So You Want to Host a Latino Conservation Week Event?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
Release Date: 07/22/2024
So You Want to Bring Trauma-Informed Approaches to Your Work?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Elizabeth Allen, the Director of Impact and Learning at Justice Outside. They discuss the mission of Justice Outside, Elizabeth's career journey in trauma-informed practices, and the importance of creating inclusive outdoor experiences. Elizabeth shares insights into her daily work, the significance of trauma-informed care, and how to foster inclusivity within organizations. The conversation highlights the various pathways to a career in this field and concludes with resources for further learning. Elizabth will be joining AORE for the 2025...
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So You Want to Be a Race Director?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
In this conversation, Candace Brendler interviews John Lacroix, the race director of the Human Potential Running Series, discussing the multifaceted role of a race director, the importance of risk management, community building through volunteerism, and the unique challenges of organizing trail running events. John shares insights into his career journey, the logistics involved in race planning, and the essential qualities and experiences needed to be a successful race director. In this conversation, John Lacroix discusses the unique mindset required for trail running and race directing,...
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So You Want to Create Awesome Youth Leadership Development Programs?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Elliot Drake-Maurer, the High School Leader Coordinator for the Oregon State University Extension Outdoor School. They discuss the structure and impact of outdoor education programs, the role of high school leaders, and the importance of inclusivity in outdoor experiences. Elliot shares his career journey, the barriers faced by students, and the significance of listening to community needs. The conversation also touches on the upcoming AORE Inclusive Summit and the importance of professional development in outdoor education. Elliot will...
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So You Want to Operate a Mobile Wilderness Program?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Micah Leinbach, the executive director of the BOAT Bus, about the innovative mobile wilderness program designed to make outdoor education more accessible. They discuss the importance of inclusion in outdoor recreation, the unique model of the BOAT Bus, and the challenges and strategies related to funding, insurance, and partnerships. Micah shares insights from his career journey, the daily operations of the BOAT Bus, and the significance of collaboration in the outdoor education space. Micah discusses the importance of collaboration...
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So You Want to Use Data Science to Create Accessible Environments?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Courtney Schultz, PhD, about the intersection of data science and accessibility in outdoor environments. They discuss the importance of using data to create inclusive spaces, the role of research in understanding community needs, and the necessity of innovative approaches to surveying and data collection. Courtney shares her career journey, emphasizing the blend of practical experience in outdoor recreation with academic research. The discussion also touches on leadership in creating inclusive organizations and the urgent need to redefine...
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So You Want to Create Adaptive Recreation Opportunities?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
Check out Candace Brendler's conversation with Joe Stone, co-owner of Dovetail Trails Consulting, about the importance of creating adaptive and accessible recreation opportunities for people with disabilities. They discuss the role of Dovetail in advocating for disability rights, the challenges faced in making trails accessible, and the significance of providing detailed trail information. Joe shares his personal journey into this field, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and the involvement of people with disabilities in the process. The conversation concludes with an invitation to the...
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So You Want to Run an Urban Outdoor Experiential Nonprofit?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
Join Candace Brendler as she chats with Heather West, Executive Director of Loop NOLA. Heather shares insights into the operations of her nonprofit, which focuses on outdoor adventure education for youth in New Orleans. She discusses her career journey, the challenges of running an urban outdoor nonprofit, and the importance of inclusivity in outdoor education. Heather emphasizes the need for understanding the local community and creating programs that cater to diverse populations, while also addressing the unique environmental challenges of the region. Heather will be joining AORE for...
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So You Want to Be a Trail Professional?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
In this episode, Candace Brendler speaks with Aaryn Kay and Mike Passo about the Trail Skills Project and the evolving landscape of trail building careers. They discuss their personal journeys into the trail industry, the importance of workforce development, and the role of volunteers in maintaining and building trails. The conversation also touches on the need for sustainable trail development, the various avenues into trail work, and the significance of language in defining trail professionals and their competencies. This conversation delves into the multifaceted world of trail...
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So You Want to Manage a Climbing Wall?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
Check out our first live recording of a podcast while at the 2024 in New Orleans. This conversation focuses on the management of a university climbing wall at James Madison University (JMU), highlighting the roles of student staff, the daily operations, and the importance of community and inclusivity in climbing. The discussion includes insights into the training and requirements for staff, the costs associated with training, and the various programs offered to engage the climbing community. Our guests dive into the intricacies of managing climbing walls and organizing climbing competitions...
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So You Want to Be an Outdoor Leader?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
In this conversation, Candace Brendler interviews Jeannette Stawski, the Executive Director of AORE, discussing her journey to leadership in outdoor education, the importance of credentials, the daily responsibilities of an executive director, and the significance of professional development and community building in the outdoor leadership space. Jeannette shares insights on her experiences, the challenges of nonprofit management, and the value of writing as a form of professional growth. Jeannette Stawski discusses her journey as an executive director, emphasizing the importance of embracing...
info_outlineIf you are interested in learning more about Latino Conservation week and how you can get involved, listen in as guest Jessica Godinez from the Hispanic Access Foundation shares with Candace Brendler how you can host an event.
Latino Conservation Week (LCW) is a national initiative hosted by Hispanic Access Foundation to celebrate the Latino community's presence in the outdoors and promote access to public lands and outdoor recreation. LCW started in 2014 and has grown significantly, with over 300 events listed on the website last year. The events vary in nature, from camping trips and hikes to webinars and film screenings. LCW is community-driven, with events hosted by a mix of conservation nonprofits, community leaders, and volunteers. The focus of LCW is on access and equity, highlighting the importance of diverse representation in the conservation space.
About Jessica
As a first-generation Mexican American, Jessica feels naturally drawn to support immigrant communities in navigating the systems of a new country while striving for social equity. Jessica's family lived near Richmond, Virginia for several years before moving to rural Montpelier, Virginia; there, Jessica's love for nature continued to grow as did the gardens around her family home.
Prior to joining the Hispanic Access team, Jessica nourished her love of the outdoors with a job at REI and worked toward social equity by partnering with local nonprofits serving the needs of immigrants. Projects she worked on included an initiative to provide interpreting services and a family literacy program. Most recently, Jessica worked with the U.S. Forest Service in Colorado through a rigorous internship program in which she engaged with partners to provide opportunities for underrepresented communities to enjoy and steward public lands. She is passionate about re-connecting communities with their innate relationship with nature.
She graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor's degree in global affairs with concentrations in environment and international development.
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