This year for International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the outdoors and those who make it a better place for all. We want to shine a spotlight on some amazing women in the outdoors – leaders, role models, mentors, mothers, sisters, and daughters – by sharing their stories, words of advice and encouragement for other women. We want to uplift and empower all the women who share the outdoors. One of the women we are proud to call our friend at Savage is Ali Juten. This is her story!

Ali Juten

I own and operate Empower Outdoors LLC. My purpose is twofold - to empower and educate people to get outdoors and hunt, and to help small outdoor companies in their content marketing and social media.

My advice for women in the outdoors: You don't have to be as "hard core" as some of the hunters on social media seem. Don't like sitting in the cold? Try a different type of hunting where you move around - grouse, pheasant, or turkey hunting. Don't want to stay dead silent on a hunt? Try goose hunting. There is something for everyone, try everything you can and find what you like. 

How the outdoor industry can support women: Invite women to the table. In design creation, gear fits, and true field-use input. 

How I Got Started: This industry can be very supportive! I was given opportunities to write in different publications, one being Women's Outdoor News. Barbara Baird is a great support to women in the industry and even helped connect me to a current client.

How I support other women: I've given advice to a few women over the years, but one woman that stands out was a recent college graduate when I met her. We've spoken a bit over the years, and I recently helped her make an industry connection!

Why I’m proud to be a woman in the outdoors: I love being able to show my kids that their mom can provide food for the table and cook it too! 

Challenges women face in the outdoor industry: Honestly, social media is a double-edged sword. It's fun to share outdoor stories and experiences, but it sometimes comes at a cost. Not every woman fits the hunter "mold" and can be ridiculed for it. Not just on social media either. I've had terrible experiences shopping for hunting equipment in the past, not being taken seriously even though I knew exactly what I wanted before I went in the store. It's gradually getting better, but we still have a way to go.

How I overcome challenges: I just try to be as authentic and true on social media as possible. People can't argue with the truth. As far as retail situations go, I arm myself with as much knowledge as I can before I buy anything, and I don't tolerate the "runaround" anymore.

Follow Ali Juten @ali_upnorth

Read more Women in the Outdoors stories!