are a third world speed record and El Capitan.

Mary Pat also has some impressive triathlon and cycling results under her belt. At a recent sprint triathlon in Georgia, she was the fastest female on the bike, placed 1st in her age group, and was 5th overall female. In the eight triathlons she has raced, she has never placed lower than 4th in her age group. Recently, she placed 2nd in the women's category 4 at the Georgia Cup-State Time Trial (her first time trial). Mary Pat is a dean's list student at Sweet Briar College.

Nominated by Anne Jones

Outdoor Diva Leah Harmon

My diva's outdoor history is rooted in her childhood: skiing, riding horses, and white-water rafting from her backdoor in Colorado. Seeking new adventures, Leah joined the Coast Guard and set sail across the North Atlantic on the 3-masted ship USCGC Eagle when she was just 18. Now she also excels at activities such as surfing, kayaking, free-diving, sailing, and triathlon. Despite her land-locked upbringing, her intrigue of the world’s oceans led to a degree in Marine Biology and a commission in the NOAA Corps. In service to the country and global marine-conservation issues, she's spent years at-sea as a commercial fishing vessel Observer and as Navigation Officer of a research vessel. How many Outdoor Divas do you know that can drive a 200 ft ship or derive nautical routes across the ocean? With over 600 SCUBA dives to her credit, she's also clocked considerable time beneath the water. In her current assignment, she conducts Reef-Fish Census and Habitat Assessment dives throughout the Florida Keys and Caribbean, contributing to our understanding of these fragile marine environments. Additionally, she serves her community as a Dive Medical Technician and instructor of CPR and First Aid. She is an accomplished world-traveler, having visited 48 states, 10 countries, and some of the most remote islands. Central to her travels, she strives to share her compassion for marine ecosystems so that others may be inspired to explore and protect them.

Her favorite gear is her trusty Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag, which kept her toasty during 3 months trekking around New Zealand. She owns no furniture, only a sailboat that doubles as home, 4 bikes, and lots of outdoor toys/gear. Embodying a passion for all facets of Mother Nature, this Mountain-Diva-Jack-Cousteau lives to scan distant horizons where mountains meet the sea.

Nominated by Gus Coll

Outdoor Diva Henrietta Parsons

Henrietta has boundless energy and a contagious high spirit! Her frequent trips to the gym make her physically fit, she bikes, hikes, kayaks, snowshoes and x-c skis.

Henrietta raised two children to love and respect the outdoors. For 11 years she acted as Alpine Club adviser for the high school Alpine Club. She was a guide for The Mountain Workshop, taking young people to wild destinations for 12 years. She has guided a women's group on several trips to the remote canyons of the Southwest. Backpacking the John Muir Trail, Mount Rainier, the A.T. and trails in Switzerland is what excites her.

Henrietta's proudest moment is when she viewed Mt. Everest from the surrounding peaks on a month long trip to the Everest valleys. Now she has added sea kayaking to her loves.

For 23 years she has worked for our local school system always getting the kids out for recess and educating kids and staff on how to dress to be warm and comfortable, she travels with extra fleece, polypro and hats just in case someone needs something.

In all of the above she has always stressed the need for proper clothing. Her motto was "change your clothes, not your plans," don't bring a lot of clothes, just the right layers. Henrietta believes in buying the very best because if you don't, you buy twice. She has truly educated people on how to dress. Your logo of the little bolt is part of her trademark!

She will do everything to keep her weekends and anytime off free so she can be outside. She is really adamant about this. I'm sure Mountain Hardware would be very proud to have her as their Diva.

Nominated by Robert Parsons

Outdoor Diva Dr. Leah M. Vucetich, wildlife ecologist

Summer Solstice 2007, we were interrupted in the middle of a cold beer and Prairie Home Companion in the Yurt to fetch a female wolf that had washed up on an outer island of Isle Royale National Park. Three days of flies and maggots later, Leah butchered the wolf so we could keep writing. That morning she baked us a carrot-cake. "Oh my god," I said (mouth agape and pupils dilated), "You are a dream woman aren't you -- carrot-cake in the morning, butcher a wolf in the afternoon?" She just smirked and said that it was hard cutting off the wolf's face. The gulls had removed one eye before we got there, Leah said she wished they had gotten both. Certainly the four days of maggots got to her. She told a story of sitting next to a freshly dead moose in the woods on a still day and hearing a whisper-like noise, suddenly realizing it was the noise of thousands of maggots moving through the grass near the carcass.

