Episode
The Trail Ahead: Jen Loving-Wade, President, Girls Who Hike Virginia
- Podcast
- How We Connected
- Published
- May 19, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2965
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://www.chamberofconnection.org/
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Summary
Hosts Charlotte Massey and Aaron Hurst of the US Chamber of Connection discuss Charlotte's 24-hour screen-free experiment from a cabin in Colorado, reflecting on our technology addiction. Meanwhile, Aaron enjoyed a trip to Coney Island as a model of authentic, locally rooted connection. And the idea that you can throw a celebration for almost anything. This week at the Chamber, there's Seattle's Connection Council, an arts and culture club fair, and the upcoming Best Day Ever event. This week's guest is Jenn Loving Wade, who shares how she went from a socially isolated newcomer in the DC area to co-founding Girls Who Hike Virginia, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that grew from a 2,000-person Facebook group to a statewide community, powered by a volunteer board and roughly 90 ambassadors hosting hundreds of hikes a year. 00:00 Introduction and Chamber Updates 16:52 Jenn Loving Wade: Girls Who Hike Virginia 19:23 From 2,000 to 35,000 Members 20:23 Secrets to Growing a Community 23:17 Ambassador Events and Programming 24:54 Jenn's Personal Hiking Journey 29:24 Building an Authentic Brand 35:21 Nonprofit Structure and Future Vision 42:58 Reflection --- How We Connected explores the conversations that power communities across the United States. Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey share what they’re building at the US Chamber of Connection and speak with leaders whose work strengthens local connection. Episodes offer human stories, practical insights, and ideas you can use in your own community. Aaron Hurst , Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, is a longtime entrepreneur focused on purpose and community. He founded Imperative and the Taproot Foundation and wrote The Purpose Economy . Charlotte Massey , Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, leads community programs national…