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

Hi Romell, thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

Well it all started about 4-5 years ago. I generally snowboarded with my military buddies, however as time went on and the wars waged on fewer and fewer of them had time to go. So I started going with random people on the internet. It was mostly positive, but the apre ski really wasn’t my style. Then as always someone I thought was cool ended up being a bit of bigot or I’d get some weird looks from their friends like I wasn’t supposed to be there. After one pretty bad encounter I said screw it I’ll start my own group.

From there it was just a concept didn’t have a name just a small facebook group. I ended linking up with a few people who were a part of the NBS, but thought the current Denver and Colorado Springs clubs were too old for their liking. So I invited them to join my no name group. After we had gone on a few trips Jessica Newton from Vibetribe adventures reached out to me and ask me to plan some events for her. She was so impressed she asked if I wanted to start my own non profit to bring People of Color to the slopes.

We held our first meeting at a restaurant in 5 points in Denver. I think our first meeting was like 8 people.

From there we just kinda kept growing. We’ve got a club in Seattle, Colorado Springs, and Denver at the moment. It’s a lot bigger than I originally wanted, and it’s almost turned into a full time job.

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

As someone deeply engaged in shaping experiences that fuse my passions and social commitment, my journey to founding the BIPOC Mountain Collective (BMC) is both personal and purpose-driven. My name is Romell Ward, and I’ve dedicated much of my life to nurturing spaces where diversity, inclusivity, and the great outdoors intersect.

My path into the outdoor industry wasn’t a conventional one. While I’ve always been drawn to the mountains and the serenity they offer, my professional beginnings were rooted in military service, where I developed a strong sense of discipline and community. After retiring from the military, I noticed a glaring absence of diversity in outdoor recreational spaces and activities. This observation sparked my resolve to create more inclusive environments, leading me to establish BMC.

BMC is more than just an outdoor club; it’s a community initiative aimed at bringing the joy and healing power of nature to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), groups traditionally underrepresented in outdoor spaces. We organize a variety of activities, from snowboarding and mountain biking to hiking and kayaking, tailored to foster a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. Our programs are designed not just for recreation but also to educate and empower our members through environmental stewardship and cultural exchange.

The problems we solve are multifaceted—addressing the lack of representation in outdoor activities, breaking down barriers to access, and combating the mental health stigma by promoting the therapeutic aspects of nature. What sets BMC apart is our commitment to these principles, rooted in a deep understanding of the challenges our members face. We’re not just organizing activities; we’re building a movement towards greater equity in outdoor access and environmental justice.

I am most proud of the community we’ve built—seeing people who felt isolated or excluded from outdoor activities find a sense of belonging and empowerment through BMC. It’s not only about the individual activities but the stories of transformation and camaraderie that emerge from them.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that BMC is a testament to resilience and community. It’s a place where you can come as you are and leave a little stronger, a little more connected to the world around you. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a curious newcomer, our doors are open. We’re here to change the narrative around who belongs in outdoor spaces, and we’re just getting started.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I met her through a facebook Message a when I first started. She wanted me to organize some kids events

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Well realizing I was not a community leader and I had to reign myself in a bit. I’m usually the life of the party, but now People are looking at me different so I had to change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bmcsnow.org
• Instagram: bmc_snow
• Facebook: bipoc mountain collective: Global