About Us
About Us
WHAT WE STAND FOR
“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” ~ Gail Devers
OUR VISION
The Women’s Kiteboarding Collective is a non-profit, global movement of women kiters. Its reason for existence is to empower women kiters, that is, to build their confidence, courage and skills so that they will become powerful leaders and decision-makers in their families, communities, businesses, and governments. It is our hope that we will create, for ourselves and others, a better, more sustainable world with true gender equality.
OUR MISSION
Through both online and face-to-face gatherings, The Women’s Kiteboarding Collective is becoming a premier resource for kiteboarding education, inspiration, and connection for women around the world. The Collective encourages women to network, work together, learn together and build a sense of camaraderie in both kiteboarding and their lives. With that foundation, women can advocate for improvements for their lives and the lives of others.
OUR VALUES
We are a global movement of women kiters who encourage, support and celebrate each other’s independence, intelligence, courage, confidence, strengths, abilities, power, professionalism and grace. These core values support our goal of a world which demonstrates equity, justice, fairness, freedom, and truth, particularly in relation to women’s rights.
OUR LEADERS
HOLLY ST JOHN PECK
Board President
Women’s Success Coach, Speaker, IKO Instructor, Co-leads with spouse Bonding Through Boarding couples’ retreats. Lives in South Padre Island and Angel Fire NM
See Holly’s Work
MARGARET EBERLE
Board Secretary
Electronics Technologist & business owner, building hardware used on the International Space Station, based in Kingston, Ontario Canada
See Margaret’s Work
LAUREL EASTMAN
Board Treasurer
Kiteboarding expert, business owner of a kite school, founding Board Member & former professional kiter, based in Cabarete, Dominican Republic
See Laurel’s Work
FRANCES RIVERA
Board Co-Chair
Sales rep for Cabrinha, kiteboarding examiner & level 3 instructor, adaptive athlete Puerto Rican living in Miami
See Frances Instagram
YOUR NAME HERE?
Board Member
If you are interested in joining the Board please contact us!
Get in Touch
NICOLE VERMEULEN
Board Member
Renewable energy expert & IKO instructor, passionate about sea & snowkiting, based in Holland
See Nicole’s WebsiteWhy We Rebranded from KB4girls to The Women’s Kiteboarding Collective.
1. KB4girls Was Confusing
We were constantly explaining: KB stands for kiteboarding (and is our founder Kristin Boese’s initials) and we serve women of all ages, not just children.
2. We’ve Gone Through Some Changes
Kristin got married, changed her name to Kristin Solbach, retired from full-time international travel, and in the fall of 2015 withdrew from active work on this project to focus more on her farm in Maui.
As an organization we also have “grown-up”. One of the first things Elea and Laurel did when taking the helm was a member survey. They discovered the average age of our women is 41 years old!
And while kiteboarding keeps us youthful, and we absolutely embrace our inner “girl spirit” HOWEVER….
3. Our New Name Reflects Our Progress & Development
The Women’s Kiteboarding Collective clearly explains who we serve, and how we’re doing it – TOGETHER!!!
So…..
Welcome to the brave new world of The Women’s Kiteboarding Collective (formerly known as KB4girls.)
We began this project at the end of 2010. We’re proud that we’ve lasted this long and we are honored to have the opportunity to serve women kiteboarders around the world.
Here’s to moving forward…To helping women navigate the rough seas and squally winds we all face when kiteboarding…To giving female kiters a place to connect, share stories, give advice, learn, laugh, and yes, sometimes even cry…To celebrating being women, being strong, brave & amazing.
With that, we’re out! Back to work on making great things happen.
Thanks for being part of this great movement.