Lisa and Katie met on the trails back in 2019 at a local Kansas City off-road club event, snacks were shared, laughs were had, and the rest is history. What started as a casual connection quickly turned into a strong friendship rooted in adventure, mutual respect, and a shared love for 4×4. Over the years, they’ve wheeled together across the Midwest, served on the board of their off-road club, and grown from trail buddies into true teammates for life. Rebelle 2022 was a turning point. As rookies, they were thrown into the deep end and came out stronger than ever. One moment that still sticks with them was missing a green checkpoint by just a minute. Emotions were high, there were tears and frustration, but more importantly, there was grace, understanding, and a conversation that only deepened their bond. It’s the kind of partnership you don’t come across often, and one they both cherish deeply. Now, in their third year competing together, the rally has become more than just an event, it’s been the backdrop to a friendship that’s seen each other through life’s highs and lows. This year is especially meaningful, as it marks their final year competing together as a team with Lisa “retiring” (for now, anyway). This chapter may be closing, but their story as teammates and best friends is just getting started.
MOORE Expo, IRONMAN 4X4, Metalcloak, Method Race Wheels, SantaFe Tow, Chad Smith State Farm, SUUNTO, RAM Mounts, WARN, Factor 55, ROTOPAX, Built 2 Rock Off-road, Midland USA, Rhino-Rack, MaxTrax, Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, Battle Board, Shop Overland Apparel
I’m someone who values integrity, emotional intelligence, and passion, and who fiercely believes in living life authentically, even when it’s hard. I’m constantly seeking growth through adventure, connection, and experiences that challenge me to be better.
I’m the Senior Manager of B2B Marketing for IRONMAN 4X4 North America, which basically means I get to nerd out over off-road gear, connect with awesome people, and build a career around something I truly love. After my first Rebelle in 2022, I knew I wanted to pivot my life and career into the automotive space, and now I get to blend my professional experience with my personal passion every single day. It’s been one of the most fulfilling changes I’ve ever made, honestly, it's hard to call it "work" some days!
Kansas City, Ks
Kansas State University, Business Administration
"Oooh this is a tough one. My go to is: In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. — Abraham LincolnBut I also think these two are great: "Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire."" — Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.
I subconsciously flip my hat around backwards whenever I tackle challenging obstacles on the trail, it's unintentionally become my trademark move. Friends know if the hat goes backward, things are about to get real interesting!
Because it changed everything for me. And for the 10th anniversary? There was no way I was missing it. This event, these women, this challenge, it’s magic. I’ll keep coming back for as many years as I can. Honestly, I'm a Rebelle for life, or at least every year possible! Competing in the Rebelle Rally has profoundly shaped who I am today. And this year, marking its 10th anniversary, I simply couldn’t imagine missing out on the incredible adventures and friendships waiting at the starting line. I know the Rebelle crew will have something truly special planned, and I want to be there for every unforgettable moment.
My parents inspire me every day. My late dad was a decorated Vietnam War hero and the kindest, most loyal person I've ever known; my amazing mom continually inspires me with her strength, wisdom, and joyful approach to life, even through life's toughest moments. Beyond my family, I'm inspired daily by authentic, genuine people who boldly follow their dreams and live life wholeheartedly.
Big Bang Theory – Endless laughter, relatable nerdy humor, and pure comfort watching. Star Trek – Fascinating storytelling that continually explores human potential and dreams. Bridgerton – Who can resist drama, romance, and a bit of escapism now and then?
That's so tough! But if I had to narrow it down, it would be Rebelle Rally 2023, Overmountain Rally 2024, and exploring the incredible historic places of Pompeii, Athens, Santorini, and Corfu in 2024. Each journey was unique, challenging, eye-opening, and unforgettable in its own special way.
2022, 2023
To give it our all, have a ridiculous amount of fun, and leave it all on the course. For us, winning doesn’t mean a podium. It means being proud of our effort, strengthening our bond as a team, and soaking up every wild, beautiful, challenging moment. But yes, we’ll absolutely be chasing the top 15 and as many high value checkpoints as possible.
My passions have evolved a lot in the last few years. These days, I’m really focused on slowing down a bit, spending more time with my people (and pups), and continuing to grow into a leader within the automotive industry. Not for influence or attention, but because I love this community and want to give back to it. I still crave outdoor adventures like paddleboarding, hiking, or mountain biking, but lately, I’ve been drawn more toward teaching, speaking, and helping others find their path. And when I’m not doing that, I’m probably somewhere hanging out with my partner James and our two Belgian Malinois, Fenrir and Skadi, ideally near water.
I didn't grow up in motorsports, but Rebelle 2022 absolutely lit the spark. It opened a door I didn't even realize I was standing in front of. Every year since, I've come back with a deeper respect for the sport, a stronger desire to learn, and more clarity about the kind of life I want to build. This year, I’m approaching it with even more curiosity, intention, and appreciation that there's always more to learn, about resilience, teamwork, humility, and myself. For me, Rebelle isn't just about competing; it's about evolving, soaking in every lesson, and growing alongside some incredible people.
Where to start? I’ve shown American Saddlebreds, galloped through the Austrian countryside, road-tripped solo through the Pacific Northwest, competed in the Overmountain Rally, and now I’m working toward becoming one of only a handful of women certified as an I4WDTA Trainer, a goal I am fiercely passionate about. I’ve also fallen in love with public speaking and was recently invited to be a keynote speaker at the 2026 SEMA Women’s Leadership Forum. I may have stumbled into all of this, but now I can’t imagine my life any other way.
