October 2025

Transitions are an opportune time for reflection. Seasons change. Jobs change. And committees change. This is a time of transition for the Steering Committee of Women’s Forest Congress and an opportunity for new leadership and participation. With five people rolling off the committee, we thought this would be a good time to share some personal reflections about our time on the Committee and, hopefully, inspire some of our community to apply to be on the Steering Committee. 

From Left to Right:

Rebecca (Becky) Turner started on the Steering Committee in the autumn of 2019, as the representative from American Forests, the then fiscal sponsor of the Women’s Forest Congress. In 2023 she took a pause from the Committee and then rejoined later that year. 

 

Jaana Korhonen joined the Steering Committee in 2023, with an interest to build connections and a sense of community among women and allies working in forestry and other nature-based fields.

 

Daphne Yin joined the Steering Committee in 2023, when she saw an opportunity to seed collaboration and mentorship in support of women across the forest sector. She was especially interested in expanding WFC’s reach to engage more women working in forest conservation and restoration, in the US and internationally.

 

Ara Erickson was part of the “founding” group of women who started dreaming and ideating about the Women’s Forest Congress. She served on the first steering committee from 2019-2023, on the Advisory Council from 2023-2024 and then on the current iteration of the Steering Committee when the two committees were consolidated into one. 

 

Caitlyn Pollihan joined the Advisory Council in 2023 with the hope of ensuring the WFC included women and allies working in and with trees and our urban forests, and stayed on as a member of the Steering Committee after the consolidation. 

 

Below are reflections from some of these departing Steering Committee members on what their time serving with the Congress has meant to them personally, and the importance of the Congress going forward: 

 

Becky’s Reflection

“The Women’s Forest Congress is part of a long tradition dating back to 1882. As the Eighth American Forest Congress, we brought together more than 500 women and allies to forge a community of support, collaboration, and inspiration.  We tapped into a need that continues today; a network of amazing people supporting each other, sharing their stories, and helping to advance women in the field of forestry.  I have been honored to be a part of this effort and look forward to what new leadership will do.”

 

Jaana’s Reflection

“The WFC network is not only a community of professional women but also a powerhouse of knowledge, success, and kindness. In times that often feel overwhelming, this network provides a space that reminds us of the passionate and ongoing efforts to support our lives, our professions, and the balance between them. Built almost entirely on voluntary commitment, it is remarkable how far those who started this movement have led and inspired us—leaving a strong legacy to carry forward. As I step down from my position, I want to encourage others to step forward into leadership—especially those who may feel uncertain about their place in society because of their international background or first language.”

 

Daphne’s Reflection

“WFC has spun a large web on a small budget. I’ve met some incredible women I never would have met without it, and I’m encouraged to see more of us in the room than when I started my career in the forest sector. Yet most women still face an uphill battle advancing professionally—much less restoring the health of our forest landscapes. Here at home, hardwon progress on gender and environment is being reversed. Resilience and solidarity among women in the US and internationally are more critical than ever to navigate this period of increasing forest loss, climate change, and political division. WFC has an important legacy to uphold – and critical work ahead – in uniting more women across siloes to secure a more sustainable future for our communities and forests.”

 

Ara’s Reflection

“What began as a spark of inspiration six years ago has grown into a vibrant community. Today, the Women’s Forest Congress is truly making a difference. We know that creating change requires hard work. It takes passion, creativity, openness, curiosity, perseverance and collaboration. These are the qualities the Women’s Forest Congress embodies and encourages. As I step down from the Steering Committee, I’m reminded of a song shared with me by a fellow WFC colleague and a collaborator: Crowded Table by the Highwomen. Its chorus resonates with me: “I want a house with a crowded table / And a place by the fire for everyone / Let us take on the world while we’re young and able / And bring us back together when the day is done.” The Women’s Forest Congress has built the house, opened the doors and set the table for remarkable achievements, by and for the many unique, passionate people who care for and steward our forests. The table is ready to welcome new ideas, fresh approaches and new connections. I am looking forward to returning to it when each day is done. Now, I invite you to join the leadership of the table. Bring your ideas, your energy, and your voice. Together, let’s continue to shape the future of our forests and our community.”

 

Please apply to join the Steering Committee!

We hope that the Women’s Forest Congress can continue to be a source of inspiration, growth, education, and change for women and our sector. If you want to be a part of shaping the future of the Women’s Forest Congress, we strongly encourage you to apply for a seat on the Steering Committee. This past iteration of the Steering Committee has guided the Women’s Forest Congress as we have consolidated our leadership structure, established a pattern for in-person presence at sector events, and continued to gather the community via quarterly virtual events and blogs. This next cohort will have a chance to build and expand the WFC community, shape a strategic vision for our continued work, reach new audiences, and continue to be a space where women can gather and be heard, listen, and act for the benefit of forests.

Please apply by October 31st, via the form here. Individuals will be notified of selection in late November, and new Steering Committee members will begin two year terms beginning in January 2026. Information about roles and responsibilities can be found here. We welcome and encourage anyone who wishes to hold a leadership role in the Women’s Forest Congress to submit an application, and in particular seek additional involvement of women from groups and with identities that are not well represented and are underserved in the forest and forest products sector.