The Colorado State Forest Service is proud to have skilled and committed women who work tirelessly to manage the state’s forests: (left to right) Currie Nowell, Forester, Franktown Field Office; Ashley Selee, Forester, La Veta Field Office; Valerie Nache, Urban and Community Forestry Specialist, Community Forestry Hub at the CSU Spur Campus in Denver.
Meet some of the women shaping the future of forestry in Colorado
March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of women throughout American history. Since its official designation in 1994, this month has served as a platform to highlight achievements across all fields, including those where women remain underrepresented, like forestry.
Despite making up only about 15% of forestry and conservation workers, women in forestry continue to break barriers, bringing expertise, passion and dedication to the protection of our natural landscapes. The Colorado State Forest Service is proud to have skilled and committed women who work tirelessly to manage the state’s forests.
Here are a few of their stories that reflect resilience, innovation and the evolving face of forestry:
DJ Willner, Finance Specialist
Growing up in Colorado, DJ is inspired by her late grandmother. Together, they shared a deep respect and influence from nature. It was an appreciation for Colorado’s wildlife and beauty that encouraged her to move from the corporate world and toward natural resources.
“What truly motivates me is the opportunity to build strong connections with people, support their hard work in the field, and collaborate with other nature lovers to create a positive impact on both the community and the natural world.”
“My advice to other women looking to start a career in a male-dominated field is to embrace the opportunities that come along with taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone. Don’t be intimidated by those around you and remember that your unique perspective and skills are valuable. Passion and enthusiasm are contagious, and approaching your work with a sense of joy and curiosity will not only help you grow but also inspire those around you. Lastly, trust yourself and don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the journey that you’re on.”
Tara Branch, Administrative Assistant
“I’ve taken a long and winding road that has led me to natural resources. When I completed my undergraduate degree, I was lost. My friend told me about working in Yellowstone National Park for their lodges. I immediately packed my bags and headed out on my first cross country road trip with friends who were headed a bit further west to Yosemite.”
Tara spent months working as a server in Yellowstone, living in a cabin with bears for neighbors. Chatting with guests and sharing stories in this setting was life changing.
“I’m motivated by connections and memories, my coworkers and the people that make up the public. I’m proud that my motivations have led me down an authentic nontraditional path where I’ve been free to discover what my strengths are, and how I can contribute to ensuring present and future generations will get to form their own precious memories outside.”
Christina Burri, Deputy State Forester
Christina has been fortunate to have strong female leaders in her life. With some initiative, she’s grown connections, friendships and inspiration from their success. Now, she applies what she’s learned to help lead the next generation of women in natural resources.
“‘Watch one, be one, take one with you’. This was advice my mentor gave me, and it has had a profound impact on my leadership journey. ‘Watch one’ means to observe a leader that you admire. ‘Be one’ means being a good leader and setting that example for others. ‘Take one with you’ means mentoring others on their leadership journey.”
“One of the most rewarding experiences as a leader is to help develop, support and motivate individuals through mentorship by taking them with you on your leadership journey, while you walk beside them on their own helping guide them towards a more successful future.”
Ashley Selee, Forester
At 18, Ashley went to Kent State University planning to study human biology. Soon, she worked as an environmental educator. After joining a soil lab, she studied relationships between fungi and trees, eventually leading her to a forestry career.
“I am inspired by the women in STEM who came before me—they are often the only ones in the room and continue to show up and be a force. Natural spaces inspire me. I love trees, I love when the sunlight shines through the leaves. The Japanese have a word to describe this feeling, komorebi.”
She encourages young foresters to attend professional conferences, like the Society of American Forester’s (SAF) conference, to make connections and learn from others in the industry.
“Most importantly, do not give up. Your voice and perspective is needed in this career. Remember when you have doubts and feel like this career was not made with you in mind, it wasn’t—women have been purposely left out of this field. You can only add value to this career if you are a part of it and stay!”
