Hello everyone. I am Alexandra, and I moved to the Triangle with my family from Illinois in 2021. I am originally from Germany and have lived in the USA for 11 years. Being from Germany, I grew up in the woods, and hiking was always part of my life! I love being outdoors, and I try to teach my kids to appreciate the outdoors as much as I do. Hiking in the triangle with this group is my therapy and helps me get less homesick since the NC trails remind me a lot of Germany!

*Alex speaks French and German.

Hello! I'm Alley Buscemi, and I live in North Raleigh. I'm a hike leader and run our club’s Instagram account (give us a follow @womenofthetrianglehikingclub !). I am a full-time Realtor, but I like to unwind in the woods. I love WOTTHC because it fills so many cups simultaneously- social, fitness, and time in nature. I became a hike leader to share what I love about this region- all the trails in our backyards. My love for the outdoors blossomed during college in Boulder, Colorado. We hiked, camped, and skied every week. I enjoy tedious crafts like needlepoint, painting, cooking (and eating!), and hanging with my family (I have two wild toddler boys!). I look forward to seeing you on the trails.

Hi, hiking friends! I’m Amber. I’ve lived in North Carolina my entire life, and one thing that has always kept me here is how beautiful our state is. I was always an outdoorsy kid, but my love for hiking grew when I graduated college and started working. I was determined there was more to life than just sitting at a desk all day - insert hiking! Hiking has always been my favorite activity to help me remember the bigger picture of this crazy life we live in. It helped me see the big beautiful world we are a part of. There isn’t a hike that goes by that doesn’t bring a smile to my face. I became a hike leader because I want to help share my love and joy of hiking with anyone interested - hiking is always more fun with friends!

I am looking forward to seeing you on the trails!

Hi! I'm Amy Beth, and I live with my family in Saxapahaw, a tiny village with a big heart nestled on the banks of the Haw River. I'm a multi-passionate educator, leadership trainer, social wellness coach, outdoor enthusiast, and maker of mostly utilitarian things. I started hiking as a child with my dad and grandma, and I continued into adulthood because it helps me stay centered, connects me to sights and sounds that make my heart soar, and reminds me that I'm just a tiny part of a big, beautiful universe. I've experienced firsthand the transformative power of nature and community and long joked that I'd love nothing more than to be a professional people walker. So I joined WOTHCC over a year ago to meet new people and explore new terrain, and it was LOVE at first hike! I became a Hike Leader to support WOTHCC's gorgeous mission to create and hold space for women to connect with the outdoors, discover their superpowers, and lift each other up to new heights! I'm excited to meet and walk alongside each one of you! Happy trails!

Hi everyone! I’m Ana, and I’m excited to be able to be a part of such an incredible organization. I’m originally from the northeast, but NC is the 5th state I’ve lived in- dare I say I finally found home! I am a nationally certified behavior consultant and professional dog trainer, going on my 12th year. My own dog (Athena, or “Pig” I call her most often) is absolutely my best friend. We are also avid backpackers and love to lead first-timers out into the wilderness on extended trips. Other than the obvious fact that I love to hike, I also truly enjoy the opportunity to empower women to be more confident and independent. Learning about people and what makes them who they are is one of my favorite things in the world, so feel free to chat with me! We have a lot to learn from each other.

Hi! I’m Ashley. I live in Durham and have been in North Carolina practically my entire life. I got into hiking as a way to heal and recover during cancer treatment, and in it, I’ve found strength, lots of space to process, and a love for moving my body outdoors. I became a hike leader because I wanted to share my favorite local spots and sights with new friends. And some of the best conversations happen on trails. I love, love, love seeing folks who are new to hiking or get back into movement following injury or illness find confidence and joy outside!

Howdy, ya'll. I'm Cara. A rare native of North Carolina, one of my fondest childhood memories was hiking to the top of Hanging Rock. Since those early days, I've lived and worked throughout the Triangle and spent much of my adult life on the West Coast in Seattle, WA, and the San Francisco Bay Area, CA. Today, I call Cary home and am considered a park-n-rec geek. I became a hike leader because I enjoy bringing women together to learn from and laugh with one another. A long walk through the woods, along the water, or up a rocky incline is truly medicinal. If you're new to NC, welcome!

I look forward to meeting you.

Hi all! My name is Elise. I moved to Raleigh from the Atlanta suburbs in early spring 2022. I love to cook, practice yoga, and of course, HIKE. Hiking has always been a passion of mine and has provided me with a way to challenge myself physically and mentally. It is also my favorite way to disconnect from the hustle of daily life and get in touch with nature. I discovered the club in October 2023 and I haven't looked back. I have met so many interesting women and have been blown away by the sense of community and inclusivity this group provides. I look forward to hiking with you incredible ladies and exploring the trails together!

My name is Erin! I’m a 26 year old research coordinator at Duke who moved from Illinois to the triangle in June 2021. I found the hiking club in the beginning of 2023 and quickly realized I found some thing I wanted to be a part of! I joined and fell in love with the purpose and mission of the club, and knew I wanted to give back to the club in someway. That is why I became a hike leader. I wanted to become a resource for women in the club and be someone that women can feel comfortable around and hopefully can become a support person for them as well!!

