The inaugural WOW Summit 2025, hosted by the HikeQueen Buddies community, empowered women to prioritize wellness and embrace the outdoors through inspiring discussions and shared experiences.
The HikeQueen Buddies community hosted its inaugural WOW (Women Outdoors & Wellness) Summit on September 27, a day dedicated to empowering women to prioritize their wellness, embrace the outdoors, and connect with a supportive community.
Bringing together over 100 attendees, the summit offered an enriching experience filled with powerful conversations, shared stories, and collective energy. The event was organized by the HikeQueen Buddies core team, which includes Gunjan Utreja, Madhavi Potharaju, Priti Dwivedi, and Saritha Mallu. Emceed by volunteers Pratibha Sharma and Suman Athaghara, the summit showcased the magic that happens when women unite with a shared purpose.
“For far too long,” said the organizers, “women have been conditioned to care for everyone else before themselves. WOW Summit exists to change that narrative—reminding women that prioritizing their own wellness isn’t selfish; it’s essential.”
The summit featured thought-provoking panel discussions with speakers such as Ron Schneidermann, Sonali Desai, Camilo Barcenas, Vivek Thiruvengadam, and Vee (Vandita) Joshi. These panelists shared their inspiring journeys in the realms of outdoor activities, wellness, and sustainability, emphasizing the transformative power of nature and the importance of staying aligned with one’s purpose.
One participant remarked, “The group spirit was incredible, especially hearing the powerful experiences of the ladies who completed those iconic long-distance hikes.”
The key messages intended to inspire participants focused on several themes. Firstly, self-care is not selfish; it is necessary. By prioritizing their own wellness, women can show up stronger for everyone around them. Secondly, staying grounded in humility and aligned with personal values serves as a guiding principle for meaningful impact. Thirdly, purpose acts as the fuel that transforms effort into motion and action into legacy. Lastly, true innovation empowers individuals, providing the right tools to build confidence and make the outdoors accessible to all.
Participants celebrated the spirit of the 2025 WOW Summit, with many expressing joy in building a community that honors women, the outdoors, and wellness. “What a beautiful sight when more than half the room walked up on stage as volunteers! That’s what an engaged, thriving community looks like: one where everyone feels ownership and joy in nurturing it,” one attendee noted.
India Currents served as a media partner for the event, which was sponsored by Qubit Fit, GOES Health, Mission Ridge Dentistry, FaroGear, Backcountry, Florae&you, and TIFA.
The WOW Summit 2025 not only celebrated the empowerment of women but also fostered a sense of community and connection, encouraging participants to embrace their wellness journeys and the great outdoors.
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