2023
Fridley, MN
Melissa gives back as a job – she’s a licensed Social Worker, and she’s driven by a commitment to supporting folks in living a more fulfilled life. As she tells it, Melissa has only considered herself “outdoorsy” within the last five years – and she’s really embraced that identity! She calls Minnesota home and loves kayaking, running, camping, and most recently, backpacking.
I'm an aspiring trail runner from Portland, OR, proving that middle age is just the beginning. Five years ago, a neck injury left me wondering if I'd ever hike again - now I'm training for my first 50K. When I'm not trail running, I'm backpacking with a multi-year goal of section hiking the PCT. From 9-5, I work in marketing for a global non-profit, but after hours and on weekends you'll find me on the trails encouraging other women to try hard things.
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