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.
Jennifer Szunko – Co-Owner, Connector, Entrepreneur
With a deep-rooted love for creative collaboration and connecting people, Jennifer Szunko brings decades of business expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to Traverse City’s waterfront. After earning degrees in Advertising, Marketing, and Business Administration from Northwood University, Jennifer worked in Vail and Washington D.C. before returning to Northern Michigan in 1987. Alongside her husband, she’s been a driving force behind ventures in hotel convention sales, the cruise industry, wine education, publishing, automotive sales, and digital marketing.
Jennifer is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and giving back to her community. She volunteers with organizations like Traverse Connect, Michigan’s Creative Coast, and TCNewTech, and in 2022, she founded the Traverse City Chapter of Startup Grind. When she’s not building connections and growing local business, you’ll find her sailing, skiing, golfing, biking, or enjoying a glass of wine with friends.
Caroline Oosterhouse – Co-Owner, Educator, Creative
A proud Michigander and co-owner of Bonobo Winery on Old Mission Peninsula, Caroline Oosterhouse brings creativity, leadership, and a talent for storytelling to everything she does. A graduate of Central Michigan University, she’s a trained educator in secondary education and creative writing with a passion for building memorable experiences and strong communities. She currently teaches 8th grade Language Arts at the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools.
Caroline played a key role in the launch and branding of Bonobo Winery, creating web content, marketing materials, and building the Bonobo Wine Club—now with more than 1,000 members. She plays violin in the Traverse City orchestra and also contributes to Central Michigan University’s largest annual fundraising event, the CMU Golf Classic. Whether through writing, music, or business, Caroline’s creative spirit shines through.
Captain Tawny Hammond – Co-Owner, Captain, Conservation Advocate
Captain Tawny Hammond has spent a lifetime on and around the water. Raised along the shores of Lake Michigan and now based in Traverse City, Tawny is a seasoned captain, interpreter, and public service leader. She holds degrees from Western Illinois University and Southern Utah University, and her three-decade career includes leadership roles in parks and recreation, environmental education, and animal welfare.
Tawny piloted tour boats for over a decade in Virginia, showcasing natural and cultural history, is the founder of Wind Dancer Traverse City Tours and former owner of The River Outfitters. Her passion lies in connecting people to the local culture and nature ensuring the long-term protection of the bay and its surrounding beauty. Her career in public service was honored in the U.S. Congressional Record, and she currently serves as the National Advisor for No-kill animal services at Best Friends Animal Society.