Reconnecting to Purpose Through Place
Presented by: Sydney Williams, Hiking My Feelings
Amid budget cuts, shifting priorities, and growing demands, the land—though ever-changing—offers steadiness. This session invites you to pause, breathe, and remember why you chose this path. Together, we’ll explore how the landscapes we steward can serve as mirrors, helping us navigate stress and reconnect with our deeper sense of purpose.
What You’ll Gain
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Somatic techniques to ground yourself in the present moment
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A framework for reconnecting with the landscapes that inspire and sustain your work
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Reflective prompts to help clarify your personal and professional “why” in times of transition
Registration Fee: Free for PLA members/$35 for non-members
* Please login to receive member pricing.
Register Here
Sydney Williams is a speaker, author, consultant, and the founder of Hiking My Feelings—a nature-powered movement that transforms pain into purpose through storytelling, community, and time outdoors. Her work bridges personal healing and environmental stewardship, helping people reconnect with themselves and the land.
Through her firm, Wellness in the Wilderness Consulting, Sydney partners with public land agencies, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations to design nature-based wellness programs that promote community health, staff well-being, and sustainable stewardship. Her offerings include curriculum development, field institute training, and leadership retreats, all grounded in trauma-informed facilitation and a deep respect for wild places.
With over 15 years in strategic communications—ranging from launching Oscar Mayer’s first social media presence to leading Fortune 500 campaigns—Sydney now advocates for equitable access to outdoor spaces and the well-being of those who protect them. Her work has been featured in BBC, Popular Science, Health Magazine, HuffPost, Psychology Today, U.S. News & World Report, and at events including SXSW and the Public Lands Alliance Convention.
She is a certified Wilderness First Responder, an educator at national park institutes, a founding member of the Outdoorist Oath, and was nominated for Woman of the Year by San Diego Magazine.
