Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition announced that Carolyn Cooke has been chosen as the 2007 recipient of the Pioneering Woman Award. The Pioneering Women Award honors women who have furthered the OIWC mission by demonstrating an outstanding commitment to mentoring female colleagues through exemplary leadership skills.

A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Cooke’s activity menu includes backcountry, cross-country and telemark skiing, sea kayaking, mountain biking and backpacking. Her love of the outdoors made pursuing a career in the outdoor industry a natural choice. As early as her teenage years, she was building her business foundation working for outdoor specialty retailers. It was during those formative years that Cooke learned the importance of customer service and the advantages of high-end, quality product.

Years later, Cooke found herself on the fast track at Karhu/Merrell and would eventually earn the position of Vice President of Sales. Never one to pass up an opportunity, she joined the Outdoor Industry Group in 1995 and was the driving force behind the North American introduction of a Swiss-based women’s outdoor apparel brand. She successfully launched and grew the brand until 1998 when she chose to create ISIS. Regarded as an industry leader for her knowledge and contributions to the industry, Cooke is a co-founder of the Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition. She has also served as a board member for the SGMA Outdoor Products Council and the Green Mountain Club of Vermont.

Today, ISIS makes innovative, performance driven apparel for active women. The company strives to meet the apparel needs of all active women regardless of their size, body shape, or activity level. Located in Burlington, Vermont, ISIS is currently distributed to over 400 retail shops in North America. ISIS supports a variety of events and organizations that encourage women and girls to get outdoors and participate in outdoor activities.

To celebrate Cooke and her contributions to the outdoor industry, please attend the OIWC Gathering on Sunday, January 28th from 6 – 9pm at Abravanel Hall (next to Salt Palace) to network, enjoy appetizers and drinks, and see the 2007 Pioneering Woman Award presentation. Immediately following the presentation there will be a slide show and talk on leadership by JanSport's Skip Yowell, author of the soon-to-be-released book The Hippie Guide to Climbing the Corporate Ladder. Plus, bid on great outdoor gear in a silent auction.