C-U Women Outdoors
Get to Know the Stories of these Amazing Local Women
Here at Champaign Outdoors, we are passionate about the local people in this community. However, we noticed that many stories of the "outdoors" are told from a male perspective. While those stories are valuable, we know many women who are experts in areas of the outdoors as well. So we gathered seventeen of them and asked them to share their stories.
We have representatives from a wide variety of backgrounds and interests, demonstrating that women are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to all things outdoor sports, research, farming, and more. Get to know our experts and read more about their passion for the outdoors!
Meet the Experts
Neena Tripathy
Marathon Runner
Neena is a marathon runner with a goal to complete a race on all seven continents.
Susie Roloff
Kayak Fishing
Susie is a Kayak Fishing pro and is leading the way for more women to become involved in fishing sports.
Ruth Nicole Brown
Professor and Activist
Ruth Nicole is a professor at the University of Illinois whose research focuses on black girlhood and their experiences outdoors.
Anna Longworth
Freelance Photographer
Anna is a photographer who channels her creative talent through a unique, adventurous spirit in her photos.
Michelle Ryan
Hiker & Runner
Michelle is a local on air personality who is proving that being active and getting outdoors can be fun and very rewarding.
Annette Stumpf
Cycling
Annette is a Research Architect for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who enjoys biking and sailing.
Christel Seyfert & Tricia Whitecomb
Prairie Dragon Paddlers
Christel & Tricia are a mother-daughter duo who paddle for the Prairie Dragon Paddlers. Both are breast cancer survivors.
Madison Penn
Climbing/Bouldering
Madison is a student at the University of Illinois who is passionate about bouldering and sport climbing.
Jodi Adams
Yoga Instructor
Jodi is a yoga instructor, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and photographer who is always seeking adventure outdoors.
Jacquelyn Evers
The Land Connection Director
Jacquelyn is the Director of the Land Connection, a non-profit that focuses on healthy food, healthy farms, and healthy communities.
Kelsey LeFevour
Paralympics
Kelsey is a Paralympic athlete who has competed in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Alyssa Hudson
Long Distance Runner
Alyssa is a competitive long distance runner who encourages all women to live a balanced life.
Traci Barkley
Sola Gratia Farms
Traci is the Director of Sola Gratia Farm and is a passionate food security advocate.
Carmen Ugarte
Soils Research Specialist
Carmen is a Soil Scientist and Research Specialist at the University of Illinois with a passion for gardening and farming.
Amy Armstrong
Family and Community Advocate
Amy is a community advocate and through volunteerism she works to increase awareness of disability issues.
Jennifer Fraterrigo
Ecology Professor
Jennifer Fraterrigo is an Associate Professor of Landscape and Ecosystem Ecology at the University of Illinois who enjoys exploring all the natural world has to offer.