On the trail with full pack, this 50-year-old woman can grind 18-year-old interns into dust. She lives and works for 5 months of the year in a designated wilderness area, spends weeks at a time on and off trail living out of her pack, picking up the bones of a wolf-killed moose, radio-collaring wolves, measuring balsam fir, watching and diagramming moose at mud-licks buzzing with mosquitoes and black flies. Yet, at the same time you might hear her refer to moose and mosquitoes as "someone," or she might spend days trying to live trap and release "grey babies" (tiny mice just out of the nest that happened to be in our shed after we evicted their mother). She might also bake you a carrot cake -- or cut your face off.

Nominated by Dr. John Vucetich and Dr. Michael Nelson.

Outdoor Diva Allison Wright

Allison Wright, 48, Athens, Georgia. Wife, Mother of twin 10 yr. old boys, School Board Member, Business owner, backpacker, canoe and kayak and swimmer, and organizing diva. While she makes time for herself, it generally comes only after activities are arranged for those around her. The favorite is a quick run, swim or romp in the woods with the twin one year old Labrador family pets, Ollie and Tella. For this story though, we are backpacking in Colorado, late June, 2007 at the base of Mount Evans (14,264) high country, first of a three day two night hike. This was a tough hike by anyone's standards, beginning at 11,670 ft. with little to no trail and the willows are 5-6 feet tall in spots. Snow fields were in our path and we were making slow progress all the while a thunder storm was looming in the distance certain to overtake our progress. It was clear that Allison was concerned for the twins primarily but she was toughing it through with little to say. As we crossed a snow field, still a few miles away from our final destination, she 'post holed' crotch deep and exhaled a sigh of exasperation and frustration. As I turned to retreat and help she simply said, "I got it, just keep moving." Oh the look was priceless!

Nominated by Gene Wright, Admiring Husband

Outdoor Diva Anne Ralston

Anne is nominated because she is the epitome of the title. She is a fulltime A student at JMU; a junior on the way to a PhD in physical therapy. Works two-jobs (plus) to support her self, volunteers to teach little girls how to play lacrosse every summer, runs cross-country on a school club team and never fails to get in an 8+ mile run every day -- rain or shine. She almost always wins her age group in half-marathons. And that's even before hitting the mountains. Anne has scrambled, climbed, kayaked, run and camped in some of the most beautiful mountains with me on earth.

Anne is one of the most passionate outdoor people I know and she doesn't even realize that she inspires and spreads her passion of sports and the outdoors upon others everyday.

When she finally meets that perfect 'Southern Boy' and starts a family every one of her kids will have shoes full of mud and leaves just like she did. She is my daughter and my 'Mountain Hardwear Diva.'

Nominated by Dan Ralston

Outdoor Diva Stacie Blair

This diva has a love for the wilderness and the Earth that first began with a fossil found in a gravel pit in Central Nebraska. She followed this love by camping with her brother and then earning her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Geology. This diva has hiked over 50 miles with 70 pounds on her back over rugged trails in Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness. Fallen trees nearly as thick as she is tall coupled with feet of fallen snow proved no barrier to her. She kept on trekking through it all. Horse flies that make you bleed and poison ivy have yet to ruin a trip. The long drive from Florida to the Rockies has yet to stop her. During her undergraduate days at Nebraska she explored alpine caves in Wyoming's Big Horn Wilderness and once attempted to summit Cloud Peak. She spent six weeks hiking and mapping rock formations at the base of the Big Horns. Spring break trips to New Mexico's Gila Wilderness proved no match for her; even with snow littering the ground and the trail crossing the river two dozen times. Her most recent outdoor crusade went straight through the thick swamp known as the Bradwell Bay Wilderness in Apalachicola Nation Forest in northern Florida. With all the experiences she has had she still continues to amaze me with her drive and enthusiasm for the outdoors. Weekend trips with the dog are not out of the question. And if all that wasn't enough this diva is currently exploring the vast frozen continent of Antarctica at McMurdo Station while earning her PhD in Geology from Florida State University. Lastly none of this would be possible if it weren't for the loads of gear currently stored in the closet ready and waiting for her next adventure.

Nominated by Eric Schroeder

Outdoor Diva Hannah Stewart

Her beauty, strength, intelligence and adventurous spirit is why I see my dear friend and fellow mermaid Dr. Hannah Stewart as an outdoor diva.

