Powered by a Weekend in the Woods

My love of the outdoors was ignited by weekend trips to Mt. Hood National Forest growing up, where my brother and I spent endless hours herding tadpoles in Frog Lake, picking huckleberries in the trails behind Govy, and tagging along on bike rides and hikes up to Timberline Lodge (bribed by the promise of a Snow Cap hot cocoa at the top).

While I didn’t always love the tougher activities my parents forced invited us to do, I now fully appreciate the thrill of Type II fun. I’m energized when moving and immersed in nature—whether hiking, trail running, camping, backpacking, biking, swimming, or snowshoeing. While I mostly stick to weekend trips for now, I’m always looking for my next adventure and hope to one day complete a true Walk in the Woods.

My early connection to the outdoors continues to inform my career interests. As I read about and witness the myriad climate issues we face—biodiversity loss, deforestation, wildfires—I feel sadness for future generations who may not have access to the same formative experiences I did. I believe we must do all we can to preserve and restore our natural systems, not just for ourselves and future generations, but because we owe it to our “more than human” kin. This belief inspired me to join the board of Washington Wild and underpins my conviction that businesses have the responsibility—and ability—to support positive environmental and social outcomes.

I’d love to hear—what are you powered by?