OCTOBER 7 KICKOFF Thrive Outside Blog Post
We ALL deserve to #ThriveOutside.
I have been an outdoor guide for 13 years. I have been fortunate enough to guide in Colorado, Oregon, National Parks like the Grand Canyon, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Bryce, I was lucky enough to guide in Australia and travel abroad. However, it wasn’t an easy accomplishment or did I feel welcome all the time.
I grew up in inner city Philadelphia. My “outdoor” spaces were creeks by houses and small parks, it took me a while to learn about camping and hiking. When I arrived at college, that is when I was introduced to “the great outdoors”. At 18 getting access to these spaces, I was so happy to be finally experiencing the world in a new way and I wanted to fully dive in.
After the “new guide” energy wore off, I was met with resistance. I was confused as to why I wasn’t invited into spaces even after guiding for 5 years, my career path came to a halt.
Even with some of the privileges that I hold, as a woman in the outdoor industry, I often have felt like I don’t belong. Spaces where I felt more harshly judged or questioned for my abilities compared to my other male colleagues. My 10 years of experience was often overlooked and when a big decision was made, directors asked my male colleagues with less experience. I was overlooked for promotions and not treated in the same way.
As someone who grew up in the city and lacked access to the outdoors growing up, I am proud to be connected to The Outdoor Foundation and Thrive Outside. The Outdoor Foundation is dedicated to getting people outside for their health, the health of communities and the health of the outdoor industry. Through community investment and groundbreaking research, we work with partners across the country to address equity barriers and help make the outdoors accessible for all.
Lastly as a member of the outdoor industry and a guide, I am proud to be part of the
@OutdoorFoundation’s Thrive Outside Initiative, which is empowering communities to make the outdoor experience more equitable, diverse, and inclusive for all. I know that the work that the Outdoor Foundation is doing will contribute to traditionally underrepresented people like women, non-binary people and BIPOC individuals to feel like they belong in these spaces and receive respect and dignity working in the outdoor industry.
October 7th is #NationalThriveOutsideDay! Learn how we’re working with the
@OutdoorFoundation to catalyze a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive outdoor experience for all: ( https://outdoorindustry.org/participation/)