Chevy gained the love for the outdoors after seeing the stars and milky way in Grand Teton National Park. From then she decided to start a social media page with her partner, Kam, called Black People Outside. Together Kam and Chevy share outdoor adventures on social media to encourage diversity in the outdoors. Their adventures lead them to host and lead free group hikes and outdoor events in the Chicagoland area. Their goals is make sure everyone has the opportunity to experience outdoor activities comfortably, like hiking, camping, and trail running. They aim to make all BPO events and activities free to help eliminate some of the financial constraints for individuals.
Chris King is the founder and leader of Tortugas Hiking Club. He can usually be found hanging out on local trails on the Southwest Side. The club was formed in 2022 due to a lack of hiking groups based in the city, specifically the Southwest Side. Since its founding Tortugas has increased accessibility of local trails, had multiple out of state events and continues to bring new people into the sport.
Kameron is a life long Chicagoan and former project manager at UPS. He has a passion for event planning and loves exploring different maps and navigating difficult terrain, and together with his partner Chevon they share outdoor adventures on social media to encourage diversity in the outdoors. Their adventures lead them to host and lead free group hikes and outdoor events in the Chicagoland area. Their goals is make sure everyone has the opportunity to experience outdoor activities comfortably, like hiking, trail running, camping, and fishing. They aim to make all BPO events and activities free to help eliminate some of the financial constraints for individuals.
Pilar Amado's journey began in Medellin, Colombia, where she discovered her passion for climbing as a teenager. Now based in Chicago with 17 years of climbing experience, she balances her role as a creative working in tech with her love for adventure. Pilar is one of the three co-founders of Sending in Color, an organization focused on fostering diversity and inclusivity in climbing by addressing accessibility barriers, creating educational spaces, and fostering the people of the global majority (PGM) community. When not climbing, she explores hiking trails, rides her bike through the city, or finds serenity through yoga. Currently, she's training to conquer her goal of climbing V10 both indoors and outdoors.
Alex is a lifelong Chicagoan who has climbed and adventured all over the world. He has completed "The Explorer's Grand Slam - a feat accomplished by fewer than 75 people in the world. The Explorer's Grand Slam includes climbing the highest mountain on each continent, as well as skiing to both the North and South Poles. In addition to the "7 summits", Alex has climbed extensively in the Himalayas, Cascades, and Alaskan ranges. Alex is a brain tumor survivor and currently battling Leukemia. He uses his climbs and adventures to raise funding and awareness for Chicago area organizations such as Lurie Children's Hospital and the Lurie Cancer Center. Alex is married to his wife Nina and the proud dad of his son Zephyr, with a daughter on the way.
Mandi has been running for over 25 years and has participated in the Chicago, Detroit, and Boston Marathons. Mandi regularly competes in regional events and enjoys being a part of several running groups including CARA and the Badgerland Striders. She is a co-host on the Ten Junk Miles podcast and host of The Morning Stretch by Chicago Athlete Podcast. Mandi has been an ambassador for Arc'teryx since 2020. An RRCA certified coach and Les Mills certified instructor, Mandi is also a coach with Chicago Athlete Coaching. Mandi is a local government attorney by weekday and race warrior by weekend.
Justin co-founded the 6@6/606 running group, is an avid marathon/half marathon runner, and is currently a part-time running coach. Justin is active with the Chicago running community, often running with 12-15 different running groups in any given month. Meanwhile, Justin is also a novice trail runner and indoor climber, thanks to his fellow Arc'teryx ambassadors.
Danya is a seasoned non-profit Executive Director and Founder of The Rosen Group Consulting. She is currently the Executive Director at Chicago Run, which empowers young people with equitable access to inclusive, non-competitive running and movement programming. Equity and access in sport – and redefining what it means to be an ‘athlete’ – has been a driving force in her career. Danya is also a coordinator for Queers on the Rocks, which builds community and galvanizes LGBTQ climbers, creates mentorship opportunities, and introduces new climbers into the sport. Most recently, she helped launch Onthe9 Run Crew, whose mission is to make endurance running accessible on the South Side of Chicago.
Myung has been a local climber who has assisted in the growth and development of the American Alpine Club Chicago Chapter. He has been in several roles during that time that has spanned over a decade and most recently is the Chicago chapter Co-Chair. The American Alpine Club's has 2 primary missions: 1. Create, Promote, and Interact with climbers to create a wholesome climbing community. 2. Promote safe, competent climbing Myung's primary role in fulfilling those primary missions is to facilitate and uplift ideas and "passion" projects that the community envisions, and bring those projects to life. He loves working and giving his time and efforts towards more sustainable, equitable, and safe climbing. In addition, he has been on several grant review boards, committee's and also assists on the Greater Chicago Climbing Community facebook page as one of several moderators.
Climber, runner, snowboarder, instructor and leader at queers on the rocks and asian climbing collective
Matt Moy (they/he) is an organizer who loves to move and equitably help others discover what their bodies are capable of through community and physical activity in the outdoors. He is an avid climber, runner, yogi, cyclist, instructor, and friend to all. He helps to run Queers on the Rocks and Asian Climbing Collective in Chicago while helping to teach with Chicago Climbs, organize events with Outdoor Color Crew and volunteer with Chicago Adventure Therapy. Matt believes that through connecting diverse inclusive communities we can create an outdoors accessible to everyone. He also loves hugs and making sure everyone is taking care of themselves in all the best ways.
