A blend of Utah’s outdoor beauty and tight-knit community, the Women’s Outdoor Leadership Initiative (WOLI) is a club at the University of Utah that brings together students through adventure, skill-building, and connection. Club president Ryan McNevin and vice president Dhalia Kraus shared what makes WOLI special.
“It’s a community and skills-based organization, just to have a space for female, non-binary, and gender queer students,” said McNevin. “To find solace in learning new skills, building on skills, and creating friendships and relationships with like-minded people in the outdoors.”
Through on-campus events and weekend-long trips, WOLI fosters a culture of support, growth, and fun. From yoga in the park to their annual inclusivity in the outdoors panel, and beginner-friendly climbing or avalanche safety courses led by women, the club offers something for everyone.
“Every year we’ve had a backcountry navigation course, how to navigate in the backcountry using maps and compasses,” McNevin added. “It’s a big one to emphasize our culture; we have a bigger group, and we get to go camping in southern Utah.”
As the club expands, it’s also focused on staying grounded in its values. “We’ve talked about the challenge when an organization grows—making sure we stay true to our pillars, culture, and keep that balance going,” said Kraus.
The board changes yearly as members graduate and new students step up, but that shift is part of what makes WOLI dynamic and inclusive. “It’s cool and unique. We’re pulling from all different skill levels in the outdoors,” McNevin said.
WOLI’s impact goes far beyond skills. “WOLI is how we’ve grown the most, whether that is personal or professional. It doesn’t feel like a job, it’s so fun—you’re learning organization skills, programming, communication,” said Kraus.
“Once you’ve come off a trip with us, you leave with the experience of having 10–15 new best friends. I would have never expected to have that coming in as a freshman if I hadn’t looked at branching out to find a student organization to get involved in,” McNevin said.
In Fall 2024, WOLI launched a scholarship program to break down financial barriers in outdoor recreation. It fully funds two students per trip, opening doors for more students to join in the adventure, regardless of cost.
You can connect with WOLI on Instagram @woli.utah, or find other ways to get involved on their LinkTree.
