When A Work Connection Leads You Down The Rabbit Hole To Deeper Connections Through She Ascends

   As we connect through She Ascends, we form what She Ascends is. Our stories create our legacy. Meet Jamie Broll and Noelle Meyer. As one woman joined the hike looking to connect with other women that enjoyed hiking, she shared her discovery with a co-worker who followed her down the rabbit hole until the next thing they knew, they were both She Ascends hiking LEADERS. This is their She Ascends story.  Jamie had been following a few Minnesota hiking Facebook groups for ideas on where she and her husband could explore and hike. Someone with She Ascends had cross- posted in one of the groups. She had never heard of She Ascends, but quickly realized the group was fairly new and looking for hiking leaders. She was curious to see if anyone was leading a chapter in Mcleod County. When she found out there wasn’t, Jamie jumped on the opportunity…

Jamie:
“Sometimes the best things I do are the ones I don.t put a lot of thought into and just go with it. I found myself sending an inquiry to see what the requirements and commitments were to be a leader. I was excited to be a part of something new and exciting and quickly found the women SA attracted were all very similar in core values, love of nature and hiking and just overall just strong, driven, well-rounded women.”

She Ascends helped Jamie connect with nature, others and myself in so many facets. Through various speakers at the retreats and sharing interests with other hiking leaders she learned even more about nature than she knew before. Being able to hike frequently as a guide, she was able to connect with women from all over Minnesota and North Dakota.

Jamie:
 “She Ascends has also helped me connect with myself by helping me form deeper leadership skills, a deeper understanding of myself.”

During her discovery of She Ascends, Jamie was so excited and jazzed up that she had to tell her co-worker Noelle Meyer about the amazing group that she had discovered.  Excited to explore being a chapter leader, she encouraged encouraged Noelle to lead a county chapter as well.

Jamie:
“I thought this would be fun to be on this journey together! I definitely was right! Noelle is a driven woman who pushes and challenges me. We have a great friendship where we can call it like it is and walk away stronger and better.”

Jamie and Noelle planned, organized, and lead two fall weekend hiking trips to St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin and Alexandria, Minnesota. With a group of 12-15 women, most of whom did not previously know each other, they experienced connections that created memories for a lifetime. During those trips, Jamie and Noelle even inspired a few ladies so much they became She Ascends Hiking Guides themselves. They also had many of the same women attend the 2nd trip like an annual reunion.

Jamie:
“Noelle and I co-led several area hikes together, bringing She Ascends members together, many of whom formed friendships with each other. It fills my soul to have that type of impact and bring so many wonderful women together. It honestly amazes me how a group can attract such like-minded and pure-hearted people. I love the culture She Ascends brings to the nature-hiking loving community!”

Once Jamie and Noelle connected with Mindi Jenson, the founder of She Ascends history was made as she encouraged both of them to become Chapter Leaders.  Working closely together for a Real Estate Team in Hutchinson it was easy for Jamie and Noelle to connect and collaborate on She Ascends adventures.

Noelle:
“It was such a fun journey getting started and helping get She Ascends more established. It has continued to remain an outstanding organization designed to help women connect with each other and nature.”
Noelle found that she loved the structure of monthly hikes and knowing she would get to meet up with a bunch of like-minded women to go hiking.

Noelle:
“If I didn't have this group, I am sure I wouldn't, be out hiking as frequently- I don't enjoy hiking alone. She Ascends has also helped me build some amazing friendships that started years ago from a simple hike as strangers. I have met many women in my area that share my love for nature and being active, and am so thankful for that!”
While Noelle has connected with MANY amazing women, three, in particular, stood out to her. With Jamie Broll, she shares an incredible, uplifting, growth-minded friendship. Jamie pushes and energizes her to be better every day, therefore, reaching goals.

Noelle:
“Although we have always worked great together, I believe that She Ascends has really deepened our relationship and we can share our common interests outside of work.” Noelle agreed with Jamie that one of the things she has had the most fun doing together is planning their annual fall trip getaway to enjoy hiking, wineries, relaxing, and good company with a large group of She Ascends women."

Noelle met Linnea Weida on the very first hike she led in Meeker County. Connecting the dots during conversation they realized they were neighbors and began taking walks together. Linnea has even become Noelle’s dog's favorite person. More recently, they swam laps weekly together to stay active during the winter.

Noelle:
“Although we are not the same age, I consider Linnea one of my closest friends and someone I can look to for advice. “

Lastly, Noelle and Jamie have both found a connection with Mindi Jenson. To Noelle, Mindi has been the She Ascends rock from the get-go. Noelle has found encouragement and support from Mindi anytime she has had a challenge. Jamie views Mindi as a role-model and a pioneer of so many special initiatives such as Hike Hoppers and She Ascends.

Noelle:
“I call her up and am immediately comforted by her and we come up with a solution right away. Mindi is flexible and handles everything thrown at her and the organization with gracefulness and ease. She is the backbone of this organization and I think she is rocking it.”

Jamie:
“She always has a positive attitude through it all and despite changes and obstacles through growing a new non-profit, she is relentless, pivots, and keeps going.  I truly admire her and it's such an honor to have stumbled upon her and She Ascends."

Jamie’s words resonate with me, sometimes we need to step outside our comfort zone to find the gold at the end of the rainbow. In this case, the gold comes in the form of connection, support, and leadership. Two women that formed a stronger connection between themselves and nature, found support through an organization that inspired them to become leaders for other women.

​Jamie:
“My heart has been so full since becoming a chapter leader/hiking guide in 2020.  I have met so many amazing women and formed so many friendships! I had struggled to find many friends who enjoyed hiking and SA was what I was looking for!”

​Connection. This is the power of The Hike. It is the foundation of the She Ascends mission and it is what connects so many members to nature and each other. It is actually what connects all members of She Ascends. It is the cornerstone of our story together. 

Remember The Hike is there for us all, it is a trail leading into the woods, a prairie with a gentle wind, the mountain that begs to be traveled - it is our journey -.The hike connects us to nature and in doing so connects us to self.  
Many hear the call on the trail, embrace “the hike”, and now see the importance of sharing the hike with others.  We think many of you are seeing it and we want to hear your stories.

​“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”    ― Rachel Carson

What is your connection to nature? Have you made a connection to a friend through She Ascends? Have you found a renewed sense of connection and wellness to yourself? We would like to share YOUR story and how it fits into our She Ascends story.”

​To share your story please contact Dawn at: [email protected]
Come join us… Click the link to try a hike at no cost and meet some inspiring women.

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