Outdoor Afro Volunteer Leader Spotlight: Meet Angel Chung Cutno
At Outdoor Afro, our volunteer leaders play a vital role in shaping their local communities. We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Angel Chung Cutno, one of our dedicated Volunteer Leaders, to hear more about her journey with Outdoor Afro. In this Q&A, Angel shares her personal experiences with Outdoor Afro’s Volunteer Leadership Program, the impact volunteering has had on her, and why she encourages others to get involved. Here’s what she had to say:
Q: Why did you join the program? What motivated you to become a volunteer leader, and what made you excited about the opportunity?
I ended up joining Outdoor Afro because I had just enrolled in another program in the city, to become a certified master naturalist, and I saw in someone’s bio in the cohort that she was involved in outdoor Afro. And I looked it up immediately and realized that this was something I wanted to be a part of because I already love being outdoors and doing a lot of outdoor activities, camping, climbing, hiking, all of that, biking. And to be able to do this and hold space with other black folks is exactly up my alley. So I became an outdoor Afro so that I could share outdoors experiences with other black people.
Q: What was your favorite moment or experience during your time as a volunteer leader? Can you share a specific story or moment that stood out to you and made your experience memorable?
Last summer, we went camping, and we really didn’t have to leave that far from New Orleans to be able to do it. But it was about an hour drive, and just going that far makes it feel like a completely different setting that you’re in. And we were able to be in a place where we had a beach and we had a hiking trail, and we also just had a really beautiful food setup. And I wouldn’t call it glamping, but we had a great time being outdoors. And we were also able to teach other people skills of how to be outdoors and how to set up a tent and how to forage and identify plants.
And so having that memory of knowing that we are sharing knowledge and going back to the proverb of each-one-teach-one is really exciting. And that’s why I love Outdoor Afro is to be able to see that spark in people when they learn something new about the outdoors, and it gives them a greater sense of confidence and willingness to even participate in outdoor activities.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about applying for the program? How would you encourage others to join and take part in this opportunity?
To anyone else that’s thinking about applying, just do it. I mean, if you already love the outdoors, if you’re already doing activities, why not just have a platform so that you can invite other people to join activities with you? And that’s basically how I do it. I mean, all the activities that I host, I would end up doing on my own anyway, but I get to invite other black people into the space. And as soon as I tell them, I host outdoor meetups for black people, they get really excited.
And so it’s a really easy sell because people are excited about trying new things. And if they are nervous about it, knowing that there’s gonna be a community of other people that look like them makes them more eager and willing to be able to try new things in a space that they know will be safe.
Q: What did you gain as a volunteer leader?
Since I’ve been a leader of Outdoor Afro, I have gained new friendships and ways to connect with people that I might not have otherwise met. And so I go to other events and I talk about outdoor Afro there, and I invite people to meet ups. And so it just creates a way for me to be able to, create a community and have company on some of these activities that I would always do. So I love being able to expand the network of people, the community of people, and the horizons of the people that come out to the events.
Are you ready to lead, inspire, and make a difference in your community? The Outdoor Afro Volunteer Leader Program is more than just an opportunity to explore the outdoors—it’s a chance to grow, connect, and create lasting impact.
If you’re passionate about strengthening connections to nature and leading inclusive outdoor experiences, we want you on this journey with us. Learn more about our Volunteer Leadership program and how you can apply, or share this with someone who you believe would make an amazing Outdoor Afro Volunteer Leader!
Celebrating Black Nature Conservationists Throughout History
Throughout history, many cultures have embraced the importance of living in balance with nature, recognizing it as essential for life itself. Despite systemic barriers, Black environmentalists have made profound and lasting contributions to sustainability and conservation.
From pioneering figures like George Washington Carver to present-day trailblazers like Rue Mapp, Black leaders have shaped and enriched the nature conservation movement in countless ways. This Black History Month, we’re celebrating the achievements of four remarkable Black conservationists whose work continues to inspire and guide us in our mission to change the narrative of who can recreate the outdoors, and re-strengthen Black connections to land, water, and wildlife.
