The Founder: Teresa Baker
Teresa Baker is determined to make a difference in the work of diversity and inclusion in outdoor spaces. She understands that if we are to move forward in efforts of environmental protection, more faces need to be engaged in the conversations and most importantly, the work. Currently those faces belong to underrepresented communities across the country, communities of color specifically. Teresa grew up in the Bay Area as an outdoor enthusiast, but she understands the stakes are higher now. Her focus is in community engagement, creating events that encourage people to venture outdoors responsibly, and learning about our open spaces and what it takes to protect them.
Teresa has created such projects as the Buffalo Soldiers Trail retracing project from the Presidio of San Francisco to Yosemite National Park, the Women's Outdoor Summit For Empowerment, the Women's over 50 Outside campaign, and the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge, to name a few. The CEO Pledge has been highly successful, with over 180 brands and non-profits currently signed on.
Teresa is committed to creating outdoor experiences that speak to culture, environmental responsibility, and inclusion, while bridging the gap between business and community.
Chris Perkins has also contributed to the development and growth of The Pledge. Chris Perkins is a Senior Director at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, where he works to promote the sustainable growth of the outdoor recreation economy. This work focuses on partnerships with federal agencies, rural economic development through outdoor recreation, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and building a more inclusive outdoor recreation community.
Chris received a Masters in Environmental Management and Masters in Business Administration at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) and Yale School of Management (SOM). Chris has also worked for the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee, Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. He lives in Jackson, WY with his wife Shellie, kids Silas and Molly, and dog Tilley.
Chris’ Twitter // Chris’ LinkedIn