Always bright eyed and up for anything, Hannah works as a Marine Biologist in beautiful Friday Harbor, WA. She spends most of her days underwater researching marine ecology in beautiful places as varied as the Bahamas, French Polynesia, coastal California and now the seas near British Columbia. Her research was recently covered by National Geographic Kids

Although she claims she "doesn't like gravity," she is also a skilled surfer, a varsity athlete soccer player and avid bike commuter, and still manages to pick up new sports with such ease and funfilled grace. She has most recently mastered telemarking Colorado's peaks and last but not least, kicks butt as captain playing center in a Women's Hockey League, true to her Canadian roots.

She is singlehandedly introducing the Mountain Hardwear brand to the islands of Washington State, by looking ever so fabulous in her Mountain Hardwear gear whether in town or at sea and on the slopes. She is constantly praising the performance of Mountain Hardwear's windstopper soft shell jackets when out to sea, and uses the waterproof gloves for handling dive gear on the boat.

Her Downtown coat is her favorite outdoor piece because it keeps her warm from her head down to her knees. She even boasts of bringing only the jacket on overnights and using it as a sleeping bag. She considers herself a Mountain Hardwear field tester/model. No doubt her lifestyle pushes the gear's performance, while making it look its best.

It's always hard to keep up with her, especially under water. Hannah is the most inspiring mermaid I ever met. In fact the only mermaid I've had the pleasure to know.

Viva Diva!

Nominated by Jessica Riquetti

Outdoor Diva Allyson Franco

Allyson is a 24/7 Diva! She has even found a way to incorporate work into an outdoor Diva's lifestyle. When she is not taking care of our five year old son she works as outdoor fitness instructor as well as indoor cycle instructor. When she is not helping others meet their fitness goals she spends her free time hiking, ridding, paddling, and running in preparation for a full adventure race schedule. This demanding sport requires excellent gear capable of withstanding the most unforgiving conditions for up to 30 hours of constant racing.

Nominated by John Franco

Outdoor Diva Melissa Potter

Not only does she climb 5.9s like a champ, she can hike for miles without one complaint. She's got grit and determination out on the trail. She can hang with any man. I learned how tough she was when one day we did a 21 mile day hike of the Otter Creek Wilderness in West Virginia. We hiked fast. We went at a 4 mile per hour clip the whole time and she didn't complain one bit. She's tough. She recently went to a Sterling ropes weekend called Goddess on the Rock. If she became a Diva it would only be fitting. Choose her. She's the chick you're lookin' for.

Nominated by DJ Shalvey

Outdoor Diva Brittany Lewis

Beeta bug has cold hands and a very warm heart all year round. For a graduate student to be as active as her, would be school/work suicide, not so for the Britster. This Mountain Mama can be found rippin the Wasatch mountains on her AT's pre and post season. Has a V02 max that will kill most dudes and has the guts of a minx. Mountain biking, Backpacking, Rock Climbing, Adventure racing, Piste and Off-Piste Skiing, Dancing all night to 80's disco, or just chillin... all with our two huge Alaskan Malamutes. She gracefully exhibits her latest bruises and cuts the size of apple fritters. Truly the sauciest, sweetest, heart-felt person I've ever met. All day long, step by patient step, she helps kids with brain injuries, diseases, and other disorders learn to speak again or for the first time. Top of her class and juggles two demanding jobs on top of school. Oh, and puts up with me along with her highly strung out family that calls her "number one" because she keeps us all sane and happy. Her Mountain Hardwear gear has happily weathered it all.

She is Divalicious!

Nominated by JP Lewis.

Outdoor Diva Laurie Zuehlsdorff

Mention an adventure in the mountains to Laurie. You will see her eyes start to sparkle. You will see her cheeks get flushed. You will see a toothy grin crack across on her face. She already has a bag packed, and before you know it you will be heating up dinner on her cook-stove.

Laurie is a quintessential mountain diva. It doesn't matter what sport it is. It doesn't matter what season it is. If something is going on in the mountains she has either done it, is training for it, or has plans to do it next weekend. In the last year that I have known her, she has re-introduced me to the mountains I live in, but had forgotten about. She has drug me into slot canyons that squeezed, up sheer slopes that terrified, and down chutes that turned stomachs.

She loads up her bicycle and leaves an hour before work so she has time to lift at the gym. At lunch she'll go run for an hour. After work she'll meet up with her women's mountain bike group for a spin in the hills, and then she'll go rock climbing at the gym after it gets dark. And all that is on a Wednesday. On the weekends, you won't be able to find her without a GPS.

Spend a week with Laurie, and if you can still walk afterwards you will understand why she is a Mountain Hardwear Diva.

