March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the women who have shaped industries, communities, and history through their leadership and perseverance. This week, FRA highlights the National Association of Women in Timber (NAWT), an organization dedicated to supporting women across the timber and forest products industry. 

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Moving Mountains: Where the Vision Began

For over two decades, the timber industry has been my home. It’s where I’ve built my career, found mentors, and witnessed the vital contributions of women. I knew a dedicated space was missing where we could connect and be seen. In 2019, I founded Carolina Women in Timber (CWIT). CWIT’s mission was simple yet profound: to fill the void for every woman contributing to this industry. Once this journey began, I knew there would be many obstacles, but I couldn’t let them stand in the way of achieving that goal.

The Power of Who

They say it takes a village, but in the timber industry, it takes a crew. My journey wouldn’t be what it is today without my crew, who saw my vision before it was even a blueprint.

I owe deep gratitude to my former boss, Jeremy Kessinger, whose steady support and belief in my mission helped lay the foundation I needed to grow. Yes, he helped me to build the foundation, but the true spark was ignited by the women who showed up at the very first CWIT conference. Their presence proved that I wasn’t the only one looking for this community. I thank each and every woman who helped turn our vision into a reality on May 22, 2019. Their dedication to show up is the reason we are now a national association.

In 2022, while organizing CWIT’s 3rd Annual Conference, I hit a wall that felt insurmountable. I had recently lost my job, and a crushing question kept me up at night: How can I lead this organization when I’m no longer working in the timber industry?  I felt like an outsider in the very house I built. During a particularly low moment, I found myself on the phone with a member who was, above all, a grace-filled listener. She sat with me through the worry and the doubt, and once the silence settled, she gave me the fuel I needed. She told me simply, “Don’t give up.” I needed to hear those exact words at that exact time to remember my purpose, my mission. That phone call moved the mountain!

Our Evolution: Going National

What started as a regional community has grown faster than I ever imagined. At our 2025 conference, we had representatives from seven different states. It became clear that the need for empowerment, education, and support wasn’t just local—it was national.

As we step into 2026, we have officially transitioned to the National Association of Women in Timber (NAWT). This new chapter reflects our commitment to:

• Bringing women together across all sectors of the industry.
• Practical learning through field-based experiences and shared industry knowledge.
• Supporting advancement and increasing the visibility of women nationwide.

As these priorities came into focus, NAWT began developing programs that put these goals into action.

Programs

Each year, NAWT hosts its Annual Conference, bringing together women from across the country to share knowledge, build connections, and gain insight from industry leaders. Looking ahead to 2026–2027, the organization plans to expand its reach by offering and participating in additional professional development opportunities such as webinars, lunch-and-learn events, and career fairs—all designed to strengthen the network of women shaping the timber and forest products industry.

Scholarships

NAWT proudly supports the next generation of women leaders through its annual Scholarship Program, which awards financial assistance to a woman pursuing a degree in forestry or a related field. These scholarships invest in future professionals who are advancing sustainable forestry and driving innovation across the sector.

Quarterly Newsletter

On January 26, 2026, NAWT launched its first Quarterly Newsletter, creating another avenue to support its mission of educating and connecting women nationwide. Each edition features engaging sections such as Meet Our Board Members and the Women in Timber Spotlight—with recent highlights including Kathryn E. Lafleur, CPA, and CFO of the Southern Loggers Cooperative. The newsletter also includes Rooted in Timber but Also in Motherhood, a thoughtful reflection on balancing career and family; Community Outreach, which recently featured the Louisiana 4‑H Club; and Giving Back, a space dedicated to celebrating scholarship recipients and community charity efforts.

Through these initiatives, NAWT continues to build a community where women in forestry can find mentorship, share their experiences, and collectively advance the industry’s future.

Building a Legacy of Perseverance

“You cannot expect to be where you want to end up when you first start.” That lesson has guided me through NAWT’s journey, showing the power of resilience and community. Every milestone is about more than growth; it’s about giving the next generation a clear, respected voice in this industry. To every “Lumber Jill” in the field and every executive in the office: your contribution matters, and you are appreciated. Moving mountains isn’t a solo job; it takes a force, and NAWT is that force. Grateful for the vision and ready to see the women of this industry lead into the future.

To learn more about the National Association of Women in Timber and register for their upcoming 2026 Annual Conference, June 4-5, 2026, in Georgetown, SC, visit their website here.