So grateful for this awesome educational programming we put together for the Midwest Women’s Basecamp at the MOORE Expo. Sponsored by Ironman 4×4, Ozark Overland Adventures and Northology in partnership with MOORE Expo and Switchback Outdoor Safety, we gathered a panel of amazing women to bring their knowledge and expertise to share. Thanks to all who participated!
-MIDWEST WOMEN’S BASECAMP AT MOORE EXPO SPEAKERS-
Cara McClellan– Ozark Overland Adventures– Wife, co-creator of Ozark Overland Adventures, and trail blazer. “I’ve been wheeling Jeeps since 2014, building experience across technical terrain and backcountry routes. A two-time Rebelle Rally competitor driven by challenge and growth—on and off the trail. My life is lived off-grid, exploring remote places, capturing moments through my camera lens, and chasing the next horizon. You’ll usually find me behind the wheel of Wren, my latest JLU build, or alongside our Frenchies: Milo, Goose, and Izzie, somewhere off the beaten path.”
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Katherine Abraham– Marketing Director at Ironman 4×4 America , Select Committee at SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), and Rebelle Rally competitor.
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Cindy Pope is the voice behind Northology Adventures, where overlanding, storytelling, and community come together. She creates events, content, and experiences that inspire people to explore the forests, trails, and backroads of the Midwest—responsibly and with purpose.
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Amy Marlar– AR4RunnerMom I have been married for 23 years and am mom to 3 young adults. I have a mini farm in the Arkansas River Valley, with mini donkeys, goats, chickens and other small animals. I was a Radiology Technician until illness led to a diagnosis of two rare brain diseases: IIH and Chiari Malformation. I was bedridden for several years. I got my 4Runner after my first LP shunt surgery. I chose not to place ‘dis’ in my ability, and found freedom exploring the Ouachitas on weekends with my husband and kids during Covid. I joined a ladies Toyota group and became an ambassador for Arkansas. I’ve met a lot of great people and formed many friendships. For me, over-landing is more than just getting outdoors and exploring; it’s about helping women and families gain confidence with their rigs, off-roading, exploring, and learning how to get through both easy and tough situations. After surviving Chiari decompression surgery, I’ve had to relearn a lot of this myself, and I continue to relearn every day and every trip out. Every trail we travel leads to confidence, strength, and courage, while also helping us to find purpose and hope in our journey of life.
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Karen Wilkes, co-founder of Overland Defense alongside my husband Derek. After 30 years leading multi-million-dollar projects in corporate America, I pivoted to follow my passions: overlanding, outdoor adventures, and empowering women to protect themselves. Three years ago, I faced a life-threatening situation and realized I wasn’t prepared to defend myself effectively with lethal options. That experience ignited my mission to promote less-lethal personal protection tools—safe, accessible alternatives like Byrna launchers that require no racking and have no recoil. In 2026, I’m traveling across the United States with the ambitious goal of training and educating 2,026 women on less leathal personal protection. As an enthusiastic overlander, I believe safety should always travel with you. Be Smart. Be Safe. Be Prepared.
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Jada Dooling– Owner at All Roads Taken -an app for tracking journeys with GPS, photos, and memories. Users can discover destinations, log adventures, and collect physical vehicle badges commemorating their experiences. Badges are made to order, personalized, and designed for durability.
