In partnership with the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Women Emerging had launched an expedition, or in this case a ‘Journey’, for 18 indigenous and ally women from across the Cascadia Eco-Region.

The Journey launched in February 2024 and concluded in September 2024. Over the 7 months members explored what leading meant to them in their unique context and decided how they as individuals and as a community of women, want to lead.

The Journey connected them as a collective group of women leading and provided them with the tools and framework to thrive as they lead. The members are going forth with their learnings, experience and crucially, with their own map reflecting their unique context and perspectives, a map which they can share with women and girls in their broader community.

At the end, with the permission of the members and community we have shared the wisdom, insights and beauty of their findings on the Women Emerging website.

The expedition was co-led by Jackie Qataliña Schaeffer and Julia Middleton, the founder of Women Emerging. They were supported by Jamie Donatuto and Katie McEvoy as Community Managers.