She is not losing an extra 200 pounds, not recovering from illness, and not juggling five kids and a career. What she is doing, is kicking my butt up and down every mountain in Colorado on foot, bike and board in my Mountain Hardwear jacket.

If she is a winner, maybe I can get it back.

Nominated by Mark Mages

Outdoor Diva Shani Baker

My younger sister really knows how to live. After years in college and internships applying her biology/physiology degree she decided that snowboarding was her love and passion (see her picture)and headed to Mammoth Lakes to snowboard and live her dream. On the way there, during a stop in Colorado, she met her future (now) husband and amazingly once she was established there fell into a job that not only applied her degree - but allowed her to go further than she ever dreamed as a paid surgical tech intern. She currently lives in Mammoth with her husband, two great danes, Rogue and Lucky (really - he's a Hurricane Katrina rescuee), works three lonnnnggg days a week and can snowboard a hundred days a year right out of her back door. My girl is a mountain goddess and living the dream!

Nominated by Brandy Woodall

Outdoor Diva Michelle Walker

My older sister, Michelle, sits at a desk the majority of the week "engineering" buildings. Although she seems to get her work done, I have a theory that she really spends this time planning her next adventure -if not updating her blog so all of us who limit our trips to the outdoors to a couple of times a month can drool over the news of her last excursion.

A true weekend warrior, she tends to go kayaking, rock climbing and/or hiking every Saturday and Sunday. While I am not sure how she finds the time or energy to keep going, I am glad she always has a trusty camera glued to her face so I can at least live the outdoors vicariously.

Nominated by Margaret Homerding

Outdoor Diva Carol Farmer

Diva (noun): A usually glamorous and successful female performer or personality.

They should put a picture of Carol next to that definition in Webster's 5th. Always glamorous and beautiful, especially after 3 straight days of adventure racing, she's as successful in her athletic endeavors as she is in her career and her endless pursuit to help others. Addicted to working out and staying in shape for whatever epic adventure she decides to confront next, she sets the standard for "training for life". Whether it's 5-mile open ocean swims, ultra trail marathons, multi-day adventure races or 50 mile paddles, she approaches everything with a tenacity that makes the rest of us look like slackers. She symbolizes all that is good about endurance sports and outdoor enthusiasts with her dedication to various charities and causes and leading by example with her environmentally-friendly lifestyle. She is my hero and she should be yours as well.

Nominated by Jim Farmer

Outdoor Diva Sheldon Plentovich

I am nominating one of my closest friends and favorite climbing partners ever, Sheldon Plentovich. When we met she was playing on a professional beach volleyball circuit, and leading hard trad routes on the sandstone of Chattanooga. She was completing a master's degree in wildlife science and afterwards began working on a doctorate in conservation biology in Hawaii. It was in 1999 that she started to kiteboard while studying on the island and less than two years later she was on her way to being the best female kiteboarder in the world. Winning first and second in all of the comps she soon became an icon in the sport (much like Lynn Hill). She not only inspired other women, but men as well and became a favorite amongst her peers due to her positive attitude, and incredible desire to try anything. Although she was flying high from her wins and successes in her life, she began to feel tired and ill and sadly was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.

She was given a 12% chance to survive in three years. With a bone marrow transplant from her brother and an inner tenacity to prove everyone wrong, she went into remission. In March of 2006, she was diagnosed again and had to start it all over with intense chemo therapy and an awful knowledge of what was to come. But she didn't let it get her down. Instead she focused on healing with yoga, healthy eating and a mental positive attitude. Soon after she came out of the hospital she came to visit me. She wanted to teach me some yoga poses while she told me about her saga and what she went through in the hospital: the chemotherapy, the shingles, and the pain. While explaining to me the bone marrow transplant and how awful she felt, she quietly and easily went into a yoga scorpion pose that to this day I cannot repeat. She is still rock climbing, kiteboarding, surfing and doing yoga, as well as assisting the birds on the island of Hawaii with her amazing research and work. Sheldon is truly the epitome of a Mountain Hardwear Diva to me - a true inspiration in my life and to anyone who has met her.

Nominated By Michelle Smith

Outdoor Diva Alyse Kelly-Jones

Alyse is a busy OB/GYN doctor that's passionate about women's health and triathlons. About a year ago she got the idea to motivate other ladies to compete in their first triathlon. On Oct 7, 2007, over 100 women competed in their frist triathlon because of Alyse. Alyse herself has competed in numerous triathlons. How awesome is that?

