We joined the world in celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) earlier this year by shining a spotlight on women in the outdoors and those who make it a better place for all. We shared the stories and words of advice and encouragement of leaders, role models, mentors, mothers, sisters, and daughters to uplift and empower all the women who share the outdoors. We have met and gotten to know many more incredible women since March 2022, and we simply couldn’t wait until IWD 2023 to introduce you to more Women in the Outdoors! One of the women we are proud to call our friend at Savage is Judy Rhodes. This is her story!

Judy Rhodes

I am founder of the largest women ONLY outdoor organization across the globe, DIVA…Women Outdoors Worldwide (WOW), a unique all volunteer Sisterhood.

I take great pride in being The Voice of Women in the Outdoors.

Daughter of East Texas ranching parents I discovered the outdoors the Ole fashion way…I lived it. I am committed to conservation and an outdoor lifestyle. Prior to COVID I hunted 250 days annually in swamps, rivers, lakes, mountains, bush and/or fields worldwide. My passion is wingshooting. I have been on 25 safaris, do not count me out on Big Game Hunting.

My advice for women in the outdoors: Go live your BEST outdoor lifestyle! Look for like-minded supportive women to begin your outdoor journey, we are out there and will welcome you with open arms. 

How the outdoor industry can support women: Women are lucky, we have industry leaders willing to mentor, instruct and guide them into successful outdoor adventures. 

How women can get involved in the outdoors: DIVA…Women Outdoors Worldwide www.divawow.org 

We have members in all 50 states and 27 foreign countries. Our mission: Introduce Women to the Outdoors 

How I Got Started:  Being an icon of women in the outdoors, I broke the glass ceiling along with a select group of amazing industry women. I pounded the pavement burned up phonelines and begged, borrowed and pleaded for help to encourage women to have advancements in a male dominated industry! It wasn’t until outdoor industry understood the value of women buying power! My favorite question, “who controls the checkbook in your family”? Women participating in the outdoors is no longer a novelty. We are our own identity and leaders amongst our ranks thanks to industry recognition and financial support.

How I support other women: 28 years ago I had an “A Ha” moment when I realized we had lost two generations in the outdoors. I knew I had to make a difference! Founding a women’s only outdoor organization was my first step to making sure we did not lose another generation in the outdoors. Celebrating 25 years DIVA WOW has become an outdoors sisterhood. Our tribe and cheerleaders has guided many women to become successful in the outdoors! Our membership includes Astronauts to Zookeepers. Our members are given opportunities to become Olympians, All-American Shooters, NRA Certified Instructors, Outdoor and/or Indoor Range owners, Dog Trainers, Skilled Shooters, Hunters and etc from women who had never owned a firearm until they joined our organization. We have given women a voice in the great outdoors. 

Why I’m proud to be a woman in the outdoors: I am proudest of the life long friendships and adventures created with women from all over the world that believe in my vision of introducing women to the great outdoors!

Challenges women face in the outdoor industry: Challenges in my opinion from outdoor industry, accepting women could become outdoor leaders via skills and wisdom! 

How I overcome challenges:  I have overcome challenges by being the real deal in the great outdoors. I walk the walk and talk the talk!

Follow Judy Rhodes @judyprhodes and check out https://divawow.org/.

Read more Women in the Outdoors stories!