George Washington Carver (1864-1943)
Last year, we celebrated internationally recognized inventor, educator, and botanist George Washington Carver during Black History Month 2024.
Carver developed more than 300 commercial, industrial, and food products between the late 19th and early 20th centuries using the peanut. He originated cooking oils, beverages, paper, soaps, cosmetics, dyes, paints/stains, and even medicines, earning him the nickname “The Peanut Man.”
Carver also released 44 nature bulletins that reported cultivation findings for farmers, recipes for housewives, and science information for teachers. Many of the items he created are still used in nature today – by Outdoor Afro’s staff, team of volunteer leaders, and community participants across the United States.
Read more about the agricultural contributions of George Washington Carver on our Black History Month 2024 page.
MaVynee “The Beach Lady” Betsch (1935-2005)
Meet MaVynee Betsch, a true force of nature and a champion for environmental preservation.
The great-granddaughter of Florida’s first Black millionaire, A.L. Lewis, MaVynee traded a promising career as an opera singer and poured her inheritance into environmental causes, using her voice—both literally and figuratively—to advocate for American Beach on Amelia Island, Florida, a haven for Black Americans during the segregation era.
Her connection to American Beach ran as far back as her childhood; it was established by her father during the Jim Crow era as a safe, welcoming oasis for Black families to gather, relax, and enjoy the healing power and beauty of nature. So when environmental threats and property development endangered the area, MaVynee took action.
MaVynee Betsch later became known as “The Beach Lady” for dedicating her life to protecting American Beach. She even led tours for school field trips, during which she shared the beach’s history and inspired a new generation to value its significance. Thanks to her efforts, parts of American Beach are now protected as a historic site, preserving its legacy for generations to come.
Learn more about outdoor spaces across the country that have long been safer havens for Black people to find joy in nature in our Black Oases article, made in collaboration with REI.
Wangari Maathai, The Tree Mother of Africa (1940–2011)
Born in Kenya, Dr. Wangari Maathai was a visionary leader who believed that the power of people—and trees—could transform the world.
In 1977, Dr. Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, an organization that has since planted over 50 million trees, helping to restore the environment and empowering Kenyan women through conservation. She also made strides in government, serving as Kenya’s Assistant Minister for Environment, Natural Resources, and Wildlife, and was elected to Parliament with an incredible 98% of the vote.
Her impact reached global recognition in 2004 when she became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her groundbreaking work in sustainable development, democracy, and peace. Dr. Maathai’s legacy reminds us how one person’s commitment to the land can spark a movement that changes generations.
Across the country, our Volunteer Leaders share well known, little-known, and unknown stories of Black relationships with land, water, and wildlife—stories that, like Dr. Maathai’s, inspire leadership, conservation, and a long-lasting love for nature. Learn more about our Volunteer Leadership Program, and consider donating to support our yearly volunteer leader training and ensure that our volunteers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to safely lead fun, intergenerational outdoor adventures that bring people together.
Rue Mapp (1971- )
Raised on a ranch in Northern California, Rue Mapp grew up immersed in the beauty of the outdoors. As she got older, she noticed how unique her childhood experiences of fishing, hiking, and exploring nature were compared to other Black Americans. That realization sparked the idea for Outdoor Afro.
In 2009, Rue launched a blog to detail her experiences in nature in the hopes of connecting Black Americans to the outdoors. Today, Rue Mapp is the Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro. What started as a passion project has grown from a kitchen table blog into a national not-for-profit that encourages Black connections and leadership in the outdoors.
These are just a few of many stories to remind us that Black leadership in nature is deeply rooted in our history. From the pioneering agricultural work of George Washington Carver to the relentless environmental advocacy of MaVynee Betsch and Wangari Maathai, Black changemakers have long shaped the landscapes we know, love, and enjoy today.
