Emily Kehler is the founder and driving force behind Patrol Like A Girl, and a passionate advocate for creating representation and confidence-building opportunities for girls in mountain safety.

Her belief in youth representation is rooted in her own journey. At 16, Emily pushed for the opportunity to join patrol early, becoming the youngest patroller in the province and setting the stage for the advocacy she continues today (see the story on Global BC!)

As a member of the Canadian Ski Patrol, working as both a patroller and on-snow instructor, Emily realized just how few girls see themselves reflected in patrol roles.

She created Patrol Like A Girl to change that.

Her vision was simple: to build a community where girls feel welcomed, encouraged, and empowered to step into outdoor leadership.

The program launched in 2024 with hands-on skill sessions, mentorship-based events, and accessible opportunities for girls aged 8–14 to explore mountain safety in a supportive environment. Through her leadership, Patrol Like A Girl has grown into a place where girls learn skills, build confidence, connect with role models, and start to picture themselves in spaces where women have historically been underrepresented.

Emily’s goal, and the heart of this program, is to empower the next generation of girls to lead boldly, ski confidently, and know they belong in every part of the mountain environment.

Meet Our Founder- Emily