The Steering Committee is made up of a diverse group of strong, forward-looking women who provide insight, leadership, and lend their collective experience and expertise to ensure the first Women’s Forest Congress is a resounding success.
Meet the current Steering Committee members.
Jasmine is a passionate “change-maker” and through her research on broadening participation within communities of color in forestry and natural resources fields, is helping to create a more holistic and just environment.
Katie is a dynamic and compelling expert on environmental concerns and sustainability; she and her team at Dovetail, a science-based environment think-tank addressing land use and sustainability concerns, excel in translating the most complex, detailed topics into easy reading
Dawn is a passionate experienced HR professional who focuses on growing cultural competence and embracing differences through talent acquisition, employee culture and engagement, performance management, and staff development.
Liz is an avid and practical environmentalist, and through Wood & Co. helps organizations effectively and strategically communicate their commitment to sustainability through diverse channels and approaches.
MaryKate joined the Council to help ensure that women’s perspectives, concerns, and needs are considered in how we think about the future of forestry. She brings a strong global perspective on sustainability strategy and challenges facing the sector, which will complement the existing leadership of the Women’s Forest Congress. She enjoys hiking and camping in national forests and state parks with her husband and two rescue beagles.
Kara leads the development and implementation of strategic partnerships to fulfill American Forest’s mission, including launching the Girl Scout Tree Promise to equip thousands of girls and their families to lead in their communities and be part of the climate solution.
Daphne leads climate and sustainability services at Indufor North America, focusing on strengthening the resilience of forest landscapes for people and nature. She provides due diligence, technical assistance, monitoring, evaluation, and learning support for conservation and restoration initiatives. She is a certified forest therapy guide and an advocate for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) research and education.
Evette’s feat comes from over 21 years of experience in the forestry community assisting landowners and bringing educational opportunities to many who, like her, never had the opportunity to learn about forestry. She has common sense, is relatable, and has a heart for the work we all do to see our forest landowners succeed.
Megan is a conservation and corporate attorney who enjoys collaboratively using her skillset to empower others. Her career is built on fitting creative ideas into legal frameworks; enabling inclusive perspectives and processes for implementable solutions; and embracing the diverse, historic, and ever-changing geographies of the American West.
Past Steering Committee members
The Women’s Forest Congress would like to thank previous Steering Committee members for their leadership.
Lauren Cooper, Director, Forest Carbon & Climate Program, Michigan State University
Alicia Cramer, Senior Vice President, U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities
Asia Dowtin, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urban and Community Forestry, Michigan State University
Ara Erickson, Corporate Sustainability Director, Weyerhaeuser
Rita Hite, President & CEO, American Forest Foundation
Rebecca (Becky) Turner, Esq, Chief Strategy Officer, American Forests