International Women’s Day: Meet the Women of Milesopedia

Women of Milesopedia – Aline

Your Role at Milesopedia: Content creator and consultant

Travelling has confirmed to me that I am an independent and go-getter woman. Indeed, all the experiences I have gained have made me the person I am today (it’s cliché, but it’s true) have travelled extensively on my own with my backpack; I have visited over 60 destinations solo. When you have a lot of time with yourself, you have no choice but to learn to cope and rely on yourself.

If I were different, I think I might not be in a relationship with my current partner and I might not have the family I have; I was the one who made the first move by inviting him for coffee! Would I have had the same kind of courage and self-esteem if I hadn’t asserted myself so much as a person through travel? Who knows? So I am very grateful for my adventures that have shaped me as a woman, a friend, a partner and a mother.

Your Favourite Destinations as a Woman?

I find it wise to be careful no matter where you are, so there is no destination that I have loved just because I am a woman. However, I particularly like places where I don’t have to be on my guard as much or where I can be myself.

For example, Japan is one of my favourites, if you haven’t already noticed, since it’s ultra safe in addition to matching my culinary preferences. In fact, it was the first country I visited solo and this enjoyable experience gave me the confidence to continue exploring every corner of the planet, from Tibet to Antarctica to equally remote places like Easter Island.

A Woman Who Inspires You:

My friend Judith who persevered to complete her training to become a pilot, a typically male dominated profession. I’ve followed her every step of the way, and she’s now a pilot with a major airline. The journey seems very arduous to me, but it’s super inspiring to see the ambition in her eyes. Plus, she decided to do this at the height of the pandemic when she was laid off and had no income.

Even though I love flying and travelling, I don’t think I have enough determination to go all the way like she does, since it can take a really long time to land a stable job with a predictable schedule.

Read Aline’s articles:

Women of Milesopedia – Alexe

Your role at Milesopedia : Content & Social Media Specialist – Editorial support, monitoring, and public relations (PR)

I discovered travel at a very young age thanks to my parents. They always took me to explore different destinations, whether in Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, or the United States. These trips sparked my curiosity about the world and the joy of discovering other cultures early on.

Later, I rediscovered travel with a different perspective. My first major trip as a young adult was to Los Angeles, a destination I had dreamed of for a long time. This trip was the starting point of a true desire to explore more. Shortly after, I set off to discover Europe, visiting Belgium, Amsterdam, and Paris in one week. I loved the pace—constantly moving and experiencing several cultures in a short time. The following year, I continued this exploration with a trip to Rome.

Traveling has allowed me to get to know myself better and realize how vast the world is. It also made me understand that life is too short to always return to the same places. Each destination brings something different, whether it’s a new culture, a different cuisine, or a new way of looking at life.

Your Favourite Destinations as a Woman?

I don’t really have a favorite destination as a woman, as I have always felt safe in the places I’ve visited so far. However, I had a bit of a soft spot for Amsterdam. It’s a very lively city, especially in the evening, when the streets are often full of life. You come across all kinds of people—travelers, groups of friends, families—which creates a vibrant and reassuring atmosphere.

A Woman Who Inspires You:

Several women inspire me, and it would be difficult to name just one. Figures like Ruth Bader Ginsburg have made their mark on history through their determination to defend equality and women’s rights. Her journey reminds me that it is possible to change things with perseverance, even in fields where women have long been underrepresented.

I also admire Diana Spencer, a woman who broke several royal conventions. Through her authenticity, empathy, and humanitarian commitment, she showed that it is possible to use one’s voice and visibility to make a real difference.

Her message on this International Women’s Day: “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A powerful reminder that women belong everywhere; in decisions, in ideas, and in the future.

To read Alexe’s articles:

Women of Milesopedia – Audrey

Your Role at Milesopedia : Vice-President

I discovered travel thanks to my parents, with whom I first criss-crossed France and then New York with Jean-Maximilien. I’m very grateful to them. Travelling has become indispensable for me. It allows me to put many aspects of life into perspective, and to be even more grateful for every little happiness in everyday life. Last but not least, travel is a great way to gain self-confidence. That’s what I want to pass on to my children.

Feeling the present moment is important to me. I find it harder to project myself. You never know what tomorrow will bring. I love life, discovering new places, tasting all kinds of cuisine, dancing to electro music anywhere in the world, and I’m always eager to have a good time with my family and friends. So whenever an opportunity arises, I rarely say no.

Whether you are with family, children, or friends, the dynamics and type of travel change. You must learn to compromise, adapt to another culture, and be resilient, cautious, and organized. It is through travel that we become aware of our limits, strengths, and weaknesses. It’s an opportunity to get to know our loved ones better and to make wonderful new connections.