If I’m not hitting the trails, I’m running road races, reading a new book, or finding a new restaurant to try :) Excited to see you soon and happy trails!!

Aloha, I'm Gina! My family and I moved to NC in 2022. I'm a nomad; born in Seoul, grew up on 3 continents, then moved to the Midwest for high school and college, where I met my husband. We’ve lived in Honolulu, Dallas, Las Vegas, Houston, and now, the Triangle! I’ve been on the trails since I was a baby, and we’re raising our son the same way.

I joined WOTTHC in late 2022 and got really active in early 2023. I've loved getting to explore this beautiful area while making new connections with you marvelous women! I choose to volunteer because this group has brought me so much joy and I want to help strengthen and grow our wonderful, empowering community.

I adore slot canyons, mountain vistas, desert sunsets, beach sunrises, and meteor showers. Apart from hiking, I’m a music-loving foodie who loves family time, reading, planning trips, rescue dogs, crafting, and interior design. I’m looking forward to meeting YOU on the trails!

Hey y’all! I’m Grace, a Triangle native working in nonprofit communications from my home office in Chapel Hill. I’ve been camping, paddling, biking, and hitting the trails with my family all my life, but I found a true passion for road walking and hiking while in college: exploring Raleigh’s extensive greenway and trail systems for hours on end always made for a perfect study break! I love the physical challenges, mental health benefits, and adventure-ready mindset that come with hiking, and it’s been awesome to connect with other women who feel the same way through this club. I’m excited to contribute to our club community as a hike leader, offering hikes in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro/Hillsborough area. Can’t wait to smile our way through the miles together – happy trails!

Heyyyyyy, Club, I'm Hannah Mack! When I'm not hiking, I spend my time running or coaching others on how to run, traveling, and playing board games. I've been a part of this amazing community since the Fall of 2022. Though I've lived in NC most of my life, adventure called in 2021 and I did a year of RV life, traveling the easy coast before settling in VA for a short time while I figured out what was next! I realized that I really missed NC, so I decided to move to Durham, somewhere familiar, yet new + exciting!


I joined the club shortly after, but I was what I call a "lurker" in the group for a few months. When I finally went on my first hike after the craziness of the holidays, I was hooked! Being a part of a community where other women want to be active, be outdoors, and make real friendships has brightened my life immensely. And that's why I wanted to be a hike leader. Whether it's your first hike or your fiftieth, it's my goal to make you feel like you belong and have fun!

Hello, I'm Hilary, I look forward to continuing to meet and welcome more like-minded local women. I grew up in Raleigh and every time I've left life has brought me right back here! Being in nature is where I am happiest and helps me to recenter and feel most grounded. I enjoy hiking, vinyasa yoga, camping, kayaking, biking, snow skiing, cooking, holistic health, and traveling the world, being exposed to nature's beauty and other cultures. My fiancee and I live in North Raleigh with our three rescues: Cally (dilute calico), Mia (tuxedo), and Maverick (German Shepard/Lab). I became a hike leader to give back to this club after I instantly felt welcomed and supported. I want to help more women embrace and feel inspired by hiking in nature. I also want to encourage more health promotion, prevention, and wellness among women in our community.

Hi everyone! My name is Jen, and I live in Holly Springs with my boyfriend and my pets. I'm originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, but I've been in North Carolina for almost 14 years. I grew up being drawn to nature and have been hiking and camping since I was young. Covid reignited my desire and need to be outside for my physical and mental health. I found WOTTHC just after it was founded, and I am the first hike leader they brought on board! I also love to craft, read, play video games, and lift weights when I'm not outside. I'm pretty introverted, but I love to meet people through hiking. I can't wait to meet you all on the trails!

Hey y’all, it’s me, Joanna! I originally joined the club to get back into nature and challenge myself to beat my social anxiety. I’ve stayed because of the inspiring and encouraging women I get to meet at each hike and event! When I am not on the trails you can find me playing lots and lots of board games or deep in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign. I live in Garner with my two cats Finnegan and Pipsqueak who love to attack my yarn while I’m cozily working on my crochet. I am a sales and marketing manager within the horticulture industry so prepare yourself for some fun plant facts and IDs while on a hike with me! Hope to see you on the trails soon!

Explorer by nature, born and raised in Kazakhstan, I lived in 3 different countries and two states (MA, FL) before making North Carolina our home in 2021. My favorite thing is discovering new places and sharing adventures with my friends and family. I found this club in January 2022; it was a love-at-first hike! From the very beginning, I felt welcomed, supported, and accepted. So I became a hike leader in hopes that one day I can make other women feel the same way. I love all kinds of hikes, from slower-paced (slow down to appreciate nature and/or catch your breath) to faster, more challenging hikes (let’s see what our body can do). When I’m not hiking with the club, I’m venturing out to explore our beautiful state or going on a long bike trip along Neuse River Trail with my teenage daughter.

