Owning Wisdom with guest faculty Karen Walrond
Join the Radiant Rebellion & Reclaim Aging
Nov 3 - Nov 8, 2025 in Santa Fe, USA
Led by: Karen Walrond, Mary Hofstedt, Monique Montoya, Lee Johnson
Financial aid is available. Apply Here.
It’s time to dispel the myths around aging and recognize that getting older is awesome.
When you look at how aging is portrayed in our culture, it’s largely presented as a something to dread – a sad but inevitable decline from some mythical “high point” in our youth.
Yet science shows the opposite is actually true: people’s happiness measurably increases when they reach midlife.
Which shouldn’t be surprising – throughout history, in most cultures, social attitudes toward aging have been largely aspirational. Getting older and wiser is what most people want to do!
But in the past 100 years, public perception of aging has become increasingly negative. That’s by design – and largely perpetuated by the multibillion-dollar beauty and anti-aging industries.
The good news is, because our negative beliefs around aging were intentionally created and have little actual basis in reality, that means they can be intentionally UN-created.
In this workshop co-facilitated with Karen Walrond, you will free yourself from limiting beliefs around aging – and reclaim the joy, vibrancy, and potency of getting older.
(And possibly unleash your inner rebel in the process.)
What You’ll Gain
Through a combination of our MEA curriculum and Karen’s guided introspection and interactive experiential activities, you will:
By the end of your five days with Karen, you will understand how much power you have to create a joyous and light-filled life at any age, and will be excited and energized to make that future a reality!
Meet Your Faculty
Karen Walrond
Author of The Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell
Award-Winning Author | Leadership Coach | Speaker | Attorney
Karen Walrond is an award-winning author, activist and lightmaker who has helped thousands of people around the world find purpose and meaning in their lives.
Her work has been featured PBS, Huffington Post, CNN.com, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and on Brené Brown’s Unlocking Us podcast. Karen is a sought-after speaker and the author of The Lightmaker’s Manifesto and The Beauty of Different.
Karen’s accomplishments and passion for empowering others toward self-determination and leadership helped her become one of 2016's 40 over 40 Women to Watch, as well as one of YWCA-Houston's 2016 Outstanding Women of the Year. Her mission is to help you name your gifts, attain your goals, and make light in the world.
As seen in:
PBS, HuffPo, CNN, Oprah Winfrey Show
This workshop is for you if...
You feel some apprehension or uncertainty around the idea of aging
You’re tired of being told how you “should” look, act, think, and feel at any given age
You’re ready to redefine the experience getting older as a life-enriching adventure
You’re eager to explore the dimensions of healthy aging, in terms of health, beauty, spirituality, connection, and meaning
You’re ready to become a part of the Radiant Rebellion and shed false assumptions that may be holding you back from your full power
You’re excited to embrace a future of joy expanded potential and maybe raise a little hell while you’re at it!
Santa Fe, USA
Rising Circle Ranch
An upscale regenerative ranch featuring traditional Pueblo architecture and spanning nearly 2,600 acres of wildlife, hiking trails in the arroyo, with ancient petroglyphs, and awe-inspiring beauty. Close to historic Santa Fe, an artisan’s mecca.



Meet Your MEA Facilitators
In addition to the powerful sessions conducted by Karen Walrond, you will be supported on your journey by our seasoned faculty members:
Mary Hofstedt
Content Facilitator
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Mary Hofstedt is an experienced non profit leader and educator who strives to advance a more hopeful, caring, and connected world. Her passion for youth and community development led her to work with Challenge Success, spearhead a coalition of youth and adult partners to develop a community arts center, and serve for over a decade within Stanford University’s John W. Gardner Center. She recently wrapped up a mid-career break to reflect on purpose, study Spanish, travel, and volunteer with whale shark research and conservation. She serves as a Senior Associate with Heartwise Learning and is thrilled to be based back in Santa Fe after a 22 year stint in the Bay Area!
Monique Montoya
Experience Facilitator
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Monique Montoya, aka Sneaks, is a curious soul, blending her experiences as a Marketing Manager and Cosmetic Formulator into a journey guided by her heart and rooted in a deep connection to the land. With a family that has walked on New Mexican soil for 500 years, her history is woven into everything she does. Whether snowboarding off cliffs or crafting herbal remedies, Monique finds joy in exploration and the beauty of connection. As the Faculty and Calendaring Wizard at MEA, she works behind the scenes, weaving together the details that make the magic happen. Her path is filled with love, courage, and a deep appreciation for life’s wonders. Let’s explore together!
Lee Johnson
Head of Land, Livestock, and Mindfulness in Santa Fe
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Lee likes to say that he’s as ordinary as dirt but as complex as soil.
A former Course Director for the Colorado Outward Bound School and Certified Holistic Management Teacher, he has managed ranches in Nebraska and Tennessee as well as several ranches here in New Mexico. As steward of our four-square mile regenerative ranch, Lee translates nature’s teachings into insights that encourage us to tune into our inner landscapes as much as the outer landscape. His holistic approach to life and spirituality creates a warm invitation for you to step into a deeper relationship with yourself, nature, and each other.
You will appreciate his laidback presence and the opportunity to slow down, listen to nature, and participate in the ancient ritual of gathering around the campfire.
Growing old with joy, confidence, and enthusiasm is an act of rebellion.
Especially when the world is designed to make us fear and hate the idea of aging!
Pushing back against the false narrative that we need to look and feel “young” for as long as possible requires a rebellious spirit.
“Young” isn’t inherently good. And “old” isn’t inherently bad. In fact, “old” can be awesome. Old can be radiant.
And during your five days with Karen in Santa Fe, you will have the opportunity to reclaim the potency of aging and enjoy a vibrant and fulfilling life.