The Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC) is accepting nominations
for the First Ascent Award, which is generously underwritten by Timberland. This
award recognizes a woman new to the industry who demonstrates strong potential
for leadership. This award furthers the vision of OIWC by increasing visibility
of talented young women at lower levels in an organization, thereby facilitating
and nurturing their leadership skills.

The winner of the First Ascent Award will
be announced at an OIWC Gathering on August 10th from 6 – 9pm at
Abravanel Hall (next to Salt Palace). The winner of the First Ascent
Award receives a scholarship to a Strozzi Institute for Leadership workshop in
Petaluma, CA. The popular four-day workshop, “Leadership
in Action 1: Principles and Practices,” is valued at $2500. The OIWC provides
round-trip airfare to Petaluma. The recipient is responsible for food
and accommodations.
Timberland supported the award in 2006, and
stepped up again in 2007 to help honor these outstanding young women in the
outdoor industry. “It is imperative for the health and vitality of our Outdoor
Industry that we recognize and promote individuals who possess a passion for the
outdoors and potential for career advancement, especially with programs which
nurture and promote leadership paths for women. Timberland is proud to partner
with the OIWC by supporting the First Ascent Award,” said Jay Steere, Global VP,
Timberland Outdoor Performance.
The inaugural First Ascent Award for the
Outdoor Industry was won in 2005 by Jennifer
Wittman of Outside Magazine. Jordan Jiskra of Burton Snowboards
won in 2006.
The deadline to submit
nominations is July 15, 2007. Nominations can be submitted
online at www.oiwc.org.