Rue Mapp

Rue Mapp is the Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, a national online community and outdoor leadership development network established in 2009, dedicated to re-connecting Black Americans with nature. Mapp has also spearheaded Outdoor Afro Inc., focusing on Black community connections to the outdoors through product design and experiences. In addition to leadership roles at The Wilderness Society and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Mapp has served as Chair of the California State Parks Commission and held various advisory and board positions, including membership on the inaugural Black Travel Advisory Board for Hurtigruten Group. An author of *Nature Swagger: Visions and Stories of Black Joy in the Outdoors*, Mapp holds degrees from the University of California, Berkeley and Mills College, and has extensive experience in youth investment and community engagement initiatives.