Through Our Eyes: Blazing Trails in Madison's Hiking Community
Join three local Black women for a panel discussion exploring both the joys and barriers they've experienced while hiking in the Madison community. You'll learn about each panelists' individual story of connection to nature and the role hiking plays in each of their lives, hear about the unique challenges Black women face when venturing into outdoor spaces, such as stereotypes and lack of representation, and get tips on how to find your community, be more inclusive on the trails, and maybe even discover some new-to-you hiking spots!
Outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, or those looking to dip their toe into hiking - this is for you. A brief Q&A will follow the panel, and attendees are invited to explore the photography exhibit titled Circulation: Circuits + Cycles. Body + Nature by panelist Liz Boyd while there.
No registration required. Light refreshments and coffee will be provided.
Meet the Panelists:
Jasmine Banks
Jasmine Banks, a proud Madisonian whose family has lived in the city for five generations, continues to live and work on the near east side in her childhood home. She serves as the Deputy Director of Empowerment and Strategic Initiatives at Operation Fresh Start (OFS), a Dane County nonprofit that empowers emerging adults through education, mentoring, and employment training on their path to self-sufficiency. In addition to giving back to the community that shaped her, Jasmine is a certified Master Naturalist, community gardener, hunter, and member of the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin. She completed both the 52 Hike Challenge and the Ice Age Mammoth Challenge in 2022 and finds every opportunity to spend time outdoors.
Liz Boyd
Liz Boyd considers herself a fledging artist and an amateur nature photographer. Hiking became a passion during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, but nature has been a part of her life since the beginning. Her photos are currently on exhibit at Lakeview Library through the end of November in the show Circulation: Circuits + Cycles. Body + Nature. Liz is the Marketing Specialist for Madison Public Library and also serves on the board of Social Media Breakfast Madison.
Qwantese Dourese Winters
Qwantese Dourese Winters is a doula, writer, agriculturist, and mixed media artist based in Madison, Wisconsin. Her work is centered around inspiring black folks to connect with the land, and heal from land-based trauma through the use of joyful engagement with nature, and land practices. With a deep appreciation for food sovereignty, and agriculture Qwantese incorporates these elements into her doula practice, earning her the moniker The Food Doula. Qwantese also served as the 2023 Naturalist-in-Residence at Madison Public Library.