Whether he’s climbing, diving, surfing or exploring, David constantly pushes his limits in pursuit of adventure - From braving the icy waves of the Great Lakes, to scaling frozen waterfalls to diving alongside sharks. Raised in a tough part of Chicago's south side, David defied his environment, seeking adventure even amid the concrete jungle. Whether leading novices up frozen waterfalls at the Michigan Ice Fest or guiding surfing expeditions to Puerto Rico, he finds as much joy in fostering others' passions as he does in his own adventures. David has served as a co-chair of the Associate Board of the Greater Chicago Food Depository and a long-time volunteer with Imerman Angels. His childhood experience with poverty fuels his dedication to uplifting others, demonstrated through regular meal preparations for the less fortunate at various soup kitchens.
Diana Tate is a Chicago native. Her running journey began while she studied abroad in Costa Rica in 2009. Since then, Diana has completed 2 ultramarathons (50K), 5 marathons and 28 half-marathons. As a mother and wife, her morning runs are what keep her motivated to take on her busy days. Diana enjoys bringing people together to reach their fitness goals. She is co-lead ambassador for Latinas Run Chicago. Her lifetime goal is to retire and run races around the globe. As a proud Mexican-American, she represents her Latina heritage everywhere she goes!
Holly lives to be outdoors, whether that’s trail running, mountain biking, competing in equestrian sports, or enjoying a coffee on the patio. She prefers community over competition and knows that the sign of a good time is finishing an event with a big smile. Outside of sport, Holly enjoys her role as a mental health therapist and spending time with her husband, son, and trusty trail dog.
Ana grew up playing outside in Delaware's wooded parks and creeks, and she has been a fan of trail running ever since! Now, in Chicago, she co-leads Lakeview Run Club, which meets every Tuesday night for a jog on the Lakefront Trail followed by social hour at a local pub. What started as a handful of strangers has spiraled into hundreds of runners each week, eager to unplug, get fresh air, and meet new friends. As the world increasingly moves online, Ana is passionate about providing free and public social spaces where the community can build ties in-person. Lakeview Run Club has allowed her to promote this goal, make some best friends, and log thousands of miles in the process (grownups deserve to play outside too!).
Erica is an avid runner and fitness enthusiast in Chicago. She also writes a health and wellness blog called Erica Finds and shares all of her faves for health, fitness and travel. Erica has run over 60 marathons as well as over 150 half marathons and is always in search of the best 'fit and fuels. Erica is an ambassador for A Sweat Life - a fitness community in Chicago and works in the health IT space.
Meet Wanjiru (They/She), one of the Managing Directors of Sending In Color (SIC), an organization dedicated to breaking down barriers in the climbing community in Chicago. With nearly seven years of climbing experience, she's transitioned from bouldering to lead climbing and even tackled ice climbing. Beyond climbing, Wanjiru is an avid hiker and runner, often found exploring trails or contemplating another marathon. Her passion lies in soaking up the outdoors and expanding opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in outdoor spaces.
Ariel Barrios Jr (He/Him/El) has always felt a deep connection to nature, despite growing up amidst the towering buildings of Chicago. It wasn't until his twenties that he truly experienced the profound beauty of the outdoors, through adventures like hiking the Appalachian Trail and ice climbing in northern Michigan. These experiences ignited a passion within him. With each journey, Ariel's mission becomes clearer: to redefine the notion of outdoor exploration and to share its transformative power with others. As a leader for Latino Outdoors , specifically for the Great Lakes chapter, Ariel embodies this mission. He is dedicated to extending a welcoming hand to every member of the community, creating safe spaces where individuals can develop a meaningful connection with the environment. Through his leadership, Ariel seeks to inspire and empower others to embrace the outdoors as a source of healing, growth, and belonging. His vision transcends geographical boundaries, aiming to cultivate a deeper appreciation for nature among diverse communities, enriching lives and fostering a more sustainable future.
Juan, a first-generation Latino from Chicago, discovered his love for travel during a high school trip to Central Park. Despite his humble beginnings, he pursued a career in accounting, eventually landing a job at Rivian. Passionate about social responsibility, he's also an active leader in his community. When not crunching numbers, Juan enjoys traveling and staying active—he is an avid hiker, climber, and runner, from climbing Mt. Fuji to simply climbing the walls at Steelworkers Park on the southeast side of Chicago.
Eric founded and established Trail Blazin Crew with the help of a couple runners he brought to trail running. Eric has enjoyed the trails since his first trail ultramarathon, it was an experience that grew his vision. A vision which was to inspire runners while expanding their mindsets to take their running efforts beyond the city and to enjoy the benefits of running in forest preserves with trails.
Kayla, a Chicago native, started her running journey almost 10 years. Fast forward, she’s ran 100s of races including 15 marathons and counting, all across the country, snd globe. Her pride and joy, best running memories, and closest friends are the result of her leadership in Lakeview Run Club, right here in Chicago. The Lakefront Trail is one of her favorite places, and one of the city’s greatest assets. When she’s not running, you can find her cooking with her Dad!
Charmaine Runes (she/they) is a developer, designer, and data journalist by training, but a climber, runner, and granola girl at heart. She values being outside and being in community. With nearly 8 years of climbing experience, Charmaine loves creating spaces for other folks to feel safe and find their people in the sport. She currently helps lead meetups for Asian Climbing Collective in Chicago and Sending In Color. She has also run multiple races, including her first ultramarathon in 2023, and is always looking for a new one to train for.
Jacob is a passionate outdoorsman and President of the Kellogg Wilderness Club (KWC). For as long as he can remember, he has loved everything about being outside. Jacob spends his free time on backpacking trips, and most recently finished a six day trek through Patagonia National Park in Chile. He grew up rock climbing around the Midwest and has enjoyed seeing the Chicago indoor climbing scene grow. More recently, he has made it a priority to take winter trips out west to inhale the fresh mountain air and hone his snowboarding skills. As KWC President, Jacob works to facilitate more outdoor experiences for Kellogg students as they pursue their MBAs. He is thrilled to be an Arc'teryx Ambassador and share his love for the brand with his community!