At Outdoor Afro, we honor this legacy by continuing to foster Black connections and leadership in nature, guiding communities to explore, learn, and take action in the outdoors. The outdoors is a place for everyone to connect with nature, our shared history, and our community.
Outdoor Afro Welcomes 10 New Board Members to Advance Black Leadership in Nature
Media Contact: Lydia Sullivan, Outdoor Afro, Chief Operating Officer, [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Outdoor Afro Welcomes 10 New Board Members to Advance Black Leadership in Nature
OAKLAND, Calif. (January 2025) — Outdoor Afro, the nation’s leading organization where Black people and nature meet, is proud to welcome a cohort of esteemed board members who bring a broad range of expertise, passion, and leadership to its mission. After a highly competitive and collaborative search led by Potrero Group, a national leadership consulting firm, Outdoor Afro is thrilled to announce the addition of ten new board members, expanding its already dynamic board to a total of 19 members who collectively embody the organization’s commitment to amplifying Black joy and connection in the outdoors:
- Ariana Miller, Director, African American Alliance of Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) CEOs
- Benje Williams, Cofounder, Executive Director, Outlandish
- Clifton E. Sorrell Jr, Architecture Department Faculty Instructor, Laney College
- Dan Kihanya, Director of Path Ahead Ventures, REI
- Jil Littlejohn Bostick, Vice President, Corporate Responsibility & Inclusion, Winnebago Industries
- Kasim Carter, Retail Sales Manager, REI
- Kristine Stratton, President and CEO, National Recreation and Park Association
- Lena Irish, Manager, U.S. Support Model, Habitat for Humanity International, Inc.
- Lulu Gephart, Vice President, External Affairs, The Wilderness Society
- Marie President, Regional Med Director/Physician, Dignity Medical Group
“These new board members represent a remarkable blend of skills, experiences, and a deep commitment to advancing Outdoor Afro’s vision,” said Shane Douglas, Outdoor Afro Board Member. “Their collective expertise will guide us as we continue to grow and amplify our impact nationwide.”
The newly appointed board members represent leaders in community development, financial management, nonprofit governance, strategy, healthcare, legal affairs, and outdoor recreation industries. Each individual shares a deep passion for Outdoor Afro’s mission of celebrating and inspiring Black connections and leadership in nature. Collectively, they bring extensive experience in strategic planning, fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement, demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing access in outdoor spaces.
Outdoor Afro continues to scale its impact through its strategic initiatives, including doubling the size of the volunteer-led network, deepening community partnerships, deploying digital tools, and overall fostering Black joy and connection through outdoor education and recreation. The new board members will be pivotal in guiding the organization’s ambitious goals, including financial sustainability, engagement, and programmatic accessibility.
“This is an exciting and transformative time for Outdoor Afro,” said Mike Brune, Board Vice Chair. “We look forward to the contributions of our new board members as we advance a world where everyone can find joy, community, and connection in nature.”
Potrero Group, a leadership consulting firm specializing in board and executive searches, played an integral role in identifying and recruiting the ten exceptional candidates. “These individuals stood out for their strategic insight, leadership expertise, and shared commitment to Outdoor Afro’s mission,” said Cleveland Justis, CEO & Principal at Potrero Group.
“We are honored to welcome these dynamic individuals to our board,” said Rue Mapp, Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro. “Their unique perspectives and professional acumen will help us strengthen our programs, expand our reach, and create lasting opportunities for Black communities to connect with nature.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization reconnecting Black people to nature through recreation, conservation, and education. Our programs inspire leadership and celebrate Black joy in the outdoors, building stronger connections to land, water, and wildlife. Learn more at outdoorafro.org.
ABOUT POTRERO GROUP: Potrero Group is a leadership consulting firm helping changemakers thrive. We provide strategic planning, executive search, and board search services to leaders across sectors who are shaping a better future. Potrero Group invigorates organizations with new perspectives and strategies to ensure our clients stay effective, relevant, and resilient over time. For more information visit potrerogroup.com.