Why We Feel Better Outside: Nature, Aromatherapy & Connection
Meet the panelists joining Women’s Outdoor Connection at REI Seattle on October 23, 2026.
What if getting outside is about more than recreation?
The scent of the forest. A little breathing room. A conversation with someone who enjoys the same things you do. These are part of what makes being outdoors feel good—and what we’ll explore at our Friday night Women’s Outdoor Connection panel.
Join us at REI Seattle on October 23 for a conversation about nature, aromatherapy and belonging. Holly Brandenberger and Charlotte Massey will bring their perspectives on well-being and connection, with Saveria Tilden guiding the conversation.
Meet our panelists
Holly Brandenberger | Science of Essentials
Holly is a registered nurse, certified aromatherapist, author and educator with a community of more than 1.7 million. Through Science of Essentials, she helps people understand aromatherapy, including how scent interacts with the brain and its role in emotional well-being.
For this conversation, Holly brings a perspective on our senses, the natural world and how our surroundings affect how we feel.
Charlotte Massey | Seattle Chamber of Connection
Charlotte is the founding executive director of the Seattle Chamber of Connection and founder of the U.S. Chamber of Connection’s Community Builder Network.
She’s taking on loneliness and the “Seattle Freeze” by helping create more opportunities for people to meet, build friendships and feel like they belong. Charlotte is also a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, TEDx speaker and co-founder of Gnara Apparel.
We’ll explore how a shared interest in the outdoors can open the door to connection—and how to take that first conversation a little further.
Our moderator: Saveria Tilden | AdventurUs
Saveria is the founder of AdventurUs, where she helps women build confidence and connect through outdoor adventures. She brings nearly 20 years of outdoor industry experience, including teaching with REI Outdoor School and developing programming for women’s outdoor retreats.
A longtime Women’s Outdoor Connection friend and past speaker, Saveria believes adventure looks different for everyone. She’ll guide our conversation about getting outside, finding your people and making the outdoors feel more accessible.
Join us Friday night
Friday, October 23, 2026
Open to everyone—come on your own or bring a friend.
6:00: Oktoberfest dinner + meet our partners
6:30–7:30: Why We Feel Better Outside — speaker panel
7:30–8:00: Mingle + make connections
Check-in begins at 5:30 PM in the REI lobby.
Stay connected after the event
Explore the links above to learn more about our speakers and their work. Keep discovering outdoor groups and opportunities through Women’s Outdoor Connection.
And if you meet someone you’d like to get outside with, exchange numbers, suggest a walk or make a plan.
One conversation can lead to your next adventure.
Sponsored by Powder Poobah.
With thanks to REI Seattle and our food supporters:
Queen Anne Beerhall
Dingfelder’s Delicatessen
Tillamook
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