Nominated By Melissa Carrara

Outdoor Diva Kristina Folcik

I believe I am a Mountain Hardwear Diva because I strive to be an inspiration to women of all ages. Up until the age of 18 I used to sit on the couch and eat donuts. A friend suggested we try mountain biking and it forever changed my life.

I soon began racing my mountain bike and met many wonderful friends. Along the way I picked up a variety of interests and injuries. The worst injuries were a broken back, concussions, and a dislocated shoulder. When my doctor told me I would never run again I took up running 2 years after the injury to prove him wrong. Last year I ran my first 50 mile ultra marathon and this year summitted Gannett Peak! The mind is more powerful than we think.

Here I am ten years later and I now participate in many sports! I mountain bike (I jumped over a 16 foot road gap last year and lived to tell about it!), road bike, trail run, white water kayak, rock and ice climb, dirt bike, snowboard, snowshoe, do mountaineering (I am working up to doing Denali unguided), and what ever else excites me! I am always encouraging women to become more active and take them out to learn new sports, besides I need more girls to play with!

The outdoors have given me confidence, happiness, amazing friends, and an awesome boyfriend. I find peace when I am outside playing. During the week I am a dental hygienist but after work and on the weekends I am an athlete. It doesn't matter what the weather is, I am outside every chance I get.

Outdoor Diva Alexandra Croft

Alex is an inspiration to everyone around her. Her love for the outdoors is infectious. From rock climbing to surfing to mountain biking to triathlons she does it all. Not only does she do all these sports herself, but reaches out to others to help them find their own love for the outdoors. Her outgoing spirit is enough for someone to want to go outside and experience life and the amazing things than one can enjoy. This past summer she single handedly planned a large outing to a local surf spot to teach friends how to surf in the bitter cold pacific ocean. For three days she was out in the water helping people stand up on their very first wave (always the most memorable!) Everyone who went on that trip walked away ready for their next surf safari. I feel that Alex deserves a recognition for all that she does for people and inspiring them to head for the great outdoors!!!

Nominated By Alexander Jones

Outdoor Diva Amy Hendricks

My mother loves the outdoors! She lives first for our family, but then to exercise outside. She loves the different smells during different times of the year. The spring lilacs, the burning leaves, the cold, crispy snow. She also loves to get dressed! Since she spends so much time working out, she spends a lot of time having just the right outfit for each climate and activity. She loves matching shoes, matching outfits, and of course, the newest colors and materials.

My mother's most important job is to be our mom. We spend a lot of time together because she takes her job very seriously. She is trying to create good and healthy citizens. Exercising is a family activity and each of us understands the importance of having a healthy mind and body.

When my mother is not with us and not working out, she volunteers throughout the community. She gives her heart to saving and improving our community for future generations.

My sister Elle and I think she is a real diva - and a great role model for all mothers and all women.

Nominated by Annie and Elle Hendricks

Outdoor Diva Jennifer Manner

Unlike so many other outdoor divas, my wife transformed much later in life on a trip to Lake Tahoe and the Grand Canyon where her love the outside blossomed. Over 15 years later, Jennifer an attorney and senior executive at a major telecommunications company, an adjunct professor of law at two national law schools, a published author with two books and numerous scholarly articles, a woman who holds numerous board positions on educational and other institutions, still cherishes her time outdoors above all her other pursuits.

Unlike other women in Washington, D.C., Jennifer takes advantage more than just the political climate; to the contrary, she spends a substantial part of every day biking, swimming, trail running, kayaking and rowing, among other outdoor activities. Non-work days often include rock climbing, surfing, skiing or any other activity we can find to do. In all of these activities, Mountain Hardwear gear is an integral part of her dress and our overall gear (including our tent, which Jennifer raves about every night we spend in it!)

Further, Jennifer also serves as an inspiration to others. Whether it is creating running clubs for others whom she works with to inspire runners of all speeds, forming racing teams with her colleagues, or cleaning area parks to ensure others can also enjoy them, Jennifer's enthusiasm shines through and her love for Mountain Hardwear Gear which she urges others to also use as a quality product, which also makes Jennifer feel more like the outdoor diva she is.

Nominated By Eric Glasgow

Outdoor Diva Mary Vrana

Mary loves the outdoors... When not at work she is up for any adventure. Whether it is biking 100 miles or hiking the Blue Hills, no challenge is too large for her to finish.

