We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Josephine Gutierrez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Josephine below.

Hi Josephine, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I was asked to be an Ambassador for an organization that was slowly finding it’s way into nature and communities in 2015, Latinooutdoors.org. I had no clue what that would entail, but I did know, I had to say yes! I was working on building a personal blog on staying fit, while having fun. I had already partnered with REI for a campaign and in the process of doing so, rediscovered my love of nature. I was already exploring the parks in San Antonio, so why not find ways to bring my community, friends and family along for the ride with Latino Outdoors and see where this would take us. best risk I ever took. I gave it my heart and in the last seven years along with a pretty amazing group of folks, we have explored San Antonio and beyond to bring memorable moments to a community who might never have taken a risk themselves, but with us, it was possible. On April 1, 2023 I started on my next journey with Latino Outdoors. I am now the San Antonio Regional Coordinator for Latino Outdoors. A full time paid employee.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

The last seven years with Latino Outdoors has been an amazing experience. The Chapter I started in San Antonio has taught me so much as a person. I am proud of our community, family and friends for sharing, engaging, and trusting me as I helped build this chapter with an astounding group of Leaders and Volunteers. I have realized that there are some pretty amazing foundations, organizations, and beautiful humans wanting to share all outdoor resources for the betterment of all individuals. The San Antonio chapter has camped, hiked, biked, rock-climbed, kayaked, build gardens, bird and bat watched, picked up garbage from our parks & waterways and so much more. I am proud of the fact that we connect our groups, authentically and respectfully. We are celebrating ten years as an organization and I am beyond thrilled with all of the success Nationwide. Hang on for the next ten!!

The LO Mission:

We inspire, connect, and engage Latino communities in the outdoors and embrace cultura y familia as part of the outdoor narrative, ensuring our history, heritage, and leadership are valued and represented.

VISION:

A world where all Latino communities enjoy nature as a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place – a world where the outdoors is a place to share and celebrate stories, knowledge, and culture, while growing leadership and an active community of Latino outdoor users, mentors, and stewards.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I would definitely not call it my clientele that I am trying to grow, it’s Communidad y Familia. Those two go hand in hand. I am a big believer in following your heart with a purposeful passion. I grew up with the safety and privilege of playing outside with my friends after school till my mom called me in for dinner. This was the normal in the 70’s. We had recess and drank water from outdoor cemented fountains. You socialized, had fun and went to sleep exhausted from outdoor play. Times are different now, but what should not be is our kids access to the outdoors and nature. Ten minutes of nature or none at all due to punishment is not right. The outdoors and the ability to be in the sun, rain, or shine is a must to our well being, physically and mentally.

Our community has grown and we recently realized that in almost 8 years, the San Antonio Chapter of Latino Outdoors has provided access, opportunities and connections to the outdoors to just over 15,000. Numbers only help for grants and contributions but experiences and impactful moments is what is at heart and what matters the most to this chapters success. We listen to or community and share our successes and learnings. Juntos is how we grow.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Latino Outdoors has built a reputation of resiliency, honesty and the ability to embrace beautiful change. There are over 33 active Chapters in the United States and growing. When I joined in 2015, there were just a handful of chapters figuring out how to do this work, San Antonio included. There was the Founder and one full time employee. Today, we are at eleven full time staff and I am honored to be one. There would be no growth without a stellar reputation. This starts from the top and making sure we are all heard, valued and represented. Every LO Chapter has a different challenge in terms of the community they serve and the parks and organizations that each individual city has to support them and vice versa.

Challenges will always exist but it’s how you come together to address and deliver possible solutions that help a team grow. Listening to your community with honesty and action is key. The last would be, a constant advocate for them and making sure we are always striving to provide meaningful and impactful events.

Contact Info:

• Website: Latinooutdoors.org
• Instagram: Chicafuera
• Facebook: Chicafuera
• Twitter: chicafuera