The National Association of Women in Timber (NAWT) was founded in 2019 by Lori Walker with a mission to support, educate, and connect women working in or contributing to the timber industry. What began as “Carolina Women in Timber,” focused on creating regional networking and professional development opportunities, has rapidly grown into a national organization dedicated to advancing women across all sectors of the industry.
On June 4–5, NAWT welcomed attendees to Georgetown, South Carolina, for its 7th annual conference. The event brought together forestry professionals, timberland managers, loggers, consultants, students, and industry partners from across the United States to learn from and share experiences. Thanks to the generous financial support of Orbis Inc. and NAWT, three University of Georgia Master of Forest Resources students – Emma Dunn, Darcy Tripod, and Catherine Watry – were able to attend the conference at no cost. Reflecting on the experience, Catherine noted, “All conferences are unique in what they offer, but this one has been especially meaningful. It is enlightening to see how over 100 women have built and advanced their careers in the forest industry.”
The NAWT conference included educational sessions, field-based activities, and networking events, providing opportunities to gain industry knowledge while building lasting professional relationships. While in Georgetown, attendees also participated in a private tour of the Hobcaw Barony research and education site. Beyond professional development, the conference underscored the importance of fostering a strong and supportive community within the timber sector. NAWT’s mission extends beyond its annual conference through scholarship opportunities, educational programming, newsletters, and ongoing industry outreach.
As the organization continues to expand, NAWT’s impact is evident in its growing network of professionals dedicated to strengthening the future of the timber industry. The 2026 conference reflected NAWT’s commitment to fostering connections, supporting career development, and ensuring women have opportunities to learn, lead, and contribute across the forestry profession.
For more information about becoming involved with NAWT or their 2027 conference, visit the NAWT website.