Nominated By Brad Nihtila

Outdoor Diva Brianna Stuhr

My nominee for Mountain Hardwear Diva is my best friend Brianna Stuhr. I believe she deserves this nomination because she not only loves the outdoors and is passionate about what she does, but also because of the other obstacles in her life she has to deal with, all the while finding time to get out there for herself and have fun. She doesn't make a lot of money and I think this would be a dream come true for her.

She's a fishing guide with me here in Alaska, she has a fire for what she does as well as having an interest in getting others out there and teaching them and showing them the ropes as far as fly fishing in Alaska goes. She spares no expense on her clients when it comes to putting them on the fish. And most of all, she does it all professionally and with a grace that only a female outdoorswoman can achieve. I think she would be a true Mountain Hardwear Diva well deserving of the title.

Nominated By Jerry Herrod

Outdoor Diva Sara Ceglia

This is me and my wife, Sara last year in the Canadian Rockies. She is a bad ass at everything she does and a gear snob too. Her and I both love Mountain Hardwear gear. But anyway, she has a true passion for the outdoors. She was a stay-at-home mom for the first 2 years with our first son, and believe me, any opportunity she had to take him hiking, biking, kayaking, you name it she did it! I've never known anyone so hardcore with the outdoors and could pull it off looking hot too! After we returned home from our Rockies ski trip we found out we were expecting our second baby boy. He is going on a year old now, and she is still as active as she has ever been!

Nominated By Andrew Ceglia

Outdoor Diva Lauren Ledford

Lauren Ledford in my opinion is the essence of a Mountain Hardwear outdoor diva. Her passion for adventure and discovery is never satisfied through experiences she adamantly pursues. Whether it is daring to kayak down raging rivers, traversing through wildernesses with the simplicity of a backpack, exploring the dark and uncharted passages of caves not yet named, scaling rock faces, snowboarding down icy slopes, or paddling mysterious swamps in a canoe.

Lauren took the "outside" to another level not braved by many by making the outdoors not only her playtime, but also her career. Lauren and several others have begun a non-profit wilderness adventure camp in North Carolina. Through this Lauren unselfishly gives youth the opportunity to discover their own passion for the outdoors by teaching them how to kayak, leading them down the exciting passages of the underground, guiding them over mountains so beautiful they take your breath away, and by instilling in them the amazing gift of appreciating the amazing world that we live in. I know this first hand because I was one of the youths that she invested her time in. Because of her, I have a passion to explore the marvelous pursuits that nature offers. Lauren inspired me so much that I am currently studying Outdoor Education as an undergraduate degree.

Lauren not only enjoys her adventures but she shares them with others, and that in my opinion is the mark of a true outdoor enthusiast.

Nominated by Sophie Allen

Outdoor Divas Amy Lawton, Gina Wither, and Cristen Malia

This may be against the rules, but in a town ubiquitous with Mountain Hardwear Divas, I find it next to impossible to nominate only one phenomenal, outdoors-woman. Steamboat Springs, a mere dot on the map in NW Colorado, is home to a disproportionate number of women hovering at or surpassing Diva status, but there are three women that are especially worthy of nomination: Amy Lawton, Gina Wither and Cristen Malia.

What unites these women beyond their friendship, their passion for sport and their energy for all things mountain, is the fact that they all had their first-borns within one six-week period. Just like that, 3 brand-new moms and 3 brand-new boys. Abrupt changes in lifestyle have taken place. These ladies aren't currently training for (and crushing) the Iron Man Triathlon or cranking out century rides on the average Saturday, like Amy has been known to do. Gina is finding less time to skip away for a weekend to bike the Monarch Crest Trail just before leading high school students from CO to Moab along the Kokopelli Trail. And Cristen's days of competing in the Xterra Championships and the Vail 100 appear to be temporarily on hold. Let's face it...time is limited when you have another being dependent upon the timely functioning your mammary glands.

While they were most certainly Divas prior to the birth of their children, I believe that they are now even more deserving of the title. With the support of their equally studly husbands, these women continue to work and make time for themselves (and their babies) to get out and enjoy the outdoors daily. The ladies race to get in a sick MTB ride in a two-hour breastfeeding window. On these days, interval training takes on a whole new meaning. With the little ones in tow, day hikes and backpack trips require just a bit more foresight and an extra Viperine 3 serving as the infant sunshade/playpen.

While each woman is unique in their own right, with her own strengths and skills, these three divas deserve some combined recognition even if only to draw attention to the many women out there who have shown them how it can be done. It seems to me that today's woman really can have it all: a great career, a wonderful family and a healthy and active lifestyle. It just takes some passion and a little extra planning.

