A recent Winnebago Industries Spotlight Survey showed a continued rise in women participating in outdoor recreation. In fact, women are more instrumental than ever in driving the future of the outdoors.
That momentum is growing not only in the water, at campgrounds and on the road — it is reflected in the people who help shape our company.
This Women’s History Month, we’re shining a light on three leaders across Winnebago Industries who share a commonality in how they lead. In very different roles, Julie Schepers, Krista Ragaini and Laura Fletty each believe that showing up authentically is essential to strengthening teams and creating experiences that elevate every moment outdoors.
Grounded in authenticity
Julie Schepers, an internal audit director for Winnebago Industries, plays a critical role in making sure those moments are possible in the first place. “My role is to help Winnebago mitigate risk,” she said. “If you think about the purpose statement of elevating every moment outdoors, there are so many obstacles that could get in the way of achieving that goal.”
Working in risk and audit within enterprise functions, she focuses on identifying frictions before they become larger issues. “If you’re too busy trying to figure out why your parts aren’t getting from point A to point B, that’s where I can help,” she explained. “I can help you make the process better and more efficient, so you don’t have to worry about that.”
Julie also serves as a site lead in the Women’s Inclusion Network employee resource group (ERG) and, outside of work, she embraces the outdoors herself, often heading out on hiking day trips with her husband.
At the center of her leadership is authenticity. “I want people to feel safe coming to me,” she said. “They don’t feel like they need to put on a front with me because I don’t with anybody.”
Leading by example
Krista Ragaini, director of marketing and client experience at Lithionics, leads with both results and intention in mind. She sees leadership as developing the people behind the work. “I’ve had people on my team who are very early in their career,” she said. “So how are they learning? How can I show up as this strong female leader, showing them that I’m constantly networking, constantly asking questions?”
She describes her style as outgoing and direct, but adaptable to the needs of her team. “I want to show up as my true authentic self,” she said, “but I’m also constantly trying to learn and be better.”
That drive carries beyond the office. As a dedicated fitness instructor, she teaches early morning classes before starting her workday. “If I’m not working out, I’m not happy.” Protecting that space fuels her dedication. And by showing up as she is, she gives her team permission to do the same.
Bringing all voices to the table
Newmar’s director of brand marketing, Laura Fletty, brings a similar philosophy to her role. “One of the things I’m very passionate about is making sure my employees know that however they show up is probably the best way to show up,” she said. “They were hired for a reason.”
Laura and her team bring together environment and experience to create something meaningful for the customer, creating a brand identity that feels authentic and intentional for how they want to experience open spaces.
“It’s bringing luxury and craftsmanship to the outdoors, where you don’t have to sacrifice those creature comforts while enjoying Mother Nature.” She sets high standards and reinforces the belief in her team’s ability to learn from each other in the process. “I don’t singularly have the answers,” she said. “It takes all the different opinions and voices and perspectives to make us the company that we are.”
A shared approach
The roles may be different, but at least one common thread is woven through their experiences. Each lead by showing up as themselves and creating spaces for others to do the same.
As more women shape the future of outdoor recreation, the leadership example of these three women and others like them will continue to help drive strong, authentic teams that enable adventurers everywhere to Be Great, Outdoors.