RUFFLY founder Jessica Stone is about to embark on the journey of a lifetime: An 18-month motorcycle ride around the world with her 75-lb German Shepherd, Moxie, in the backseat. If she succeeds, she will be the first woman to ever complete such a feat. You might be wondering why this social entrepreneur is undertaking such a challenging adventure, and the answer is simple: to raise global support for girls in partnership with Girl Up and inspire young female changemakers to believe in themselves!
Beginning on March 5, 2022 at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, Jessica will travel across five continents with Moxie safely strapped onto the back of her motorcycle in hopes of raising $100K for Girl Up’s global leadership development & advocacy initiatives.
In addition to donating directly to this one-of-a-kind fundraiser, supporters can shop from RUFFLY’s online store where 100% of its Knotted Wristband proceeds will be donated to Girl Up as well as 10% of all dog gear sales.
Throughout her year-and-a-half-long GORUFFLY AROUND THE WORLD trip, Jessica will meet with Girl Up leaders to share their stories & amplify the inspiring impact of their movement for gender equality. Her first stop? A Girl Up Club in Mexico on March 17!
“I’m tackling this journey to inspire girls around the world to dream big and persist in reaching their goals,” Jessica says. “Becoming a motorcycle rider has helped me build self-confidence, set goals, and find my grit. I hope that girls see me tackling this challenging journey and are inspired to try something new, or something that scares them, so they can grow and gain confidence.”
I hope that girls see me tackling this challenging journey and are inspired to try something new—or something that scares them—so they can grow and gain confidence.
Jessica stone, founder of ruffly
Before co-founding RUFFLY with her husband Greg, Jessica was an aid worker in developing countries for years. She saw firsthand the unique struggles women & girls around the world face—and the far-reaching benefits of investing in their wellbeing and equipping them with equal opportunities.
So, when Jessica and Greg moved to Guatemala (and adopted Moxie), they created their ethical dog gear brand that not only supports skilled indigenous, female artisans and their traditional weaving techniques but also provides these women with sustainable livelihoods.
While Jessica is traveling thousands of miles to help raise awareness about the untapped power of women, she will be demonstrating it herself as she encounters harsh climates, difficult road conditions, language barriers, potential breakdowns, and safety and security concerns.
“What I’m most afraid of is riding off-road,” Jessica explains. “Riding through dirt, sand, mud, and river crossings all with Moxie on the back. But the only way around is through.”
Follow along on this route map as Jessica makes stops in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia & South America to check when she’s in your area and if there’s an event scheduled nearby for a chance to meet her & Moxie!
Plus, experience a behind-the-scenes look at her life on the road with weekly episodes of her GoRUFFLY Around the World adventure travel series.
To find out more about the journey, donate, or partner, visit HERE & stay tuned for more details as Jessica strives to ensure every girl can achieve her fullest potential!
