Finding Leadership and Connection in VNTRbirds Affinity Spaces
- VNTRbirds
- Nov 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 13
My name is Isabelle Passaq’aq Wassilie; I am originally from Juneau, Alaska and grew up a part of the Yupik tribe. I was introduced to snowboarding in South East Alaska when I was 14 and now I work year round as an outdoor educator and guide for companies based in Washington, Utah, Alaska, and Japan.
This past year was a huge transition phase for me; from moving out of Alaska and then making my way into full time guiding/ education work. I was in a position where I had spent years in the ski/ ride industry, but had consistently lacked exposure to women in leadership roles. I realized that as a female who was going to be a leader in male dominated spaces, it was imperative to gain female perspectives. That’s what led me to seek organizations that were actively expanding these communities through mentorship and education. And that’s also where I found out about VNTRbirds and their programs.
After stumbling across the VNTRbird’s scholarship program, I felt inclined to gain those perspectives I had been lacking for years. I felt that no matter what the outcome, applying would connect me to a community of amazing women who have similar goals and ambitions as myself.
My goals prior to the program were to gain insight from women in leadership roles to work towards becoming a leader and educator in affinity spaces. After receiving this experience, my goals became a reality. Since then, I have had the opportunity to teach and mentor women from all over the country and I have more confidence being a voice in my communities. It helped strengthen my ability to connect to others who are in similar positions as myself.
Without this scholarship, I would have lacked those invaluable perspectives and insight from women who have been in similar positions as myself. I have found that affinity spaces are critical to maintaining safe environments for learning and growth for our communities.
This mentorship scholarship opened my eyes to the vast perspectives of what a community can bring to you and the importance of preserving those spaces. One of the coolest things I was able to experience was the unity of unique, badass women who were brave enough to be curious. Knowing that I was able to contribute to the growth and diversity of these communities is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing the impact that it has had opened my eyes to the importance of persevering those spaces and inspiring more women to pursue leadership in outdoor spaces.
My advice to someone who is applying for this scholarship is: recognize your values and find ways to portray them in a way that incorporates your authentic self. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and this scholarship is about how we can enhance those spaces and bring females in leadership roles. I encourage everyone to stay curious, humble and driven throughout your journey.
Isabelle Passaq’aq Wassilie (she/her) belongs to the Yup’ik tribe based out of South Central Alaska. She spent summers working as a glacier guide in Juneau, Alaska (lands of Tlingit, Haida & Tsimshian) and worked on operations during the spring heli-ski season. As an indigenous woman, Isabelle hopes to create diversity and inclusivity for the outdoor industry as she progresses through her career.
VNTRbirds Mentorship Scholarship Recipient 2024.
