We were lucky to catch up with Rue Mapp recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rue, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

When I reflect on my life, it’s clear that many pivotal moments were rooted in risk—sometimes calculated, but often uncertain. One of the biggest risks I took, which shaped the work I do today, was deciding to return to school full-time while working full-time. This happened during one of the most challenging periods of my life. I had recently divorced and was raising three children under the age of eight on my own.
Logistically, it was overwhelming. I had to provide for my family without additional support, but it was also a time that taught me the power of creativity, resourcefulness, and community. Nature, which had always been a refuge for me, became central to our healing and connection as a family. It was where we went to breathe, reset, and find joy. At the same time, I had to learn to lean on others—trusting and building community in ways I hadn’t before.
When I completed my education, I faced a choice: return to the corporate workforce or create something with deeper meaning. In 2009, I chose the latter and launched a blog called Outdoor Afro. It was more than a personal reflection on my love of nature and the Black community—it was a rallying cry. I wanted my community to rediscover the rich history and endless possibilities that connecting to nature offers.

Rue, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Outdoor Afro began as a blog during the early days of social media. The response was incredible—people wanted more than just stories; they wanted to connect in person. So, I dove into everything: environmental education, outdoor risk management, and partnering with park agencies. Inspired by my family’s values of hospitality and nature, I created experiences that met the Black community where they were.
Today, Outdoor Afro is a national nonprofit with over 100 volunteers in more than 30 states and 60 cities across the U.S. These volunteers lead activities like hiking, biking, birdwatching, camping, whitewater rafting, and even climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Each experience is designed to be geographically and culturally relevant while expanding our community’s vision of what outdoor engagement can look like.
But I realized something else: outdoor gear and clothing weren’t designed for people like me. Finding a pair of hiking pants that fit well over my hips and bottom felt impossible, and the uniformity of outdoor apparel didn’t reflect our style. In 2022, I partnered with REI to launch a 22-piece hiking collection informed by the Black community. It featured innovative fit modeling to accommodate a wider range of body shapes. One standout piece—the hiking pants—became a favorite, even among rock climbers, for their flexibility and comfort.
That same year, I published Nature Swagger, a book showcasing the stories of 30 individuals whose lives have been transformed by nature. It celebrates themes of hospitality, connection to the land and wildlife, and the joy of community—values deeply embedded in Outdoor Afro’s mission.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of staff, partners, friends, and allies who have shared the Outdoor Afro story on platforms big and small. I always say, “You don’t need an Afro to be part of Outdoor Afro!”

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The story of Outdoor Afro is one of resilience. Leaving a stable, well-paying job with benefits to pursue this work full-time was just the beginning. Over 15 years, I’ve had to evangelize this mission and find innovative ways for a nonprofit to thrive.
There were times when it might’ve been easier to join someone else’s dream or organization. But even when faced with financial and social uncertainty, every fiber of my being urged me forward. Many initiatives start with enthusiasm only to fade, but Outdoor Afro has stayed the course, and I’m proud of the impact we’ve made.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of my biggest pivots was leaving my hometown of Oakland, California—a place filled with strong community ties and personal history. My children attended the same public schools I did, and I was deeply committed to being a positive contributor to the area.
But when the owners of the house I was renting decided to sell, I couldn’t afford to stay. At the time, Oakland was undergoing a tech-fueled renaissance, making housing unaffordable. I had three kids and a dog to consider, and options were slim.
Fortunately, my boyfriend (now husband) had recently relocated to a quaint town just 25 miles outside Napa. Out of curiosity, I started looking and found a place in Vallejo, where we’ve lived for six years. Vallejo has given me a better house that I own and a beautiful new community to contribute to while remaining close to Oakland, where my office is still headquartered. That move was a reminder that even uncomfortable change can lead to positive and lasting outcomes beyond your imagination.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ruemapp.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruemapp/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RueMapp/