Good People: Allison Fleece and Danielle Thornton of WHOA travel

Allison and Danielle, cofounders of WHOA travel

We're celebrating Women's History Month by shining a spotlight on some of the inspiring female founders we know who are changing lives with their purpose-driven businesses. For our final week, we’re featuring not one, but two women, Allison Fleece and Danielle Thornton, cofounders of WHOA travel.

WHOA travel is a women-powered outdoors adventure company, and the women behind it? An absolute force of nature.

Often referred to by their celebrity couple nickname, Dallison has built what I can only describe as the definition of a dream job—getting more women outdoors on adventures that test their limits, while ensuring the protection of these places is just as important as their bottom line.

Dallison's story began back in 2013 with a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, an experience so life-changing that they both ditched their 9-5s to start WHOA. Their mountain-sized idea has since led thousands of women on transformational journeys of all kinds, creating an impact that extends far beyond the adventurers who travel with them. WHOA has impacted global communities, supported local economies, and forged deeper, more meaningful connections between women and the outdoors.

As a small, boutique business, it's easy to see how Allison and Danielle live and breathe their values through everything WHOA does. From the big business moves to the smallest trip details, every decision they make ladders up to their mission and commitment to women and the planet.

WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN

WHOA prides themselves on being women-powered in every way possible—from the team behind the scenes to the local guides and businesses they partner with. Through their work, they've created a community of thousands of strong, like-minded, and inspiring women from around the world, that only continues to grow.

Unlike big-box agencies, WHOA works directly with women-owned businesses and guides in the destinations they explore. People like Elizabeth, a native of Chinchero whom they've lovingly nicknamed Mama Sherpa, has served as their main lead for their Peru expeditions for years. By doing so, they're not only providing business opportunities for local women, but also creating deeper, more authentic connections between travelers and the places they visit.

Beyond their regular adventures, WHOA also celebrates meaningful moments and the unique needs of their community, leading special hikes such as their annual International Women's Day Kilimanjaro Summit, and treks specifically for moms. And did I mention they also started a nonprofit? The Carabiner Collective is designed to support more people in getting outdoors by removing barriers to adventure travel. One of the ways they do this is through their Trailblazer Awards, which celebrate and award individuals who are breaking stereotypes and leading by example in their communities.

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

In a world where outdoor spaces are constantly under threat from overtourism, pollution, climate change, political agendas, and so much more, Allison and Danielle recognize their responsibility to protect the places they explore. They're committed to minimizing and offsetting their impact, and are always learning, adapting, and striving to do a little bit better than the day before. While their efforts are extensive (seriously, check out this timeline), here are just a few ways they're making an impact:

• 1% of their annual revenue goes to grassroots environmental causes through 1% For The Planet

• They work closely with local women and their causes to incorporate a helpful, sustainable giveback component into each adventure

• They serve as a Guardian Member of Sustainable Travel International

• They've planted thousands of trees through ongoing partnerships with One Tree Planted and the Gobi Oasis Tree Planting Project in Mongolia

• They educate and encourage all of their adventurers to leave each trip as a more empowered eco-warrior, and provide resources like the gear swap Facebook page to keep used gear out of landfills

WORDS OF WISDOM After more than a decade of running a successful, purpose-driven business that has stayed true to its values, both Allison and Danielle shared their advice for other female founders:

"Find community! Whether it's building your own or identifying a supportive group of other female entrepreneurs who 'get it.' Having space to connect, learn from, and lean on each other is so important as you're building out your business and brand!" - Allison

"Don't get caught up in comparing yourself to others. Know that the things that make you different are your super powers so lean into them!" - Danielle

Dallison's dedication to their mission serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of passion and purpose. Their impact is so contagious that I have signed up for their signature adventure, Kilimanjaro, this August to celebrate my 40th birthday. Admittedly, this mountain has never been on my list, but after hearing so many stories from Dallison and the entire WHOA team, I knew I had to experience for myself what has been so transformative to two of the most inspiring women I know.

If you're a woman looking for your next challenge or adventure—whether it's backpacking through California, finally checking Machu Picchu off your bucket list, or going on that once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition—I encourage you to check out WHOA travel and all the amazing places they go! By becoming part of the WHOA community, I can guarantee you'll get so much more out of it than you signed up for.