Please don’t hesitate to let me know what I can do to help you enjoy one of our hikes!

Hi everyone! My name is Kristy and I’m looking forward to spending time on the trails with you!

Working through the Covid pandemic as a Respiratory Therapist was very difficult and something I had never experienced in my 25+ year career. I found my emotional, mental, and physical outlet through hiking and I’ve never turned back! I hope to bring all those benefits to those who will join me and share in my passion for the outdoors.

A friend had asked me to join her on a one-day hike of 28.3 miles on the Foothills Trail of the Appalachian Mountains back in 2021 for a fundraising hike for pediatric cancer and once vigorous training began, I was committed. I continued weekly hikes from then on. I just completed my second Ultimate Hike along the Lake Superior hiking trail in Minnesota of 25.5 miles. Both of these were all in one day!

I enjoy long, moderate hikes and finding that perfect place with a view to enjoy a quick lunch. I love exploring new trails throughout NC as well. When I’m not hiking, I enjoy kayaking, boat rides on the lake, going to the gym, running in 5Ks, and spending quality time with my husband, son, family, friends, and our 3 Labrador retrievers. Hope to see you all on the trail real soon! Happy Trails!!!!

Hey, I’m Leksi, and I’m originally from Utah. I joined WOTTHC in the Summer of 2021. I chose to be a hike leader because I feel most alive in the mountains. I love being in the woods and sharing experiences in nature with others. It’s a great opportunity to meet people with shared interests from all different walks of life. I learn so much from the individuals I get the chance to hike with.

When I’m not wandering trails with my faithful Vizsla companion, I enjoy reading, rollerskating, playing soccer, browsing antique stores, and taking naps. I’m also passionate about backpacking, weekend road trips, and finding the best snacks this planet has to offer.

*Leksi is fluent in Spanish.

Hey all! I’m Lori. Originally from Massachusetts, I’ve lived in NC off and on for 8 years or so. I’ve been hiking and outdoorsy as long as I can remember, and got super into backpacking when we lived overseas. That enthusiasm for carrying my whole life on my back carried over when we returned to NC, even though there were some fun new challenges being back in the eastern US (um hi, bears?! lol)

Coming back to NC in 2019, I was hoping to find a community of fellow outdoorsy girls and WOTTHC checked that box completely! I love the positivity, safety, and encouragement I’ve felt on every hike I’ve done with WOTTHC, and I became a hike leader to help continue the wonderful culture the club has created. I truly believe the outdoors are for everyone and love to share my happy place with new friends!

When I’m not hiking, I’m hanging out with my husband and our furbabies, planning a trip, or catching up on the myriad TV shows that I’m behind on. Looking forward to seeing you on a hike soon!

Hi everyone! I’m Marie. I am originally from central Massachusetts and now live in North Raleigh with my family. I discovered the WOTTHC during the pandemic and am so thankful to have found this community! I have been consistently amazed by the inspiring women I’ve met and how supportive members are of one another.

Besides hiking, I also enjoy gardening, reading (memoirs are my favorite), exercising, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.

I start my hikes with a round of brief introductions and a goal for members to find commonality and get to know one another during the hike. I hope to see you on the trail!

Hi!! Hiker dirtbag Mel here! Shortly after Kitty started the club, I moved down to the triangle from NJ and loved the sense of community and sisterhood it brought to my life. I became a hike leader soon after, wanting to share my love of the outdoors and nature with my fellow hikers. So you can catch me on the trail munching on some PopTarts and spinning in circles, making sure I took the right turn! I hope to see y’all out there!

Hey, you found us! Welcome 😊

I’m Sanchia, an NC resident originally from Australia. I love to see women take time for themselves, make new friends, and reap all the health benefits of shinrin-yoku. I love spending time with my family, hiking (surprise!), and anything related to art, plants, food, holistic health, and travel. I am grateful to be a part of the WOTTHC community and hope my ‘be prepared’ mentality will serve us all well on our adventures.

See you at the trailhead!

Hi! I am Scarlet! I am originally from the suburbs of Washington, DC. We moved to NC four years ago; since then, my family and I have gotten into hiking. I have three children and way too many pets that I adore! I have been a part of WOTTHC for a little over a year, and I love getting out into the woods and exploring new areas while meeting new friends. I became a hike leader to help share my love of the trails with others while also pushing myself to experience something new and challenging! I can't wait to share the trails with you!

*Scarlet is fluent in ASL

Hello Friends! I am Tiffany, but most people call me Tiff! I am originally from a small town outside of Erie, Pennsylvania, but I have had the pleasure of calling the Triangle home since 2005. For as long as I can remember, I am always happiest when outside, immersed in all of nature's beauty. I became a hike leader to share this passion with others and empower women inside and out toward a journey of self-love and acceptance.

When I am not hiking, I am backpacking (which is how I got into hiking) , car camping, or at our mountain home in West Jefferson with my adorable kid Micah. We also love the beach too! We are a family of fish who love to swim, kayak, and paddle board as well!

I absolutely love meeting new people and hearing about their stories. I can't wait to meet you!