Dana Eklund and Katie Jacobson of Eagle Mount

At a place like Eagle Mount in Bozeman, MT, connections are everything. People with disabilities can escape for therapeutic recreational activities like horseback riding, skiing, swimming, horticulture, iceskating, etc…

Dana Eklund and Katie Jacobson work in the equestrian division at Eagle Mount, teaching the ins and outs of horsemanship. Learning these skills and creating a bond with an animal is an opportunity for tremendous growth and happiness. Dana and Katie have been around horses their entire lives, but the chance to step back and guide someone as they form their own connection takes it to a whole new level.

There is so much to gain from the company of their students and the horses they train with. As Katie says, “Each person is an individual, and that’s awesome. We all are at different points in our lives, but our journeys are equally as important, and we can all stand to learn a thing or two from each other.”

Dana is wearing: Carhartt Women’s Sandstone Berkley Vest, Pondera Shirt, 1889 Slim Double Front Denim Dungaree, & Tri-Grip Gloves.
Katie is wearing: Carhartt Women’s Sandstone Berkley Vest, Jasper Jeans, & Tri-Grip Gloves.

The Empowerment Plan

Perhaps one of the greatest attributes of a good leader is not to be daunted by unfulfilled needs. To instead see obstacles as a problem to be solved and not a crippling factor that prevents progress. Just four years ago, Veronika Scott was challenged by a class assignment to create something that solved a social need. After spending time at Detroit homeless shelters, Veronika envisioned a waterproof, heat-trapping jacket that could transform into a sleeping bag.
A good leader is also open to criticism and input. So when one of the women staying at the shelter told Veronica that they needed jobs, not jackets, Veronika listened. The jackets did seem like a temporary fix to a larger issue. How could this project meet an even greater need in the community?
One of the most devastating blows a society can thrust upon itself is an environment where women don’t realize how valuable they are. Veronika stepped up to the plate to knock down those misconceptions. She is now the founder and CEO of The Empowerment Plan, a non-profit that employs women in homeless shelters to make jackets for the homeless of Detroit. It’s an atmosphere where women who once had little hope can learn and change their way of thinking. They have the opportunity to realize that they hold the power to change their future. They are strong, independent, and capable.
Meet Teia. She’s been a seamstress at The Empowerment Plan for over a year. Teia recognized this job as a once in lifetime opportunity and she has used it as a step in the right direction for herself and her two children. Way to go, Teia. Your efforts are an inspiration to us all.

Teia’s outfit: Carhartt Women’s Force Performance Tank, Clarksburg Zip-Front Sweatshirt, & Slim Fit Nyona Jean 

Chelsea Updegrove of Urban Farm Collective

Are you familiar with the Broken Windows Theory? It’s the idea that when a neighborhood begins to fall into disrepair, it jumpstarts a downward spiral for the entire community. That negativity spreads and leads to more decay and even crime. The good thing is that the opposite action of investing in your home and stomping grounds leads to further beautification in that area. That’s the driving force behind Urban Farm Collective in Portland. They transform unused land into neighborhood food gardens. This fosters community development, promotes education, and food security.
I got to follow garden manager, Chelsea Updegrove, around as she tended some of her daily tasks. It’s hard work, but it’s every bit fulfilling as it is demanding. Hours spent kneeling over rows of carefully planted seedlings, covered in dirt, call for clothing that wears mud well. Take a look at Chelsea’s work wear: Carhartt Women’s Minot Shirt, Sibley Denim Cropped Pant, Force Equator Jacket, Plaid Military Cap, and Rapid City Utility Work Apron.
I’ll leave you with a parting quote from Chelsea, “Peace, love, and carrots.”

This Halloween Dress As Someone Inspirational

A stunt pilot’s tricks at a state fair first flickered Amelia Earhartt’s interest in flight. The buzz of the plane as it zoomed past spoke to her. Sometimes your passion finds you when you’re least expecting it. Then you have to chase it down, no matter the cost, to satisfy the itch it leaves within you.

The things Amelia Earhart accomplished would have been respectable even if she had been a man. But the obstacles that she conquered to get where she did as a woman are downright impressive! Growing up, Amelia kept a scrapbook of newspaper clippings about notable women who were successful in male dominated fields. Hopefully this blog can be much like that collection for many women out there who are striving for excellence in their work. Take cues from those around you. Learn from them and appreciate the road they’ve bled to pave for those who follow.

In times when flying across the globe happens everyday and GPS is readily available, it may be hard to wrap your mind around how daring and dangerous Amelia’s flights were. She set countless records in her plane, beating men and women pilots alike.

In her final letter to her husband, she wrote these words about her attempt to be the first woman to fly around the world. “Please know I am quite aware of the hazards. I want to do it because I want to do it. Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.”

The challenge has been set, ladies. Are you up for it?

This halloween, dressing up as someone aspirational can help get you in the mindset for doing great things. Dig around. Find someone who inspires you. Learn about them and learn from them. After all, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.

See how you can dress as Amelia here: Women’s Weathered Wildwood Jacket, Women’s Series 1889 Slim Double Front Dungaree, Carhartt Women’s Hats, Boyne Neck Scarf, Women’s Hamilton Flannel Shirt, Women’s Clarkston Cami, & Wellington Boots. (to add another element, I used an old pair of ski goggles to look like her flying gear)