Meet Michelle Jackson-saulters | Wife, new mom and Executive Director of We Hike to Heal, Inc

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Jackson-saulters and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, what is the most important factor behind your success?
If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be community—but not just in the “we need people” sense. The success of We Hike to Heal, and honestly, my own journey, has been built on the power of intentional connection—connection to self, to others, and to nature.
From the very beginning, We Hike to Heal wasn’t just about getting outside; it was about healing in a way that feels real, accessible, and deeply personal. The magic happens when women show up—not just for a hike, but for themselves, for their growth, and for each other. That collective energy has fueled everything we do, from ambassador-led events to the annual campout.
On a personal level, that same principle has carried me through. As a wife, a new mom, and a leader, I’ve learned that success isn’t about doing it all—it’s about knowing when to lean in, when to ask for help, and when to let go. Balancing motherhood, marriage, and everything else in between isn’t always graceful, but it’s always grounded in the belief that I don’t have to do it alone. That’s what keeps me moving forward—both on the trail and in life.
Success, to me, isn’t about titles or numbers (though impact matters!). It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to take their next step—whatever that may be. And if I can embody that in my work, my family, and my own healing journey, then I know I’m on the right path.

What should our readers know about your business?
We Hike to Heal is a nonprofit organization founded in 2022, born from years of running our first business, The Outdoor Journal Tour, and recognizing the massive need for a safe, inclusive space where women can connect, heal, and explore the outdoors together. We Hike to Heal’s mission is to build a community that normalizes self-care, healing, and adventure for women.

But We Hike to Heal isn’t just an organization—it’s a movement. It’s a space where women can reclaim time for themselves, reconnect with nature, and remember that healing isn’t just an abstract idea but something we can actively cultivate. Through group hikes, retreats, and community gatherings, we create opportunities for women to step away from the noise of everyday life and step into a deeper connection with themselves and each other. What sets us apart is intentionality. We don’t just hike for the sake of hiking. Every experience we create is designed with mindfulness, personal growth, and emotional well-being at its core. Our ambassadors are trained to hold space in ways that feel safe and empowering. We incorporate reflection, journaling, and community-building into our events because this work isn’t just about moving your body—it’s about moving your heart, mind, and spirit forward.

The journey to get here, though, hasn’t been easy. Building this from the ground up meant navigating financial challenges, learning the ins and outs of nonprofit leadership (sometimes the hard way), and facing the reality that passion alone isn’t enough to sustain a movement—you need strategy, support, and resources. What kept me going through it all was the stories. Every woman who shared how a hike, a conversation, or a retreat changed her life made the struggle worth it.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Leading this work while also being a wife, a new mother, and a neuro-spicy human with my own mental and emotional health journey has required me to redefine what success looks like. It’s not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about doing what matters with integrity, authenticity, and balance. We Hike to Heal isn’t just about physical movement; it’s about creating a life where healing, joy, and connection aren’t optional—they’re essential.

I want all women to know that nature is for them. Healing is for them. You don’t need to be an expert hiker or have all the answers to start. You just need a willingness to show up for yourself. And while we welcome all women, we are intentional about centering the experiences of women of color—because we know that in many spaces, their stories, their healing, and their joy are often overlooked. We create space for them to be seen, to be heard, and to be held in community. If our work can help even one more woman remember that she is worthy of rest, connection, and adventure, then every challenge along the way has been worth it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ah man! That’s a tough one because there’s just so much to love about Atlanta. If my best friend were visiting, I’d want to take her to all my favorite spots and make sure she gets a good mix of nature, food, and the city’s unique energy.

We’d definitely spend a day outdoors—maybe heading up to North Georgia for a scenic drive and sometime in the mountains or staying closer to the city with a hike at Sweetwater Creek State Park. It’s one of my favorite places to get outside without going too far, with beautiful trails and the historic mill ruins that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another time.

Another day, we’d keep it urban and walk the BeltLine, but I’d take her to the Westside BeltLine because it’s not as crowded and has a more laid-back vibe. While we’re there, we’d grab food at the Food Hall at Lee + White, where there’s always something good to try.

Food is a big part of any trip, so we’d make sure to have some of the best in the city—like stopping for Vietnamese at So Ba in East Atlanta Village, one of my go-to spots for a comforting meal. And for slower moments, we’d grab coffee and sit by the water at Chattahoochee Coffee Company, because there’s nothing like sipping a warm drink with the river flowing in the background.

Atlanta has so much to offer, but at the end of the day, it’s all about good food, good views, and good company—and I’d make sure she got a little bit of all three!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh, this is an easy one—because nothing I’ve built, nothing I’ve done, and nothing I’m becoming is solely my own doing. My journey has been shaped by a whole village of incredible people, and they deserve all the love and recognition.
First, my wife, best friend and business partner Kenya—my rock, my safe place, and the person who reminds me to rest when I would absolutely run myself into the ground. She believes in me even when I doubt myself, and I couldn’t do this life (or this work) without her.

Next, my daughter, Cairo, who has already transformed the way I see the world. Becoming a mother has deepened my understanding of patience, presence, and what it truly means to create space for growth. She’s a daily reminder that the most important work we do is in the relationships we nurture.

I also have to shout out my family and closest friends – whom are too many to list, but have kept me grounded and lifted me up every time I’ve needed it. My village is everything to me. I’m so lucky to have them.

To my We Hike to Heal family—our board, ambassadors, and community—you all are the heartbeat of this mission. The way you show up, hold space, and create healing experiences for women around the country is nothing short of magic. You’ve proven time and time again that community care is real, powerful, and necessary.

And lastly, a nod to nature itself—because she has been the greatest teacher of all. The trails have held my grief, my joy, my questions, and my breakthroughs. They’ve taught me to be still, to listen, and to trust that even when I don’t have all the answers, the path will reveal itself in time.

Success isn’t a solo hike. It’s a journey best traveled with people who pour into you, challenge you, and remind you why you started in the first place. So, to my village—thank you. I wouldn’t be here without you.

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Image Credits
We Hike to Heal, Inc