The Discovery is one of the few women owned and operated commercial touring vessels on the Great Lakes. Three women entrepreneurs came together to curate a unique and historic first of its kind on Grand Traverse Bay. The Discovery offers tours for guests of all ages and abilities as well as the only on the water special event venue.
Tawny Hammond
Captain Tawny grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan. She's a graduate of Western Illinois University (BA Communications), Southern Utah University (MIS Interdisciplinary Studies), the International Association of Chiefs of Police Center for Police Leadership, and US Captain's Training. The majority of her 30-year public service career is in parks and recreation leadership at natural resource parks and lakes, recreation and historic facilities. For 12 years, she served as the pilot of a 22 passenger tour boat that showcased the natural and cultural resources of a 500 acre lakefront park.Tawny's retirement from public service was commemorated in the United States Congressional Record. A trained interpretive guide, Captain Tawny also owns Wind Dancer Traverse City Tours, a 60-foot schooner and sailing company. Her passion for sharing the wonders and beauty of Grand Traverse Bay and the surrounding land is tied to the ultimate goal of ensuring they are here for generations to come.Tawny's also the National Director for No Kill Advancement for Best Friends Animal Society creating and implementing programs and services for people, working effectively with appointed and elected officials, creating and leading teams focused on professional excellence.
Caroline Oosterhouse
A native Michigander, Caroline Oosterhouse is a graduate of Central Michigan University, and a local educator who specializes in secondary education and creative writing. Caroline was integral to the launch of Bonobo Winery, creating web content, marketing materials, standard operating procedures, and she spearheaded the creation of the Bonobo Wine Club, which boasts over 1000 members today. She's on the team for Central Michigan University's largest fundraising event, the CMU Golf Classic. Caroline is a lifelong creative, expressing herself in writing, music, and as a successful entrepreneur. Caroline brings her passion for and experience with elegant and accessible northern Michigan hospitality to The Discovery for adventurers of all ages. Caroline and family live on the shore of west bay and enjoy participating in sports, theater, and music around Michigan.
Jennifer Szunko
After graduating from Northwood University with degrees in Advertising, Marketing, and Business Administration, Jennifer Szunko spent time working in Vail, Colorado and Washington DC, then returned to Northern Michigan in 1987. She and her husband are serial entrepreneurs with experience in hotel convention sales, the cruise industry, wine education, outdoor recreation, magazine and book publishing, wholesale automotive sales, and digital marketing. She has a passion for learning, creative collaboration, and being a connector of people, which is why she volunteers her time with organizations like Traverse Connect, Michigan’s Creative Coast, TCNewTech, TechStars, and others. In 2022 she launched the Traverse City Chapter of Startup Grind to inspire, educate, and build a community for local entrepreneurs. In her free time, you will find her sailing, skiing, golfing, biking, or enjoying dinner and a glass of wine with friends and family.