SMPA alumna Darley Newman films an episode of Equitrekking in Alaska. Photo credit: Chip Ward © 2008

SMPA alumna Darley Newman (Electronic Media, '01), writer, creator, producer, and host of the Emmy-winning PBS travel television series Equitrekking, has been honored with a 2012 Inspiring Women Award.

Created by Women in Philanthropy and Leadership, the Inspiring Women Award recognizes the achievements of women leaders of various disciplines who were born in South Carolina or who have adopted the Palmetto State as their home.  Newman, who grew up in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, received the award for her outstanding entrepreneurship in the creation of the Equitrekking brand.

Combining her background in media from her time at the School of Media and Public Affairs and in broadcasting with her passion for horses and travel, Newman fashioned her dream career with the creation of the show Equitrekking.  With the help of her executive-producer husband, fellow GW alumnus Chip Ward, Newman travels around the globe to film episodes, exploring the world on horseback while introducing viewers to the history, culture and environment of each destination.  The upcoming season of Equitrekking, which premieres in late April, will feature episodes filmed during Newman's recent trip to Africa.  The series, which debuted nationally on PBS in 2007, now airs on television networks in over 65 countries worldwide.