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Author: Luisa Vargas

A latino man, José Gonzalez of Latino Outdoors, smiles at an older white man, actor Harrison Ford, as they speak. The older man warmly places his hand on José's arm. Behind them is an army of photographers and media.

The Moment: a creative colaboración

por Christian La Mont

LA Collab is “an unprecedented effort to connect Latinx talent, executives, and creators to opportunities in the entertainment industry — and double Latino representation in Hollywood by 2030” (lamayor.org). Recently, the Co-Founder of LA Collab reached out to Latino Outdoors about the idea of collaborating and somehow creating a moment or meeting of sorts. LA Collab Co-Founder, Ivette Rodriguez is also president of AEM, a marketing and communications firm with social good at the core of its mission. AEM’s portfolio includes marketing work on films such as Roma, Amores Perros, Frida, The Motorcycle Diaries, and other recognizable titles.

A latino man and a latina woman stand side by side and smile. they stand on a red carpet at a Hollywood movie premiere
José González and Ivette Rodriguez at the Call of the Wild Premiere.

It was Ivette who had conceived of a red-carpet reunion between actor and conservationist, Harrison Ford, and LO Founder and conservationist, José González. 

Through her involvement with The Call of the Wild, Ivette connected the dots and, as she explained to me during a call, was passionate about having Latinx representation front and center at any opportunity. Even if that opportunity was on the red carpet where cameras were clicking away, onlookers were cheering, and news outlets asked questions of the people walking by. Knowing that both Harrison and José shared a passion for the environment and being aware of a 2016 meeting between them in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Ivette wanted to foster a moment for them to meet again, this time in Los Angeles during the film’s world premiere. I accompanied José as his plus 1, ready with my phone camera and some experience navigating the busy red carpet scene. We arrived and fans were already lined up, craning their necks for a glance of a celebrity or two. José and I met up with Ivette as she and her colleague guided us through check in. Spectrum News and a few other outlets with Latinx reporters asked José some questions as we waited for the “moment” when Ford and González would reunite. There was an obvious ripple of excitement when he arrived. We followed Ivette to meet the Vice Chair of the Board of Conservation International, also known as Han Solo or Indiana Jones. A simple shoulder tap and Harrison turned around, saw José and embraced him warmly. In a world of shutter clicks and 24hr news cycles, they seemed to speak for a while. Two conservationists in a world of glitz and glamor, appreciating each other’s presence and body of work outdoors. They posed for some photos and spoke some more before Harrison was whisked away. 

A latino man, José Gonzalez of Latino Outdoors, smiles at an older white man, actor Harrison Ford, as they speak. The older man warmly places his hand on José's arm. Behind them is an army of photographers and media.
José and Han Solo: two conservationists reunite.

The “moment” had happened, for all of us involved. José and Harrison, thanks to Ivette’s big thinking, had rekindled their mutual admiration and appreciation. The Latino Outdoors Founder was on the same stage, or carpet, as one of the biggest box office draws of the past 40 years and more importantly, a Latino was taking up space in a place that is still often dominated by white men (see: #OscarsSoWhite). In Hollywood, lack of representation is a big issue. Everyone’s talking about it. To have Latinx representation, even on the red carpet, is a big statement. It shouldn’t be. It should be the normal, but we’re not yet there. So by creating that moment, Ivette did what she does best, and she ensured some positive representation on a Hollywood level. José wasn’t playing a gangster, or an addict, or a criminal as many Latinos are portrayed on screen. José was playing himself: a passionate storyteller, conservationist, and advocate. 

We watched the movie, still in awe of the rushing river of red carpet protocol we had just navigated, and attended an after-event where we wound up speaking to a table of Latinos (Mexican, Salvadoran, Californian) who asked all about Latino Outdoors and who shared stories about the first time they heard their own “call of the wild”, so to speak (one grew up in Nairobi, another went camping with family in Joshua Tree). When José and I left, there was a crowd of onlookers, again hoping to catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two. There were two young men, Latinos, who stopped José and told him they were working the red carpet, helping with set up. They saw him being interviewed and overheard him speaking and wanted to meet him. Then they asked for a photo. I was happy to take the picture of the three of them, José and his new fans, because it showed me, as clear as a 35mm print on the big screen, that representation absolutely matters. 

Three Latinos smile and pose side by side.
#RepresentationMatters

Ivette and I are expecting to have more calls to see where Latino Outdoors and LA Collab can cross paths. The lack of representation in film and television reaches all parts of the world, and the solution can be found through collaboration, community, and creativity. It mirrors the lack of representation we are up against in the mainstream outdoor recreation and conservation movements. Changing the narrative will take unique collaborations and creative approaches. It will take all of us working together. Our voices are stronger together, always. 