Traveling remains the best way to learn a language, open up to the world, and push one’s limits. You can’t plan and predict everything. Misadventures can always happen: for example, Jean-Maximilien was mugged right in front of me, I had a skiing accident, or had a disagreement with a local. These are life lessons that force you to take action, become stronger, and let go. Despite all the precautions taken, it’s difficult to have control over everything.

Your Favourite Destinations as a Woman?

I loved almost every destination I have been to. I’ve been captivated by the grandeur of cities like New York with its skyscrapers and Dubai with its desert. I’ve also enjoyed the long stretches of beaches in Pensacola Beach and the Maldives, as well as the culinary delights of countries like Japan and China. However, if I had to choose, New Zealand would be my pick for its breathtaking landscapes and the warmth of its people.

I’m grateful to have been able to realize an old dream of mine in 2023, to go to Japan – a trip abandoned in 2020 because of COVID-19. This year, Jordan, Morocco and South America are still on my list!

A woman who inspires you:

In truth, every woman inspires me. I have so many names in mind. I am grateful to all the women I have met from my childhood until now, whether in my personal life, during my professional career, or at Milesopedia.

Being shy by nature, they helped me at a certain point in my life to open my eyes and understand that anything is possible when you give yourself the means. Even in the hardest times. You just have to believe in yourself and push yourself to keep going, to go further.

Her Message for International Women’s Day: Many! One step at a time, with determination, perseverance and courage, you’ll see that nothing is out of reach. Live the moment to the fullest and be positive!

To read Audrey’s articles:

Women of Milesopedia – Marie-Claude

Your role at Milesopedia : Director, Partnerships & Business Strategy – Canada and France

Although it’s a cliché, for me, travel is about discovering the Other, that is to say, exploring people, culture and architecture, landscapes, and the culinary arts. My first trips were mostly related to my initial training in art history and museology. I also really enjoyed my experiences as a couchsurfer and in youth hostels, where I met some very friendly and “colourful” people.

Now a mother, travel is a way to share with my children the richness of our planet and the people who inhabit it. This allows me to make them aware of the importance of being a good global citizen. Before travelling, we try to teach them useful words, customs, and polite gestures of the places we will visit. It’s also important to us that they “develop their taste” (dixit le Cadet) by trying new foods and dishes. Now that they’re older, we can also explain to them how lucky they are, and that not everyone gets the chance. It makes me very proud to see them question social, environmental and geographical differences.

Your Favourite Destinations as a Woman?

Except for a trip to Paris with a girlfriend, I never had the chance to travel alone.

I do, however, like destinations that allow me to see the world differently. I like the possibility of mixing stays in hotels, youth hostels, AirBnb and camper vans. Moreover, every trip includes a visit to local markets and/or vineyards, as these are great places to talk to people.

I have precious memories:

• of the Yucatan Peninsula by backpack and its breathtaking temples,
• landscapes during a road trip of +2000 km in South Africa,
• an unexpected concert by the Royal Hawaiian Band in Honolulu,
• of Jerusalem and the emotion I felt when I put my hand on the Western Wall,
• how much Tirana and its greater region were a complete revelation for me, particularly due to the profound respect for the resilience of the people, whichinspired my visit to the Bunk’art Museum, or again,
• the beauty of Sri Lanka, its intoxicating colours and smellsbut above all the warm welcome of its people, with a special mention for our guide Noël, who made our trip unforgettable.

A Woman Who Inspires You:

I have been fortunate enough to meet many inspiring women and it is difficult to identify just one.

I often think of…

• Monique, my first grade teacher who believed in me and knew how to feed my great curiosity.
• A student from Polytechnique Montréal, who immigrated from South America and grew up in an underprivileged neighbourhood in Montréal, received a scholarship that I helped her secure. She now works towards ensuring the right to clean water in disadvantaged countries.
• To Patricia, Maryse, Sophie and the too many other women who have been confronted with breast cancer and who have forced me to rethink my concept of what is important in life.

Her Message on International Women’s Day: Don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself, because life is far from being a smooth ride. We all have the capacity to be an agent of positive change in our world, no matter how big or small.

Read Marie-Claude’s articles:

Women of Milesopedia – Marie-Ève

Your Role at Milesopedia : Director, Web Content

As a woman, traveling has allowed me to develop my independence, my self-confidence, my resilience and my ability to adapt. I also learned to follow my instinct, to trust my inner voice.

Travelling has given way to extraordinary encounters for me, and has forged my own opinion of the places I visit. Sometimes travelling as a woman requires you to develop strength of character, but I choose to see this as a way to assert myself as a woman. Through my travels, I continue to learn more about the place of women in the world and I always feel this deep connection that unites us, no matter where we come from.

