Rejoice and Venture Outdoors with the 2015 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team!
Rejoice and Venture Outdoors with the 2015 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team!
Outdoor Artists, Wilderness Yogis, and Life Aquatics Unite to Build Community and Reconnect Black People to Nature
Outdoor Afro is so proud to announce the selection of our fourth Leadership Team. After receiving more than 50 applications from across the country, we’ve chosen a diverse group of 18 leaders from 13 states to bring our team to 30! This 2015 class will enrich our team and the lives of Outdoor Afros all over the U.S. with their experiences in foraging, snowboarding, farming, “creek stomping,” tree hugging, National Park fandom, stargazing and leading outdoor yoga exercises.
Last year, Outdoor Afro’s 15-member leadership got outdoors and built community with 3,000 Black people around the country. In 2015, with increased representation in Southwest, Northeast, Pacific Northwest and Southern United States, we anticipate re-connecting even more African Americans with nature.
As outdoor enthusiasts, community organizers, and health and wellness advocates, these leaders will continue the success of the previous three classes of Outdoor Afro Leadership. Each Leader will create and guide monthly trips, leverage social media and collaborate with local, relevant environmental organizations to deepen connections with the outdoors.
We deeply invest in our leaders through our annual in person training. In April, our team will gather at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia to deepen relationships with each other and build on existing expertise.
Leaders will affirm Outdoor Afro values through a curriculum that includes trip planning, the health impacts of nature, conservation ethics, risk management, and effective social media engagement. Moreover, leaders will strategize with leading outdoor industry brands, such as REI, KEEN Footwear, Klean Kanteen, Sierra Club, National Wildlife Federation – California, The Kapor Center for Social Impact, Campion Foundation – and more!
Now Presenting the 2015 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team:
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City/Region |
Name of OALT Leader |
Areas of Expertise |
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Atlanta, GA |
Tamara Johnson |
Wildlife Biologist, Aquatic Surveyor, Tree Hugger |
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Stefan Moss |
Professor, Environmental Educator, Father, Caribbean Barbecuer, Second Year Returning Leader |
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Wandi Steward |
Business Development Manager, Kayaker, Mountain Biker |
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Clayton Anderson |
Nature Nerd, Backpacker, Ecologist, Fourth Year Returning Leader |
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Zoë Polk |
Outdoor Afro Leadership Director, Attorney, Swimmer, Fourth Year Returning Leader |
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Cliff Sorrell |
Architect, Map and Compass Expert, Father, Fourth Year Returning Leader |
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Nina Thiebert |
College Student, Bike Rider, Tidepooler |
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Baltimore, MD |
Brittany Leavitt |
Interactive Teacher, Photographer, Yogi |
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Valerie Miranda |
Art Entrepreneur, Hiker, Beginning Forager, Mother |
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Viva Yeboah |
Accountant, Auditor, Outdoor Inspirationalist, Fourth Year Returning Leader |
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Charleston, South Carolina |
Adrienne Troy-Frazier |
Executive Director, Kayaker, Ocean Enthusiast |
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Beky Branagan |
Girl Scout leader, Environmental Educator, Outdoor Cuisine Expert, Fourth Year Returning Leader |
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Chris Clarke |
Animal Scientist, Father, Fisherman |
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Yolanda Crocker-Bradley |
Licensed Practical Nurse, Mother, Runner, Yogi |
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Vicki Allen |
Higher Education Professional, National Park Enthusiast, Camper |
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SteVon Edwards |
Community Health Specialist, Adventure Seeker, Second Year Outdoor Afro Leader |
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Josh Garubanda |
Paramedic, REI Outdoor School Educator, Kayaker, Canoer, Second Year Outdoor Afro Leader |
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Newark, New Jersey |
Kelly Thomas |
Theatre Artist, Cultural Organizer, Educator |
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Allison Guess |
PhD student focusing on critical black geography, Urban Guerilla Gardener, African-diasporic dancer |
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Phoenix, AZ |
Angela Fears |
Tai Chi & BreathWork Facilitator, Wellness Coach, Wilderness Yogi |
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Pamela Slaughter |
Investigator, Enthusiastic Hiker, Nature Walker Mother |
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Deirdre Bryant |
Community Health Professional, Kayaker, Hiker, Mother, Second Year Outdoor Afro Leader |
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Paulette Peterson |
Outreach Director, Gardener, Plant Identifier, Mother |
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Matt Reese |
Real Estate appraiser, S nowboarder, Father, Second Year Outdoor Afro Leader |
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St. Louis, MO |
Duane Williams |
Network Adminstrator, Hiker, Rocks his own Afro |
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Tavia Benjamin |
Program Coordinator, Farm and Garden Educator, Creek Stomper |
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Yvonne Jones |
Early & Middle Childhood Specialist, Girl Scout Troop Leader, Camping Enthusiast |
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Autumn Saxton-Ross |
Program Director for the Joint Center’s Health Policy Institute, Green Space Advocate, Mother, Kansas City Sports Fan, Second Year Outdoor Afro Leader |
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Charles Taylor |
Health Educator , Outdoor Recreational Enthusiast, Snowboarder |
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Akisha Mackritis |
Literacy Teacher, Gardener, Mother |
We are truly uplifted by all of enthusiasm you showed for the recruitment of 2015 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team and appreciate all the ways that you have engaged with us. We can’t wait to share in adventure and community with you
Interested in Investing in the Next Generation of Outdoor Afro Leadership?
Click Here to join Outdoor Afro’s March Matchtness Campaign!
