Send us Fan MailSophie Llenos, Land advocate and Board Secretary of the Porter Voice Collective, joins Christine for this week’s soulful conversation as the first guest in our Trailblazer Series, produced in collaboration with Strictly Jane Austen Tours.Sophie is a settler guest on Anishinaabe Aki, originally from Toledo, Ohio, and currently based near Waawiyatanong (Detroit), Michigan. Growing up accompanying her civil engineer father to construction sites and camping in Hocking Hills, she developed an early interest in how humans shape and are shaped by the Land. An avid hiker and wife, Sophie’s personal and professional life are grounded in a love of Land and community.Sophie is a PhD candidate in Earth and Environmental Science at Michigan State University, collaboratively researching ethical engagement in Land-based industries. She holds a B.S. in Geology with a minor in Anthropology and has worked across museums, parks, nonprofits, and higher education. She serves in leadership roles with the Buckeye Trail Association and the Porter Voice Collective and has contributed to international applied research through the American Geophysical Union’s Thriving Earth Exchange. Sophie’s graduate certificates include Adult Learning, Indigenous Studies, Museum Studies, and Nonprofit Leadership, and is committed to fostering ethical, community-centered approaches to Land stewardship and ensuring future generations have access to and care for the natural world, of which we are all a part.In this episode, Sophie and Christine discuss:· Expanding gender equity in the outdoors and creating systemic change in tourism· The concept of rematriation and how a single word reframes indigenous women's power and relational responsibilities· The Porter Voice Collective's mission and the Himalayan Women Trail Leaders initiative in Nepal· Intergenerational thinking as a source of hope for the future of equitable outdoor leadershipJoin us now for this soulful conversation.🌎​​​​​​​​To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website: https://www.souloftravelpodcast.com/season-7/episode-254-sophie-llenos.LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on Buy Me a Coffee.Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!🌎​​​​​​Visit The Porter Collective to learn more and support workforce equity in mountain tourism.Special thanks to Strictly Jane Austen Tours for your partnership in the production of our Trailblazer Series!🌎​​​​​​​​Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here! Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women. Follow us on Instagram: @she.sojourns and @souloftravelpodcast.Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Sophie Llenos (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.Support the show