This is the first of a series of four posts spotlighting WiD's 2016 8x8 speakers.

Danika Gilbert

Expedition Leader, Ascend Afghanistan and San Juan Mountain Guides

Danika Gilbert has been guiding around the world for over twenty years. She has worked in many different environments, locations, and with women's specific groups. From mountain biking and trekking to rock/ice climbing and backcountry skiing, Danika loves sharing the outdoors with others and helping them fulfill dreams. One of her most recent adventures involved guiding 13 young Afghan women on an empowering climbing expedition in Afghanistan through Ascend: Leadership through Athletics, a US based non-profit focused on empowering youth in conflict zones through sports. Danika lives in Southwest Colorado, working as a mountain guide and grant writer; helping others pursue lives full of adventure and passion.

Diana Hall

Founder/Owner, ActiveArmor

Diana Hall graduated from Colorado School of Mines in 1997 with a degree in Chemical Engineering, and has worked in process engineering and software for Fortune 500 companies across the country. She completed her MBA at Colorado State University in Fort Collins in 2007, worked as a Business Development Director for nonprofits, and founded a mentoring program for children in poverty. Diana holds a patent on a hygienic, waterproof, breathable 3D-printed splint, and founded ActivArmor TM in 2014. Diana has established partnerships with professional athletes, medical specialists and business leaders to develop custom medical and sports products. Diana has spoken at several venues on the topic of 3D design and printing, small business ownership and start-ups, economic development and entrepreneurship, and has given a TEDx talk on the future of mass customization in design and manufacturing.

For more information about the event and to register, click here.