How One Woman Is Bringing Adventure and Empowerment to Eastern Kentucky

How One Woman Is Bringing Adventure

and Empowerment to Eastern Kentucky

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

Somewhere between a forest trail at sunrise and a yoga mat rolled out under open sky, a movement is growing—and it’s led by women who aren’t waiting for permission to explore. Women Who Explore is part adventure club, part sisterhood, and all about stepping outside your comfort zone. And in Eastern Kentucky, that movement has found an energetic new leader in Karen Pierzala.

Pierzala wears many hats and somehow makes all of them look effortless. “I am the education and marketing coordinator for Highlands Museum & Discovery Center. I’m also a yoga teacher and fitness instructor at Eternal Yoga and at the Ashland Area YMCA.” Her professional life blends creativity, education, and wellness, making her a natural fit for a program rooted in connection, confidence, and community.

Her journey with Women Who Explore began the same way many modern adventures do—online. After joining the Women Who Explore: Kentucky Facebook group, Pierzala quickly realized something was missing. Events were happening, but not close enough to home. “I’ve been a part of the Women Who Explore: Kentucky Facebook group for about a year now. The other ambassadors for this chapter live in Central Kentucky, and the timing of their events never lined up with my schedule or availability to travel. So I decided to apply to be an ambassador to bring more events to Eastern Kentucky.”

Rather than waiting for opportunity, she created it. That decision sparked a whirlwind. “I very recently applied to be an ambassador in October. I was accepted and completed my online training in November, and I have my first trip planned for later this month—a Winter Solstice hike at Carter Caves State Resort Park.” For Pierzala, adventure isn’t something to put off; it’s something to plan.

So, what exactly is Women Who Explore, and why are women across the U.S. and Canada lacing up their boots to join? As Pierzala explains, “Women Who Explore brings women together through shared experiences. They create community through adventure, often asking participants to step out of their comfort zone.” The organization operates through local chapters led by ambassadors, with a focus on outdoor exploration and women’s empowerment.

One phrase captures the heart of it all. “One of my favorite mantras is ‘do it scared,’ which for me, has taken me places I never dreamed of before. It’s where the magic happens and memories are made, and that’s exactly what WWE celebrates!” It’s not about being fearless—it’s about showing up anyway.

Becoming an ambassador is more than a title; it’s a commitment to building experiences that invite women to try something new. “It’s an honor! I’m very excited for this opportunity,” Pierzala says. And she’s not easing into it. “We create events within our local chapter. I’m committed to planning a minimum of 6 events per year, but I’ve got about 10–12 in the works.” On the adventure menu? Hikes, caving, kayaking, and even outdoor yoga sessions. Along with the fun comes responsibility—managing the Facebook group and completing ongoing training through Women Who Explore.

For women curious about joining, the barrier to entry is refreshingly simple. “You can request to join your local WWE chapter. For this area, that’s the Women Who Explore: Kentucky Facebook group, and I can approve your request.” The group is designed intentionally as a women-only space. “Keep in mind WWE is strictly for adult women only, and for this reason we don’t allow joint Facebook accounts (male and female).” The result is a supportive, judgment-free environment where women can connect freely.

And the opportunities don’t stop at state lines. “If you’re the least bit interested, request to join Women Who Explore: Kentucky Facebook group. Once you’re in the group, check out the events we have coming up throughout the state and even globally. Yes, you can travel internationally with Women Who Explore. There are opportunities throughout the country, as well.”

Pierzala’s love for the outdoors didn’t start with Women Who Explore—and it certainly won’t end there. “For the past three years I’ve run a Facebook group called Take a Hike, Tri-State! We currently have over 400 members in that group.” The group meets monthly to hike throughout Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia, welcoming everyone. “By the way, this group is inclusive to men, women and children.” Her passion for mindful movement also led her to create something unique. “Since 2020, I started leading ‘yoga hikes’ as a way to connect nature with mindful movement.” These experiences are offered seasonally through Eternal Yoga and during Winter Adventure Weekend at Carter Caves, with more details available on her page, Yoga Hikes with Karen.

At its core, Women Who Explore is built on a simple yet powerful mission: to create a safe, inclusive space for all women-identifying voices, bodies, skill levels, and journeys. It brings together women who share a love for adventure, connection, and this planet we get to explore. Through shared experiences, confidence grows, friendships form, and strangers often become lifelong friends.

So, whether it’s your first hike or your fiftieth, your comfort zone is calling—and Women Who Explore is your invitation to step beyond it, discover something new, and uncover the best version of yourself.