CHAPTER IV: RISING
Chapter IV: Rising builds upon Chapter III’s exploration of power, delving into the creative process, imagination, reinvention and leadership.
LAUREN GURNEY
Wyoming’s only female D.U.S.T.O.F.F. MEDEVAC pilot and the owner of Jackson Hole Cake Company
“It clicked 100 percent to be a MEDEVAC pilot and save lives. D.U.S.T.O.F.F. stands for Dedicated Unhesitating Service to Our Fighting Forces, and I feel that so inherently in my bones once I get into a helicopter.”
ROSIE BERGER
Former Wyoming legislator and community leader
“When you’re looking at ways to diversify the economy, encourage entrepreneurship, and change policy—having women involved at every level changes the conversation.”
HILLARY WALRATH
Wildlife biologist, manager of the Henry’s Fork waterway for Trout Unlimited, and founder of the Seedskadee Women’s Fly Fishing Float
“People need these wild places to disconnect. We live in a very fast-paced world and technology is great, but it doesn’t solve all of our problems. I think it’s very important that we make people aware of these wild places, so they want to keep them around for future generations.”
ELIZABETH FERNANDEZ
Creator, choreographer, and the executive and artistic director of Rocky Mountain School of the Arts and Rocky Mountain Dance Theatre
“The arts to me is an avenue of reflection, it’s an avenue of creating perspective, and I think it’s the best avenue for those two things—reflection and perspective—and if we don’t do that, then I’m not sure what we’re doing.”
JILL WINGER
Online homestead mentor and author of The Prairie Homestead cookbook
“When we look at things like canning or gardening or keeping animals, and we start to understand the benefits to us as humans—it’s better for our health; there are studies that show that being in the dirt, the microbes are actually antidepressants—science is starting to back this up. That’s why I’m such a fan of encouraging folks, even if you live in an apartment in New York City, to weave these rural arts and skills into your life. Not because you’re trying to be trendy, but because it’s going to bring you a lot of health benefits, mental benefits, and peace in the process.”