“From 2 of us, it became 3, 4, 5, 6. As this community grew, the more and more we connected with each other and found support. The connection and friendship that we were building with each other on and off trails became a driving force to keep going.“
Gunjan Utreja
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Gunjan Utreja is a first-generation Indian immigrant to the United States who earned a master’s degree in engineering and built an 18-year corporate career as a hardware engineer in the semiconductor industry. Deep in her career, Gunjan realized she needed more time for self-care, and found that getting outdoors gave her that space.
Her new passion led her to co-found the HikeQueen Buddies community, which inspired the creation of MyTrailPals—a mobile app designed to integrate outdoors into everyday existence.
We spoke with Gunjan on the See Her Outside Podcast.
Gunjan and Angie talked about:
- Growing up in India and moving to the United States
- How early morning hikes with a friend spiraled into a large, active hiking community: HikeQueen Buddies
- The importance of “third spaces” for women outside of work and home duties
- Why Gunjan’s creating the MyTrailPals mobile app to encourage community in the outdoors
- Managing self-care as a parent, entrepreneur, and outdoor enthusiast
- Tips for women looking to build their own community groups
Send this episode to a woman who you’d love to go on a hike with.
Mentioned in this episode:
- Gunjan on LinkedIn
- MyTrailPals app and Instagram
- HikeQueen Buddies and Hiking Buddies of Bay
- RSVP for the free Trail Talk on May 28: Adventure Nutrition and Q+A
- Sign up for the June 100 Challenge!
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You can help us close the gender gap outdoors and beyond:
- Become a Trailblazer. Your Adventure Fundraiser makes wilderness experiences possible for girls and women.
- Check out the Summit Scholarship Foundation.
- Share this episode with a friend or family member.
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The Cairn Project
Mobilizing to empower young women in the outdoors through grantmaking.