Phoenix, Ariz. – Oct 7, 2015 – Hundreds of The Well Armed Woman (TWAW) female shooting group leaders and instructors from across the United States gathered in Phoenix, Ariz., to network, train and learn how to better expand the world of firearms to women across the US.
With the desire to be able to protect themselves and their families, millions of women are looking to gun ownership to help them equalize the battlefield of violent crime. The Well Armed Woman’s Chapter program and female firearms instructor program exist to assist to prepare women to meet this need and are experiencing explosive growth.
“We have grown to 235 chapters in all 50 states and have trained more than 250 female firearms instructors in under 3 years,” said Carrie Lightfoot, founder of The Well Armed Woman. “This conference offered our leadership the opportunity to gather together while learning even more leadership skills, and to be appreciated for their hard work in fulfilling our mission to educate, equip and empower American women shooters.”
Attendees greeted Sandy Froman, former president of the NRA and keynote speaker at the opening reception, with a standing ovation. Beretta USA sponsored a defensive shotgun course, taught by top trainer, Steve Fisher of Sentinel Concepts. Leaders attended seminars from the some of firearm industry’s top nationally recognized presenters: Travis Haley of Haley Strategic, Joyce Wilson of the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA), Alexis Artwohl, Ph.D, and Mike Gish of Taser International.
Carrie Lightfoot and Sandy Froman
An industry panel provided a much-needed opportunity for manufacturers and industry leaders to communicate directly with women shooters and to hear their wants and needs as well. Tiffany Yerby of 5.11 Tactical reported, “I gained so much from the industry panel in regards to product, marketing and the overall needs of women. It couldn’t have been better!”
Kie Wagner and Carrie Lightfoot
Other highlights included the presentation made by Kie Wagner, of GLOCK, to Carrie Lightfoot, as GLOCK’s “Safety Ambassador of the Year.” TWAW Instructor Sandra Berraras received the Impact Award for her leadership in the passage of Constitutional Carry in Puerto Rico and the St. Louis TWAW Shooting Chapter was honored as the largest chapter in the country with 120 members. “We also had the great pleasure of giving away 15 firearms to attendees,” added Lightfoot.
This three-day event was sponsored by some of the largest names in the firearms industry. High Caliber Sponsors include: Ruger, GLOCK, Walther Arms, 5.11 Tactical. Taser International, NRA-ILA , Gun Toten Mama’s and LWRC International. Other sponsors included: Beretta, Spikes Tactical, AZ Firearms, The Target Man and Gunsite Acadamy. “These companies prove their commitment to work to meet the needs of women shooters through their tangible and very real involvement in women’s events such as this one,” said Lightfoot.
Members of the Industry Panel
About The Well Armed Woman
The Well Armed Woman Shooting Chapters, a 501(C) 3 non-profit organization, creates a safe and unintimidating environment for women to explore shooting and to hone their skills.
Sponsor and media inquiries can email Lightfoot: carrie@thewellarmedwoman.com.
Women interested in learning more about firearms and The Well Armed Woman Chapter program and how to get involved, can visit www.twawshootingchapters.org, email admin@twawshootingchapters.org or call 888-572-7730.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
