WILD IDEAS: MY JOURNEY WITH WEN, BY SARA STEIGERWALD
October 21, 2025
Hi, I’m Sara, creator of WEN in the Wild, an outdoor networking series for WEN Greater Pittsburgh. This program is all about building real connections through shared, typical outdoor experiences - think hiking, biking, and kayaking - with a few unique experiences dropped in, including owl prowling with the Pittsburgh Park Rangers! This included hiking in the dark with flashlights, playing owl calls from a portable speaker, and miraculously finding a barred owl. It’s an adventure none of us will ever forget.
To understand how WEN in the Wild came to be, let me rewind a bit and share a little about my own career journey. Coming up with a new idea and pitching it takes courage. Speaking up wasn't always easy for me. In the early stages of my career, I often held back from asking my male colleagues for help. Not because they weren’t approachable, but because I didn’t want to seem weak or incompetent. At the same time, many of my interactions with other women in the industry felt competitive rather than collaborative.
As a result, I felt isolated. I faced challenges alone, wrestled with imposter syndrome, and shed more tears than I’d care to admit. There were moments when I genuinely questioned whether I belonged in this industry. But with a lot of perseverance (shout-out to my parents, who never let me quit anything growing up), I found my footing. I slowly built a strong support system, learned to trust myself more, and started thriving instead of just surviving. Of course, I still face doubts now and then, but today I have the tools and the people to manage them in healthier, more productive ways.
WEN has been a big part of that transformation. I joined WEN Greater Pittsburgh in 2018 and quickly realized I found something special - an organization filled with smart, driven, supportive women who genuinely want to lift each other up. Through WEN, I’ve built an incredible professional network and formed some of the strongest friendships in my life. It’s been a space where I could show up as my full self, grow, and give back.
After serving in various roles for the Chapter, I found myself in a bit of a holding pattern. I knew I still wanted to contribute, but wasn’t sure how. In 2023 the Chapter President, Tiffany Culp, shared something that changed everything: we could create new positions within WEN if we had fresh ideas. That was the barely lit green light I needed!
WEN in the Wild started because I wanted to offer something different from the traditional networking events, i.e., happy hours and conference mingles, where conversations can feel forced and the social pressure to drink is often present. I believe networking should evolve with society. WEN in the Wild aligns with today’s growing focus on wellness and mental health, combining the proven benefits of being outdoors with light movement and meaningful connection and, selfishly, I just love being outside and being adventurous!
Thinking about getting involved in WEN? Have an idea you’ve been sitting on? Don’t be afraid to talk about it. There’s an incredible community of women within WEN who are ready to listen, support you, and help you bring it to life.
I’m proof that speaking up works. After three incredible years leading WEN in the Wild, I’m honored to be nominated as the 2026 President-Elect role with WEN Greater Pittsburgh. I can’t wait to continue supporting and encouraging the next generation of women in energy, and to help bring the next wild idea to life!
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Sara Steigerwald
WEN in the Wild Chair, WEN Greater Pittsburgh
Engineer Senior, EQT Corporation
