Ema Mayo

I grew up in Alaska and I have always loved exploring the forests, rivers, and mountains around me. My first involvement with the Inspiring Girls* Expeditions program was as a participant on Mt Baker. Exploring art and science in the outdoors while creating friendships with other incredible women was inspiring for me. I am now the Girls* in the Forest packraft guide and am excited to work with and learn from the next generation of young women. 

I earned a Biology degree from the University of Alaska, and my love for Alaska’s wilderness brought me to the Wrangell St. Elias National Park where I started my guiding career. In addition to working with Girls* in the Forest I also work as a river guide in northern Alaska. When I am not guiding I spend my time working with children, farming, skiing, boating, and working with a variety of scientific research projects in the arctic and antarctic. One of my favorite aspects about being a guide and working in science is seeing people make a positive connection to their environment, to themselves, and to others around them. Connecting people with the outdoors is one way for me to help protect the pristine environment of Alaska that I love so much.

Girls* in the Forest Instructor 2023