#YoCuento2020  #EstamosAquí #JuntosMejor

Christian La Mont volunteers with Latino Outdoors as Social Media Coordinator.

two Latinos pose in dark suits on a red carpet in front of a poster of actor Harrison Ford. They both look at the camera and smile.
José González and Christian La Mont

“Yo Cuento Outdoors” The Stories of Latino Outdoors. Part 10

Vamos afuera con Albert Arevalo

A native Texan and lover of BBQ, Albert is a proud alumnus of Texas State University-San Marcos—Eat ‘Em Up, Cats! Albert is passionate about making services accessible to everyone, particular minorities and low income communities. He been fortunate to work alongside colleagues and organizations that align with his moral compass. From connecting youth to their local parks to leading a Regional Litter Campaign in DC Albert is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the individuals he works with. In his free time, Albert loves to play tennis, hike, tweet on behalf of @PetTurtleOliver, and play kickball.

What are the earliest memories of you in the outdoors with a connection to nature?

Growing up in South Texas, I had the opportunity to explore the outdoors in both the US and Mexico. In the US I was able to transform my backyard into an endless landscape for my imagination. My best friend Richie and I would create forts to defend ourselves from attacks from the 90’s Power Ranger villain Rita Repulsa and her army of Putty Patrollers. In Mexico, my grandfather would use his craft as a welder and add bunk beds so we could spend the night sleeping next to the ocean. In the morning, we’d use the sound of the crashing waves and the smell of the sand as our alarm clocks. We’d then prep some breakfast before spending hours fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.

How did you learn about LO and how does this organization play a part in your life?

Coincidentally, I was volunteering at Rock Creek Park in DC and doing what I could to help connect the Latino Community to their local parks. As a volunteer I’d help Park staff by translating materials in Spanish and providing educational programs in Spanish. I was unaware that a network of Latino environmentalist existed through Latino Outdoors. This network was not only interested in connecting our community to the outdoors but interested in restructuring the conversation to include people of color into the dialogue for the future of public lands. Realizing the lack of diversity in green organizations, it was comforting knowing that I wasn’t alone in this fight.

 
 
How do you maintain a connection to nature?
 
By playing in it! Either through sports like tennis or running or by just admiring its beauty.
 
 
 
 
What is a fond memory in nature for you?
 
 
 
Visiting Sabal Palm Sanctuary with my family. This gem is known for being a hot spot bird migratory bird route and it was only 5 miles away from where I grew up. It only took me 30 years to visit it but discovering it with my family allowed me to share my love for the outdoors with them.
 
 
What is it about nature that speaks to your soul?
 
I love being humbled by nature. Something as powerful as the ocean or as large as the Grand Canyon allows me to reflect on my purpose in life.
 
Thoughts, ideas or reflections?
 
I was unaware that being an environmentalist was a career option for me and having a career in Parks and being a volunteer for Latino Outdoors has taught me the importance of being visible in my profession. The value of seeing yourself in any career allows you to dream big and follow your dreams.
 
 
This Texan has become a dear friend of mine! We will not hesitate for tree love and he is just like the lyrics from an 0ld country song … “the stars at night-are big and bright/deep in the heart of Texas”.
 
It has been my pleasure to highlight and share these amazing leaders. I continue to be inspired by these individuals who give their heart and soul on every outing or event that they attend. We are becoming part of the outdoor narrative and in doing so we want to make sure it is done with a vision and purpose that will expand and amplify the Latino experience. Our voice, your voice … juntos!
 
Latino Outdoors is a unique Latino-led organization working to create a national community of leaders in conservation and outdoor education. Check out the Latino Outdoors site for more information on events being held near you or if you would just like more information on how you might be able to get involved.
 
Vamos Outdoors!

“Yo Cuento Outdoors” The Stories of Latino Outdoors. Part 9

“Vamos afuera” con Nohemi Mora

Latino Outdoors is a beautiful Latino-Led organization. These leaders are working to create a national community of leaders in conservation and outdoor education. Part of this work is focused on expanding and amplifying the Latino experience in the outdoors; providing greater opportunities for leadership, mentorship and professional opportunities and serving as a platform for sharing cultural connections and narratives that are often overlooked by the traditional movement.

“Vamos afuera” con Nohemi Mora who is an Outdoor Leader in Denver, CO and a first generation Mexican-American (and proud Tejana!) from Dallas, TX.

What are the earliest memories of you in the outdoors with a connection to nature?

My earliest memories in the outdoors connecting to nature are in Mexico. When I was in grade school my mom would take my brother and I to visit family in Guanajuato and Michoacan as soon as summer vacation began and we would stay all the way until the new school year started. I think of my visits to the rancho where my tios live. They would pick us up from my grandma’s house in their trucks. My brother and I loved the fact that we would get to ride in the back of the truck. Back then it took us hours to get to the rancho as there was a bumpy, dirt road that led us there. While we rode in the back with my cousins, we would drive past beautiful scenery. We would see green hills, plenty of farmland, and I remember we would count the number of lizards we saw scrambling across the dirt road (it was like a game). And once we got to my uncles rancho, it was a break from the concrete jungle of home. I loved following my aunts and cousins to the farm and playing amongst the cattle (calves are my favorite farm animal!), sugar cane, and rows of corn. These visits to Mexico definitely planted the seed in me to appreciate nature.

