A Ladies Off-road & Social Group

Lady Yota State Reps help lead online group discussions, and ensure all members have the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences in a safe space. Reps also offer their local community members guidance and support, and encourage women to get outside safely by creating monthly meetups/country drives in their respective cities. If you are interested in becoming a Lady Yota Rep in your state, please reach out to Nia Borgelt or Kymberlee Edvalson.

I’m 50 and Feral!

I’ve always been quite independent and enjoyed exploring the outdoors, but it wasn’t until I became a divorced empty nester that I learned how much I love exploring the outdoors and truly how independent and self-sufficient I am…I found my wild! I grew tired of waiting for others to explore with me so, my two dogs and I set out on our first hiking adventure. What adventures we’ve had and oh the miles we have traveled!

As much fun as I was having adventuring with my dogs, I still had to keep up on the maintenance to keep my 4Runner going. I grew so tired of having to battle with being mansplained, overcharged, etc. for basic things for my vehicle. I knew I wasn’t the only woman who loves her Toyota and adventure.

I joined Lady Yotas in March of 2023. Honestly after joining the group, it took me a bit to join in with an event, but I quickly realized I was among friends! It doesn’t matter what model or year you are driving; it doesn’t matter if you’ve got mods or not you’ve got and it doesn't matter what stage in life you are in. Lady Yotas are here to support and cheer you on!

I’ve lived in Northern California my whole life, and have always loved nature, animals, exploring and learning new things. I have a stressful job, so being able to get out and relax is important to me. My Pittie Natasha and my bestie Rebecca 'j(The Honorable Commissioner of Snacks) are my ride or die. I’m newly back to being a Toyota owner, and my Highlander Hybrid "Wednesday" is proving quite capable! And we can pack like we’re never coming home, LOL

We’ve fallen in love with the desert/southwest, so driving out to Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona pretty often, that hybrid MPG is the biz! Living in Cali, though, there is so much to do, everywhere! Drive a little while if we have half a day, or a few hours, there's always something amazing to see!

When I got my ‘Lander last year on my birthday, my bestie Kate couldn’t wait to invite me to the group. I’ve been amazed at how friendly, inviting, encouraging and just plain absolutely cool everyone has been! Needless to say, I love it here, and am excited to be getting more of us to get out and do things! Lets goooooooo!!!!

I am central coast born and raised and spoiled by the best weather anywhere! My kids have grown and moved on. I have two grandsons and a brand new grandaughter making her appearance anytime soon. I have owned a Toyota since 2006 with my first being a Sienna. Moving into a Tundra to fit the lifestyle and now downsizing to a RAV4 for jetting off to see the kids. I love to travel and my drive or die bestie Richi and I get out for short or long trips as often as we can. Since we pack like we are never coming home, we take her Highlander and adventure here, there any anywhere that draws our interest. If there are flowers or rocks or beach sunsets, we will set a date and see it. We welcome anyone that is interested to everything we plan!

Meet Pepe Little Mule 

Straight out of Romancing the Stone, Pepe Little Mule is my beloved FJ Cruiser and she’s been rolling strong since I found her in February 2020. My love affair with FJs actually started way back in 2012, when I spotted a beastly one built up with a snorkel, lift kit, and massive 35s. It was love at first sight… but it took years before I finally found my perfect one.

Did I need her? Absolutely not, I already had a car.

Did I want her? 1000%.

So I did what any true Toyota queen would  

I sold the car and kept the FJ.

My brother introduced me to the Toyota life in 2018, and I haven’t looked back. I love Pepe because she lets me boondock anywhere, light up a bonfire in the wild, and take on the trails that most folks overlook. A lot of the roads near me are used by local farmers, and they actually love seeing the FJ out on the no-maintenance trails, it’s become a bit of a vibe.

I’ve still got my eye on Ardbeg, Ontario, where the 4x4 scene pops off during long weekends.

Pepe’s not just a rig, she’s my ticket to freedom, firewood, and a little off-grid peace.