Hands down, the dunes! Navigating them is equal parts exhilarating and terrifying, but there’s something immensely rewarding about conquering each towering crest. Plus, nothing beats the adrenaline and sheer joy that comes from successfully navigating those sandy mountains.
The hardest part of the Rally isn't mastering the terrain or navigating the course, it's finding harmony within yourself. It demands balancing your competitive drive with compassion, quieting your inner critic, rising resiliently after setbacks, supporting your teammate wholeheartedly, uplifting fellow competitors, and refusing to let stress hijack your emotions and decisions. Ultimately, the Rally isn't just a test of skill and strategy; it's a powerful catalyst for personal growth and the clearest mirror you'll ever hold up to your truest self. From another perspective: Honestly, the biggest challenge isn't even the rally itself, it's the preparation leading up to it. Living in Kansas City doesn't make practicing terrain navigation easy, and it can be tough finding the time and resources to prepare fully. However, every year proves that the challenge and hustle beforehand are more than worth the incredible payoff.
It changed everything. Rebelle gave me the clarity and confidence to build the life I really want. It helped launch me into a new career, build a new business focused on leadership and education, and find a sense of purpose I didn’t know I was missing. But most importantly, it gave me the kind of deep, honest friendships that are rare in this world. That’s why I keep coming back. The challenge is amazing, the terrain is beautiful, but it’s the people and the impact on my life that bring me back year after year.
Absolutely. My dad was a car, motorcycle, and plane guy through and through, and some of my favorite memories are with him at car shows or wrenching on something old and beautiful. He taught me how to drive a stick in his cherry red MGA, and even though I stalled about a thousand times, I couldn’t stop grinning. That car, and those moments, hold a huge piece of my heart.
Retired from 23 yrs of behavioral education, currently customer service at a major grocery store chain, Price chopper, also grandmother of three. My first grandson was born while I was on the Rebelle in 2022.
Kansas City, MO
International School of Design
"My favorite quote that I use often is from the movie Forest Gump, "Stupid is as stupid does". It fits so many situations."
I became a grandmother for the first time while I was on the Rebelle in 2022.
We wanted to do the Rebelle as team Wild Mavens one more time, the 10th anniversary was a no brainer, we had to do it!!! We have become much stronger women from being a part of it twice andwanted to see the challenges and be a part of something so special.
My mother is my greatest inspiration. She will be 90 just before competition starts. She lives on her own, does water aerobics 3-4 days a week, is active in book club, and her church. She has done so much with her life even after losing my dad 33 years ago. Sheis a strong minded, outgoing person, and I'm just like her. My partner in the Rebelle, Katie Abraham, inspires me and pushes me to step outside my box and to keep going for it. I've watched her grow and she is an inspiration to me.
I’m an old soul when it comes to shows, I like watching CBS mornings and classic movies on TCM. I’m not a book reader, and I’ve never really connected to any podcasts that I can’t live without.
My greatest adventure to date I would have to say is completing Holy Cross trail in Colorado. That put myself and my Jeep to the challenge of everything off roading can give you. As well as the badge trails that are in the San Juan mountains in Colorado too. Driving Black Bear is an experience I will never forget. My husband will tell you I was doing the switchbacks and while I was doing a turn I had my eyes closed, I told himI was feeling it, lol. He thought he was going to die.
2022, 2023
We originally wanted to go in to try and be a part of the top ten, but we had a honest heartfelt conversation and decided yes we are going to give it our best but we want to have a great experience and have fun. We are the best of friends and we want to do it together, one more time.
Off roading is a huge passion of mine, I discovered it in 2018 and haven't looked back. I am very active in our off road club, which I was President of last year, we have over 600 paid members. My greatest love is my family and spending time with our 3 grandchildren. I belong to Beta Sigma Phi, a sorority for women, for 42 years. I enjoy working in the yard, hanging out with our friends, eating tacos and being outdoors.
My background in motorsports stems from off roading, I didn't grow up learning aboutvehicles and what they did or how they worked so it's all fairly new to me since I boughtmy jeep. I have learned a lot about the workings of what is involved with what it takes tokeep it in shape and wheeling it in different terrains has prepared me for the differenttypes that we will take on during the Rebelle. Knowing when to use my gears andlockers will help with our fuel usage as well as getting the best performance from myjeep at the appropriate times.
I have wheeled in over twelve different states, and plan to hit up many more.
What a tough question! I love all of it, because the different terrains keeps me on point at all times and I can put my skill to use. Taking it all in and loving every view and knowing how lucky we are to experience it is priceless.
The hardest part for me is not wanting to let my partner down and to be able to put her tent away. lol. When I get completely overwhelmed I shut down. That happened to me in 22, we were in the main tent in the morning and being tired, day 4 or 5, I just hit a wall trying to plot. Katie said she would switch and I could do the road book. Even the other girls at the table helped me out, I don't want that to happen again.
The rally has changed me in many ways, I think the main one is I have learned that Ican do hard things. Patience, determination, and learning how to work on my jeep, how to use all the tools with a map and compass, have made me a stronger person,someone that people look up to and come to for advice and inspire others to go out and become better in a sport that is male driven. What makes me want to come back is to be a part of something that is so special and the bonds that are formed with incredible women, in a world where so many people are about doing only what's good for themselves.
My first memorable moment was at an event called "Sunflower" it is a yearly event that our off road club puts on to empower, and teach women about driving off road. My first time was driving my husband's jeep at this event shortly after he bought it. Taking it down my first hill over some rocks and small ledges I knew I was hooked!!!! I knew then I had to have my own. I now wheel more than he does, I have made valuable friendships that have turned into sisters and family like I never had all because of a Jeep.
