Vamos Outdoors | Meet the Executive Director of Latino Outdoors

Melanin MVP

In this week's episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Luis Villa, the Executive Director of Latino Outdoors, to explore how this organization is transforming the outdoor recreation landscape by creating welcoming spaces for the Latine community.

Luis shared powerful insights about Latino Outdoors' mission to inspire, connect, and engage Latino communities in the outdoors while embracing cultura y familia as part of the outdoor narrative. Through their work, they're not just organizing hiking trips or camping adventures – they're building communities that celebrate cultural heritage while fostering a deep connection with nature. Though the organization was founded by a man, 2/3 of its volunteers are women, and that has remained constant throughout its history.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a community organizer, or simply looking to connect with an outdoor organization in a new city, this episode offers valuable insights into building inclusive outdoor spaces and communities. Listen to the full episode to hear more about Latino Outdoors' signature events, their vision for the future, and how you can get involved in your local chapter of Latino Outdoors.

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/