Nominated by Erin Brosterhous

Outdoor Diva Becky Trafecanty

Becky is one busy Diva. Between juggling her full-time job as a Family Specialist II for EMQ (a family and children's mental health company), taking a full load of pre-requisite courses and applying to UCSF's nursing school, training and traveling regularly as a boulderer, she still manages to find time to trail run in the hills of Los Gatos and escape for the occasional backcountry Eastern Sierra lark. She recently returned from Huaraz, Peru, where she volunteered at the regional hospital serving the indigent population and explored the vast potential of bouldering around Hatun Machay and the Cordillera Blanca. Becky loves putting her Mountain Hardwear gear to the test in her favorite destinations: Squamish, Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, Joshua Tree, and her backyard playground, Castle Rock. She plays as hard as she works; and if you've ever had the pleasure of bouldering or running with her, you'd know that this Diva means business!

Nominated by Al Liu

Outdoor Diva Tori Clements

Tori is an outdoor diva extraordinaire. She has worked at a camp during summers since 2004, and now is a year-round intern. She is a full-time college student with several scholarships, but still finds time to sneak off into the wilderness with a pack of friends. The attached pictures are from a recent spelunking expedition (red bandana). She neglected study this weekend to go jeep-riding up a mountain so she could hike to the fire tower with some other friends. She'll go with anyone who is looking for someone to hike, raft, climb, or explore a cave with. She loves to take the camera along to capture the event for posterity and art. Given the choice of exploring the mall for the latest fashions or wandering through the local mountain outfitters store, she'll take the latter every time.

It sounds like this is all Tori would have time for, but she also is active in church, has three brothers to contend with, is a budding photographer, and has two jobs, all while keeping her grades up and paying her bills early. I think she's a strong candidate for Mountain Hardwear Diva.

Outdoor Diva Jessica Ritson

Jess is one of the most active women I know. Not only does she hold a professional position, she manages to balance her life with solid outdoor activities. Snowshoeing, biking, exercise, hiking are only a few of her activities. She does this while maintaining a professional position as a school counselor. Jess will go above and beyond to help others who want to experience physical activities. As a novice to water skiing, she exercised much patience with me. I have also witnessed her inspire others to live healthy lives and coach them to a solid exercise plan.

Nominated By Jeffrey Fecher

Outdoor Diva Laura Hartstone

I am so proud of my daughter, Laura, and consider her an amazing outdoor diva. She's a native of Flagstaff, Arizona. During her sophomore year at the University of Arizona, she went to Africa to help with education and awareness of HIV/AIDs. She fell in love with Africa and the people she met there. She also spent a semester there doing research.

It was then that she signed on to her friend's idea to climb three of Africa's highest peaks in hopes to help tackle "three peak" issues facing Africa today - Environmental Sustainability, Education, and HIV/AIDS. They began a journey that would take two years to complete - 3peaks3weeks. Laura and nine other women raised $370,000 AUD to help those causes. These ten inspirational women took on a challenge that many believed could not be done. While Laura was finishing her last year at U of A, she started training for that feat. She hiked with progressively heavier packs for longer and longer distances. What so amazing is that she still made time to volunteer with two African refugee families, attend school full time, and a job.

On scholarship for a spiritual journey in July 2006, Laura went to Peru. While there she trekked the Inca Trail. As the months closed in on the 3peaks/3weeks challenge, you could find Laura hiking the Grand Canyon's trails in full heavy gear. She was ready. All ten women summitted all three peaks in January of 2007 in just three weeks!

In August 2007, Laura attempted to climb Mt. Rainier. She diligently wore her sub-zero Mountain Hardwear parka which had kept her warm on the three peaks. She's learned the importance of good gear on a climb. She's my inspiration and deserves to be counted among the outdoor Divas of the world.

Nominated By Sandy Hartstone

Outdoor Diva Kendall Prescott

Kendall rock climbs, ice climbs and mountain bikes in the mountains of New Hampshire her home and native state. She has hiked many of the 4000 footers in the White Mountain National Forest. In addition to her outdoor accomplishments she played four years of college basketball. Kendall Played on a team that had won 2 conference titles and maintained a very high GPA to graduate with a degree in Chemistry. When she is not out climbing, biking or running with her Great Dane Wilbraham she fills her spare time as a dental assistant at a local practice. Her life long goal is to enter dental school and become a dentist. Kendall has zest for life; she is one who loves the Creator and experiencing what He has created.

