Bridging Worlds: Carmela Montenegro on how DEI Deepens Our Connection to the Outdoors

In this episode of The Wild We Share, we sit down with Carmela Montenegro a DEI consultant with a background in outdoor education, outdoor retail, and cross-cultural communication. We explore what diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) means, how it fosters belonging in the outdoors, the cultural challenges in the outdoor industry, and what steps we can each take to embrace diverse voices.

As a first-generation Filipina-American from Keystone, CO, Carmela uses her unique perspective and experiences to educate and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Carmela has been a DEI educator since 2017 and has become a sought-out trainer for outdoor education teams, retailers, and major ski resorts. Carmela is an established keynote speaker, was the youngest presenter at DisruptHR Denver 14.0, and was awarded the Advocacy & Inclusion Award at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Outside of her advocacy work, Carmela is a snowboarder, a cast iron camp cook, and an avid hammock napper.

Show Highlights:

• 0:00 - Introduction

• 1:33 - Why Carmela became a DEI consultant

• 5:33 - What does DEI mean exactly?

• 10:40 - Unexpected tips for regular folks to support greater accessibility/inclusivity in the outdoors

• 26:20 - What motivates people to recreate and stay outdoors?

• 31:15 - Carmela’s favorite DEI success story

• 36:00 - How to connect with and support Carmela on your own DEI education journey

• 38:45 - Closing thoughts

Key Takeaways:

1. "DEI" is not a buzzword. It's a key ingredient to allow everyone to feel seen and to thrive.

2. A key to embracing DEI is to get uncomfortable with yourself. Start by working on yourself first.

3. Hidden biases can lead many to assume they know what other people and communities need when often what they need is something else entirely. 

Connect with Carmela Montenegro:

Website: Not Mad, Just Misunderstood

LinkedIn

Instagram: @carmela.irl

Twitter: @notmadjustm

Sign up for Carmela's invaluable DEI newsletter here!

Thanks for joining us for this enlightening discussion about how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can enhance our connection with the outdoors.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review The Wild We Share, and stay tuned for more conversations on connecting with nature and each other, right here on The Wild We Share.