What is your story in relation to what you do now in the outdoor space?

I am an Outings Leader for Latino Outdoors in Colorado. It’s been an exciting journey as I had followed LO on Facebook for a couple of years before I became involved. At that time, the closest active LO group was four hours away from me and at the time it wasn’t feasible for me to get involved. However, when I moved to Denver it was one of the first things I got involved in besides grad school. I’ve led hiking and snowshoeing outings through LO, attended conferences and local events, and made connections with all sorts of environmental organizations. I want to provide opportunities for the Latino community to enjoy the outdoors even though some people think that they aren’t “the outdoorsy type”. I still have ties to Dallas and wish to encourage my friends back home to enjoy the pockets of outdoor spaces that we do have. Once I finish grad school, I hope to combine my interests in Student Affairs and outdoor recreation.

What makes the outdoors special to you and how do you keep that connection?

The views definitely always make an outing worth it but there is much more than that. To me the outdoors is special because it keeps me in tune with my physical strength, I can disconnect from the daily grind, have some time to reflect about the things that matter to me (solo hikes are awesome though sometimes scary!), and I can connect and learn new things about my friends when we go out together. I am very fortunate that at this point in my life I have somewhat of a flexible schedule so I can sometimes go hiking on a random weekday or have long weekends. I can just get in my car and drive into the mountains.

What is your favorite outdoor outing to date?

Love this question because it is very recent! Just this past weekend I went to Glacier National Park to celebrate my birthday. It’s my favorite outing because it seemed like such a distant reality from when I first came up with the idea. I saw an image of St. Marys Lake on Facebook about a year ago and told myself, “I’m gonna see that one day”. But I didn’t quite want to put those miles on my vehicle, and a plane ticket is very expensive. This year I turned 25, in a somewhat jokingly manner I wanted to celebrate by renting a car (since the rates are cheaper for 25+), as some kind of rite of passage. I specifically wanted to rent a Jeep Wrangler because I like Jeeps. I think they’re cool and embody the spirit of adventure (Jeep, sponsor me?). The drive up there is about 18 hours, the park being about 30 minutes from the Canadian border. Who would I go with? How will I get there? What if the car breaks down? What if we don’t have the necessary gear? What if all the planning falls through? I don’t know anybody in Montana! But I have amazing friends that simply said, “which weekend, so I can ask for the days off” when I told them about this idea. And slowly, piece by piece the trip formed. We borrowed each others gear, pitched in for new gear, and took off! I had a good group of friends there (shout out to y’all), that rolled with whatever uncertainties we faced when we got there. I really liked this trip because Glacier NP was on all of the group’s list of places to visit, and I loved hearing people’s comments on how amazed they were with the sights, or how different this experience was compared to other outings they have done. And of course the time spent with my friends whether we were filling up at a gas station, eating at Roadhouse Diner, stuffing ourselves with Takis, Cheetos, birthday cake, or struggling to build a campfire.

A sunrise or a sunset?

Sunsets! Mostly because I’m not a morning person. This question reminds me of a time I did a sunset hike in Acadia National Park. One of the most magical things I’ve seen.

Any advice you would offer to a person of color in the outdoor space?

Whether in a group or on a solo adventure, my advice is to take ownership of the space. These are public lands and the resources available are for your use. Whether you’re walking an urban trail or primitive camping. Go into the ranger station and ask questions, greet your neighbors at the campgrounds, say hi to people on the trail, get a state parks pass or National Parks pass. We got to let them know that we’re here and that we enjoy the outdoors too #YoCuento. And more importantly encourage other POC to join you as well.

What is on your outdoor bucket list?

My outdoor bucket list includes many faraway places. However high on the priority list is taking my parents, brother, and cuñada camping. My parents have a different view of the outdoors than I do. Growing up their families worked the land, depended on good rain, had spotty potable water supply, and they navigated rugged roads without hiking boots. In my generation, spending time recreating outdoors is more optional and our livelihood doesn’t depend on it like it did for our parents. I would like for them to have an opportunity where they can sit back, enjoy trails, and landscapes that they are unfamiliar with.

Thank you so much Nohemi for sharing your story with us.

I am so honored to be surrounded by ladies leading the way into the wild. This Texas girl in particular is not letting the fear of the unknown hold her back. She is slowly becoming a fearless leader representing her community and making sure her cultura is never lost on the trails. Every time I see her it’s a little bit of sunshine that just gets brighter every time. 

“She is where she is meant to be”.

This summer the Colorado team had the pleasure of camping with TIME to show them how they have found sisterhood in not only each other but in the outdoors. Check out the link “Camping in Colorado with the Women of Latino Outdoors“~ Time.