Above all, travelling allows me to witness the kindness of people everywhere, and the beauty of the world we live in.

Your Favourite Destinations as a Woman?

I don’t limit myself in my choice of destinations as a woman, but I do make sure to pay attention and educate myself on the precautions to take in the places I visit.

Greece will forever be one of my favourite destinations, as I spent my first big trip there, studying in a small village on the island of Lesvos, where the locals welcomed us as if we were part of their family; I can’t wait to go back this year! India is a country that has had a huge impact on the way I see the world, and one that I can’t wait to visit again. My favourite country is still Brazil, where I’m currently spending my third winter in four years. I fell in love with the open-mindedness of the people and the way they know how to celebrate and appreciate life, not to mention the heavenly beaches offering perfect waves to surf on!

A Woman Who Inspires You:

My grandmother Rita, who will be 102 (!) next week; she traveled independently with a friend in her youth during her twenties… That was very uncommon for women in the 1940s! I have always admired her determination, independence and progressive thinking. Today, her vitality inspires me and it is a great privilege to still witness the sparkle in her eyes.

Her Message on International Women’s Day: Follow your inner compass, it will always lead you to the right place. Be proud of the woman you are.

Read Marie-Ève’s articles:

Milesopedia Women – Miranda

Your role at Milesopedia : Compliance Coordinator & Translator, Web Editor

I’ve always had a great sense of adventure. Even as a child I wanted to reach the summit, kayak further, bike harder. Travelling solo as a woman gave me the avenue to pursue my individual passions without needing to wait for someone, or hurry to meet someone else’s expectations. To take the time to learn the names of plants and animals and share meals with strangers who became friends.

Your Favourite Destinations as a Woman?

New Zealand will forever hold my heart. It is a paradise unlike any other I’ve experienced thus far. The landscape is absolutely stunning, the people are genuinely wonderful. Not only did I feel safe there, I felt welcomed.

The indigenous Maori people really took me in, allowed me to participate in some of their traditional practices. I had the honour to take part in a Hāngī, which is a traditional method of cooking a feast to celebrate a great occasion. They bury food in the earth with coals for countless hours, and the result is nothing short of magic. The spectacular plants and birds that inhabit these islands were mesmerizing. The constellations of the Southern hemisphere were spectacular to witness. If the pandemic had not happened, I don’t think I would have come back!

However, as women travelling alone, let’s not forget Canada! This vast and wild country is a haven of experiences. From kissing the cod in Newfoundland to admiring the giant Spruce forests of British Columbia, stewing in a wild hot spring. Every province is majestic in its own way. Canadians with our reputed good manners and friendly demeanor are an oasis of goodwill. I love crossing this great country, I’ve done it several times, and I’ll do it again!

A Woman Who Inspires You:

I’d say Frida Kahlo, with her shameless passion for life, despite great adversity. From her paintings to her poetry she captures the essence of being unapologetically woman.

Also Jacinda Ardern who was the prime minister of New Zealand when I was living there. The way she managed politics while remaining human, a mother, a neighbour, a friend, during a time of crisis (pandemic) really inspired me.

Women of Milesopedia – Payal

Your role at Milesopedia : Director, Business Development & Revenue Growth – Canada and United States

For International Women’s Day, I want to reflect on something I often take for granted – the ability to move through the world freely as a woman.

Simple things, like walking alone at night without fear, speaking up without hesitation, or making choices without questioning if it’s “safe”, aren’t universal experiences. There are places where these freedoms don’t exist, where women have to fight every day for their right to be heard, seen, and respected.

Your Favourite Destinations as a Woman?

Australia will always have a special place in my heart. It’s one of my favourite destinations, not just for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities, but for how free and empowered I felt while exploring it solo.

Travelling solo in Australia felt like an invisible weight had been lifted. Whether I was walking through Sydney’s Circular Quay at night, hiking in the Blue Mountains, or taking a last-minute road trip along the Great Ocean Road, I felt a sense of freedom that I know isn’t universal. The ability to explore without fear, strike up conversations without hesitation, and simply exist without questioning my safety is something I deeply appreciate.

Of course, no place is perfect, and we still have a long way to go, but moments like watching the sunrise over the Twelve Apostles or sitting alone at a restaurant without a second thought remind me how important it is to keep pushing for change, everywhere.

A Woman Who Inspires You:

A woman who inspires me is Indra Nooyi. She shattered barriers in the corporate world, proving that leadership and empathy are not mutually exclusive. She’s shown that women don’t have to fit into a mold to succeed – they can lead boldly, authentically, and on their own terms.

I’m grateful for those who don’t just support this cause on one day, but lead by example every day through their actions, voices, and commitment to a more equal world.