Rachel Godbout, chief operating officer of Advanced Outdoor Management, has announced the launch of Women of Outdoor Hospitality (WOH), a national professional network built to advance women working in campgrounds, RV resorts and all areas of outdoor hospitality. WOH is the flagship initiative of OHMNI — Outdoor Hospitality Mentorship, Networking and Inclusion — and launches formally at the Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) in Fort Worth, Texas, this November. The schedule of launch events will be announced soon, according to a press release.
Outdoor hospitality has grown into a multibillion-dollar asset class, drawing institutional capital, private equity and third-party management at a pace the industry’s talent infrastructure has not matched. Women lead at every level of the industry today — from housekeeping and maintenance crews to general manager and regional manager roles to the executive suite. WOH is built on a simple premise: each of those roles is leadership in its own right, and connecting the women who hold them is how individual strength becomes industry-wide growth.
“Women have been holding these positions for decades,” said Godbout. “What we haven’t had is a room of our own — a place to build the relationships and credentials that create confidence and open doors. No one in this industry should have to rise alone, and now no one has to. That’s what we’re building.”
Women of Outdoor Hospitality launches with the following core programs:
- A one-year mentorship program pairing emerging leaders with senior operators, owners and executives, structured with participant guidelines, defined milestones and a formal close-out.
- The Back Forty Boardroom, a podcast of candid conversations with the women shaping outdoor hospitality, debuting alongside the November launch.
- Tiered individual membership including education, peer forums and member programming.
- Roundtable discussions with industry leaders.
- Founding Member designation for professionals who join before the Network’s first full program year, carrying permanent recognition and early access to programming.
The Network’s founding sponsor program is open now to brands, operators and capital partners investing in the industry’s leadership pipeline.
“Women are becoming an essential force in the evolution of outdoor hospitality — we are helping redefine what’s possible,” said Lisa Courtney, founding board member and vice president of operations at Camp Jellystone. “I want to keep forging a path where women feel empowered to lead, innovate, take up space and excel. The more doors we open for those coming behind us, the stronger our industry becomes.”
“When I entered outdoor hospitality seven years ago, I was fortunate to land under the leadership of two remarkably strong women, and through them I saw firsthand what women navigate in this industry — and how to meet it with grace, resilience and integrity,” said Jenna Lombardo, founding board member and operations manager. “I know what this network will mean to other women, because I was that woman. This industry is tough to navigate alone. With support and guidance from one another, we can accomplish anything.”
“I started in hotel management before finding my way into outdoor hospitality. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to have women ahead of me who heard my voice, took my ideas, and helped make them stronger. “ says Christi Peach, Founding board member and regional director. “I have tried to do the same for others, including people on the ground, general managers and regional managers coming up behind me. That is why I am joining Women of Outdoor Hospitality. Women like me have led this industry for years without a professional home built for us. Women of Outdoor Hospitality is that home, and I want to help make sure the next woman coming up doesn’t have to find her way alone.”
To learn more, call 412-819-1592 or email info@ohmni.co.
