Meet Sheridan Samano | Founder & Guide

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheridan Samano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheridan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After nearly 20 years in the travel industry, I’ve seen firsthand the disconnect between decision-makers in tourism and the empowerment of women—particularly in wildlife-based travel. Women make up the majority of travelers and tourism’s workforce, yet leadership positions and guiding roles remain overwhelmingly male-dominated. For just one example: 60% of birders are women, yet 90% of bird guides are men. The launch of Her Wild Life Expeditions is in response to this disparity as well as the increasing demand of women travelers seeking authentic group experiences.

Her Wild Life is built on the foundation of my company, Reefs to Rockies, which I founded in 2006 after years as a biology professor, taking students into the field and recognizing the need for a travel company rooted in conservation and responsible tourism. Over the years, as my team of wildlife biologists, science teachers, and travelers has organized group trips, we have noticed a clear trend: most of our clients are women. At the same time, we have seen an increasing number of skilled, passionate women in guiding and conservation roles who are struggling to break into the industry or gain visibility.

Her Wild Life is our response to these observations. From the executive level to our guide teams to the local businesses we support, our goal is to elevate women in wildlife tourism—as guides, as conservationists, as entrepreneurs, and as travelers. Several of the incredible women leading our expeditions are also small business owners, and our hope is that Her Wild Life will have a trickle-down effect—not just bringing revenue to these women, but fostering collaboration and a thriving community of women on every level.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our approach is simple: Women. Wildlife. Conservation.
Her Wild Life Expeditions is designed by women who know what it’s like to adventure in the wild, and we believe every woman deserves an experience that feels safe, comfortable, and completely stress-free. Whether you’re traveling solo or seeking the camaraderie of women traveling together, we ensure you’re in the right place at the right time, with expert guides who look like you, speak your language, and share your passion for the planet.

I’ve been operating a travel business for almost two decades. We’ve weathered storms including the impacts of the pandemic on travel and have continued to innovate. As an entrepreneur you have to be able to pivot when trends change. We’ve gotten really good at pivots while staying true to our core values.

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?
Let’s go with a one-day itinerary. I’d start with a wildlife safari at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge—a world-class wildlife destination with sweeping views of the Denver skyline that most people don’t even know exists. It’s a place where bison roam, eagles soar, and one of North America’s most endangered mammals—the black-footed ferret—has been reintroduced. I’d drive us around in the Roaming Bison custom safari van, searching for Great Plains icons.
After a morning of incredible sightings, we’d celebrate with lunch and a cold beer at a nearby brewery.

And if that grabs them and they have a week, I’d show them more of this beautiful state. It’s easy for me to curate a weeklong Colorado wildlife itinerary that spans the shortgrass prairie of the southeast, the sagebrush sea of North Park, and the dramatic San Juans in the southwest corner of the state

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to think all of the nature-loving women that I have connected with over the years on past trips. You are the inspiration behind Her Wild Life.

Website: https://herwildlifeexpeditions.com

Instagram: herwildlifeexpeditions

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106416363/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576291687349

Image Credits
Not applicable.