Nominated By Perrin Prescott

Outdoor Diva Sallyanne English

A native Aussie, I have been working and living in California since 1998 where I have worked as a ski instructor, climbing instructor, outdoor guide and now project manager in San Francisco. I am just as happy to go for swanky drinks as I am going on a trans-Sierra ski.

SF is a close drive to my beloved mountains where I love to ski my home mountain of Mammoth and now Tahoe's abundance of great skiing. Working behind a desk isn't that great, but I guide part-time for UCSF's outdoor programs for moonlight paddling trips, skiing and backpacking trips - so I am taking advantage of the outdoors opportunities the area has to offer.

Being outside is a crucial part of my life and I adore sharing those experiences with my friends, family and whoever I can get outside to play with me!

Outdoor Diva Aimee Leidich

One name, two words, four syllables: Aimee Leidich. This name may not mean much to you now but by the end of this page it will. I want to nominate Aimee Leidich for your Diva & Conquer! contest. Aimee is a Colorado native living and working in Steamboat Springs, CO. Nothing makes her happier than to bike, hike, ski, camp, snowboard, backpack, snowshoe, travel, and in general: be outside. She works at a hospital during the night so she can enjoy these activities everyday. Aimee brings her love of the outdoors to all.

What makes her perfect for this contest is how she instills her enthusiasm of the outdoors upon others. She is an incredible teacher of the outdoors and could not be more patient. She would skip a powder day to teach a newcomer how to ski. Every year she spends two days teaching climbing to blind children and spends a weekend sledding and snowshoeing with these children. She is very unselfish and modest about her abilities in the outdoors. So how can Mountain Hardwear help Aimee you ask? (Or maybe you didn't but I'll tell you anyways).

I'm pretty sure in the six years I've known her I have never seen her with new outdoor equipment. She could not care less about her equipment as long as it "functions" well enough. Truth be told though, she's making the rest of us look bad with her 90's mountain fashion! Not to mention, with new gear lightening her load, her backpacking trips could last a few days longer and her ski days a little warmer. So if you are looking for a diva whom never turns down an outdoor challenge and is a true outdoor enthusiast; like I told you before; one name, two words, four syllables: Aimee Leidich.

Nominated by Kaitlin Lombardi

Outdoor Diva Pam Deem

Becoming a Mountain Hardwear Diva isn't an easy task, expecially when you've got to juggle the responsibilities of being a single mom of two boys. Pam has stepped up to the role of both mother and father for her two boys, leading them on the types of adventures that boys need to grow up in the great outdoors. Pam works full time to pay the bills yet, chores and other issues never get in the way of her going out for a few hours of climbing, hiking or biking every day. She is truly a diva, because every day she's out doing what she loves in the outdoors.

On one particular backpacking trip in a side canyon of the Grand Canyon, we encountered a massive flash flood which required swimming through mule-poop-filled flood waters to worm our way out of the canyon. Now if that doesn't make a women hardcore, I don't know what does.

At the young age of 49, Pam is extremely fit and currently climbing 5.12 routes, makes the pre-dawn backcountry skiing starts and still makes it home in time to pick the kids up from school, take them on a little adventure and then cook dinner. If your looking for a Hardwear Hardcore Diva, Pam is your poster women. She's the do it all, extreme sports, outdoors junkie who is always smiling ear to ear for the love, joy and passion of the great outdoors and sharing that passion with her kids and others.

Nominated by Ron Thompson

Outdoor Diva Pam Roy

I am nominating Pam because she is the most passionate hiker with whom I have had the opportunity to spend time.

Her love of the outdoors is evident the moment she gets to the mountains. Her ability to appreciate the beauty around her and to share that with those she goes hiking with is evident whenever she is surrounded by the peaks and trails that she hikes upon.

Her passion for hiking has extended to significant contributions in volunteerism in the outdoors. She spends more than 2 weeks a year doing trail work for local trail groups. She was a volunteer "Meadow Rover-Greeter" at Mt. Rainier National Park and she was one of the top fundraisers the last 2 years for the Washington Trails Association's annual Hike-a-thon.

She seems to be able to appreciate both the beauty of being in the mountains as well enjoy the physical challenge of doing a 28 mile long day hike.

Pam is a diva in the truest sense as over 15 years ago she was involved in a serious car accident that threatened her ability to ever get back to her true passion of hiking.

To this day she is grateful for her recovery and the joy she gets from connecting with the outdoors.

Nominated by Sabina Havkins