Cheers to the Trail: My Journey as an Ambassador with the Women’s Wine Hiking Society

Last year as I was transitioning both of my children to their college years, I was looking for an opportunity to spend my time doing something that I was passionate about. Spending time outdoors, hiking, and empowering women were the areas where I found the most personal fulfillment, and I was hopeful for the perfect alignment of my passion with an aligned opportunity.

One morning, while scrolling on Facebook, an ad popped up from the Women’s Wine Hiking Society. I clicked on the ad, immediately read more on their website, and knew this was the fit for me.

With excitement, I filled out the ambassador application online. Soon after, Cindy and Angelique, founders of the Women’s Wine Hiking Society, reached out to me for an interview. I believed my skills were a perfect fit as I work for an international women’s empowerment organization and I loved to hike.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had informally brought together my friends to start monthly women’s hikes. After the pandemic, it was hard to get everyone together as work schedules shifted. This was another reason I wanted to become an ambassador, to always have someone to hike with! A planner to my core, now I enjoy planning the hikes and each month having one or more hiking partners to enjoy time outdoors with.

Initially, I was supposed to kick off my first hike in January 2025, but the unexpected loss of my mother shifted those plans. In February, I was nervous to lead my first hike as I was meeting an entirely new group of women I didn’t know. However, those first steps led to a sisterhood that has connected hope, love, and friendship throughout the year.

Getting outdoors each month helped disconnect me from grieving the loss of my mom. The community of my new hiking friendships always brought a smile to my face and a renewed energy being outdoors. One may think, it may have been the worst time to become an ambassador while grieving a loss and settling an estate, but it ended up being the best timing and an unexpected support.

The friendships, laughter, and connection happened naturally. I soon met my two Colorado ambassador sisters, Tara and Dari. Both women have an energetic and loving spirit filled with excitement and adventure. Dari is an encyclopedia of everything fun to do in the state of Colorado! Tara knows all of the trails in the state and leads life with beautiful passion!

Additionally, I have made many new connections and friends through the group, and I feel like I now have a new network of adventure loving women.

On all of my hikes, I am excited when someone asks about being an ambassador. I speak passionately about how the experience has created a sense of fulfillment in my life. A few highlights I love to share:

1. You always have someone to hike with!
2. Its fun to be creative and plan exciting hike ideas.
3. Outside of the monthly hike, it doesn’t require a large time commitment.
4. It is a great way to meet new people and expand your network of sisterhood.
5. The Women’s Wine Hiking Society offers special perks for being an ambassador and to thank you for the work you do.
6. It is so exciting to meet other hikers and learn about their favorite hikes, best outdoor trips, and travel destinations. You have an insider scoop to many adventures!

Becoming part of the Women’s Wine Hiking Society has reminded me that sometimes the best things in life come when we take that first, uncertain step forward. What began as a simple Facebook click has turned into a journey of healing, connection, and empowerment. Every hike, every laugh shared on the trail, and every new friendship formed has filled my heart with gratitude.

This experience has shown me that community and nature have a way of bringing out our strongest, most joyful selves. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with the outdoors, meet like-minded women, or rediscover your own sense of purpose, becoming an ambassador might just be the adventure you didn’t know you needed.

If you’re interested in becoming an ambassador, click here to see what other ambassadors have to say, to see what’s required, and to apply. So lace up your boots, take that first step, and see where the trail leads you.

Nicole Eubanks

Denver Area (CO) Ambassador