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 Stephanie Mallory. This is her story!

Stephanie Mallory

I own Mallory Communications Inc., which provides media relations and content for companies and publications in the outdoor industry. I write magazine articles, website content, press releases and more. I have contracted with Realtree as a PR coordinator and website content provider for more than 20 years.

My advice for women in the outdoors: Find a mentor. I had several mentors that not only taught me how to run my own business, but opened numerous doors for me in the industry. I still reach out to my mentors when I need advice or encouragement. If you can find someone who’s doing what you want to do, and follow in their footsteps, it takes away a lot of the guesswork. Freelance writer John Phillips was one of my most influential mentors. I apprenticed under him for three years before setting off on my own.

How the outdoor industry can support women: Provide opportunities for women to participate in outdoor activities. I love the women’s only hunts that are sometimes sponsored by outdoor companies. I also think it’s great when some of these companies hold events at trade shows that provide women with the opportunity to network and meet other women in the industry. 

How I Got Started:  I was invited to attend a number of media events, hunts and trade shows by my more seasoned counterparts in the industry. These events helped me to make connections and friendships that have served me well both professionally and personally through the years. A number of magazine editors and PR managers gave me a shot to write for them when I first entered the industry and I am forever indebted to them.

How I support other women: Because I benefited so much from my mentors, I’ve paid it forward by mentoring other young women who want to break into the industry. I’ve introduced them to others in the industry who can help them get a foot in the door, have reviewed their work and offered suggestions and have helped them set up a game plan for success.

Why I’m proud to be a woman in the outdoors: I am especially proud of how far women have come in the industry in the past 20 years. When I first entered the outdoor industry, women were often seen as the outsiders. But in recent years, the number of women hunters has surged and they are truly making a name for themselves in the industry. Outdoors women are advocating for each other and developing a supportive community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts who have worked hard to turn their passion into a career.

Follow Stephanie on Facebook @stephanie.davismallory

Read more Women in the Outdoors stories!