In 2019, our 40th year, we introduced a scholarship award to honor the memory of Jan Brown. Jan was one of our beloved founding mothers. She was an historian and office manager whose contributions to Women Outdoors were vast: Jan tracked our organization's history and publications, as well as kept a comprehensive bibliography of books written by and about women's voyages and adventures in the outdoors that has now been donated to Mount Holyoke College, along with our Women Outdoors archives. She was a world traveler who visited far-flung lands and regaled us all with her marvelous photos and stories. To pay tribute to Jan's countless contributions and her inspiring life, we will be awarding a full scholarship to attend the National Gathering. Future winners will be announced at the Gathering. Don't miss the announcement, timing to be determined—the recipient won't know until you ALL know!

RIP, Jan, we love you, and we miss you.  Read More about Jan

Tusi Gastonguay  Western Mass Region, Awarded August 22, 2026

Tusi has served as regional contact for Western Mass. for more than 26 years. Under her dedicated leadership, she has fostered a strong and vibrant network of women who challenge themselves and seek confidence, courage, comfort and camaraderie in the outdoors.

She leads by example and encourages members to develop their own leadership skills and advance the mission of Women Outdoors. Her high standards and emphasis on safety have resulted in a strong record of healthy and accident-free activities, not to mention fun.

As one member commented, "Tusi is an amazing organizer and leader! She is inclusive, fun and thoughtful."

Another member adds, "Absolutely every single WO event is much better with her there, whether she is leading or not. She is always dancing or singing and she is always herself, pure and joyous and full of awe for the world."

Becky Foreman  Mid-Atlantic Region, Presented August 23, 2025

Granted in recognition of Becky’s outstanding service to Women Outdoors in several capacities. Becky organized two international trips for Women Outdoors including the amazing 2025 trip to Machu Picchu, the Galapagos and the Ecuadorian Amazon. Her skills, knowledge and encouragement enabled several WO members to enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Becky always helps out at the Gathering including our last two years at Camp Scully when she took on full kitchen responsibilities of menu planning, meal prep and service, and overall kitchen supervision.

She also serves as Co-RC of the Mid-Atlantic Region where without exception she makes everyone feel welcomed and supported. She is a great asset to Women Outdoors!

Image is of Becky (on the right) with Kathleen presenting the award.

Kathleen Long  Mid-Atlantic Region, Presented September 7, 2024

Awarded in honor of Kathleen's numerous contributions to Women Outdoors, including two separate terms on the board of directors. During her second term, Kathleen compiled and edited the Women Outdoors Policy Handbook.

In 2008, she worked with Sandy Zohari in developing our current website, paying special attention to its organization, design and content.

Kathleen started the Mid-Atlantic Region in 2009 and continues to serve as Regional Contact along with her Co-RC, Becky Foreman. The Mid-Atlantic Region has expanded by more than 150% in the last two years.

Women Outdoors would not be where it is today without the invaluable contributions of Kathleen Long!

Bonna Wieler  New Hampshire/Vermont Region, Presented August 26, 2023

Granted in recognition of her many contributions to Women Outdoors over a number of years. Repeatedly, Bonna generously gives her time and is willing to go above and beyond in helping others gain skills and confidence in outdoor pursuits.

These include fun trips in her region, often combining paddling and back country camping, as well as teaching paddling skills, to both beginners and the experienced at our National Gathering. 

In addition, for the past several years Bonna has served on the board of directors for Women Outdoors as secretary and record keeper.

Lisa Vaas  Eastern MA region, Presented August 27, 2022

In honor of outstanding leadership and service, the Women Outdoors Board of Directors gratefully award Lisa Vaas, in recognition and appreciation of your exemplary leadership and long-standing dedication to Women Outdoors, the 2022 Jan Brown Memorial Scholarship. Image is of Lisa (on the left) with Mary presenting the award.

Mary Charney Finger Lakes Region, Presented September 11, 2021

Granted in recognition of meticulously reasoned & researched communications on issues facing the Board, problem-solving of leadership issues at the organizational/procedural & personal leader level, and devising a procedure to vet & recruit board members. Image below Anna & Mary

Mary has requested that the award monies – full cost of tuition to the Gathering – be redirected to the regional funds of her Finger Lakes chapter, to be used towards funding The 2022 Anna M. DeSousa Memorial Spring Service Project.

Sandy Zohari   Finger Lakes Region, Presented September 7, 2019

For excellence in web design and support of our online presence.

Together with Kathleen Long, Sandy was instrumental in the search for and upgrade of our online presence to our current host, Wild Apricot. Sandy was involved with all aspects and functionality, including the event calendar, membership levels and profiles, communication (newsletters and emails), etc. Sandy also managed our @womenoutdoors email addresses. In 2019, Sandy totally revamped our web site to the modern interface we have now, including mobile friendly page design.