From Chance Hiker to Leader: Hazleen Ahmad’s Mountain Journey

In an inspiring transformation, Hazleen Ahmad evolved from an accidental hiker to an accomplished climber of 87 mountains, while also establishing a vibrant women’s trekking community. Her journey began in 2013 when a friend’s last-minute cancellation led her to take a spot on a trek to Mount Kinabalu. This initial experience marked a pivotal change in her life, ignited by a health crisis she faced just two years earlier.

In 2011, Hazleen underwent surgery on her foot. During her recovery, she developed a severe throat infection, known as a peritonsillar abscess. “I felt something was burning,” Hazleen recalled. “When I got to the ENT specialist, he told me to go into a room. He sanitised a knife and within five seconds he cut my throat open.” This alarming episode prompted her to reassess her health and lifestyle, leading to a commitment to exercise.

At the age of 40, Hazleen started running, eventually completing ten half-marathons. When the opportunity to hike Mount Kinabalu arose, she embraced it, despite limited preparation. The sense of euphoria she experienced during the climb ignited a passion for hiking that she describes as life-saving. “Once I started hiking, I couldn’t stop,” the 53-year-old said. “But it’s not just hiking alone; you have to do it with a team, with women who support each other.”

Building a Community through Adventure

In 2015, Hazleen founded the Amazing Trekkers Club (ATC), driven by a passion for creating a supportive community for women. The club organizes hikes within Singapore and abroad, offering trips that vary in cost from approximately S$150 for local hikes to S$4,500 for climbs like Mount Kilimanjaro or treks to Everest Base Camp. Each trip includes essential gear, training, and accommodations, but participants must cover their own flights.

Hazleen’s vision was clear: she wanted to empower women to challenge themselves, both physically and mentally. “One of our members said she came for the adventure, but stayed because of the sisterhood,” she noted. Over the past decade, ATC has seen participation from around 3,500 women and youths, who have collectively climbed over 250 mountains across more than 30 countries.

The sense of community has been pivotal. Hazleen explained that discussions among hikers often extend beyond climbing to encompass personal challenges, such as menopause and mental health. “The mountains give us comfort, as a kind of retreat away from any tension, where you can actually be yourself,” she commented.

Championing Neurodiversity and Empowering Others

Hazleen’s connection to climbing deepened after she was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in 2024. This diagnosis was a revelation that reframed her understanding of her own strengths and challenges. “I realized that my intense focus, creativity, and intuition—qualities that helped me thrive as a leader—were part of my neurodivergence,” she shared.

In addition to her role with ATC, Hazleen serves as the global deputy CEO of the Institute of Neurodiversity and leads its Singapore chapter, which she founded as a non-profit in early 2025. The organization aims to raise awareness about neurodiversity in workplaces and schools, with plans to establish a dedicated institute.

Hazleen’s dedication to empowering women extends beyond trekking. As an angel investor, she focuses on supporting women-led businesses and initiatives in women’s health. “The community we’ve built understands that every woman’s journey is unique, yet we all share the common ground of seeking strength through adventure,” she said.

The impact of her hiking journey resonates within her family. Hazleen’s daughters, aged 17 and 15, have joined her on several climbs, with her older daughter becoming the youngest Singaporean to summit two peaks on Mount Kilimanjaro at the age of 10. “Climbing mountains has taught her about perseverance, determination, and endurance,” Hazleen reflected.

As Hazleen prepares to launch the ATC Marketplace, a platform for women to connect globally, she recognizes the profound role that hiking has played in her life. “The rhythmic pattern of hiking trails helps regulate my ADHD brain,” she explained. “What started as personal therapy has grown into a community of strong women supporting each other through life’s transitions.”

Through her journey, Hazleen Ahmad has not only conquered mountains but has also built a powerful network of women who uplift one another, proving that with determination and support, remarkable transformations are possible.