DoubleDown Engage

For this quarter’s edition of DoubleDown Engage, we had the pleasure of receiving exclusive insights from Jesus, CEO of Nosotros en Naturalez, who launched the organization in April 2024.

What inspired the creation of your organization?

My many years of experience in community organization and youth services inspired the creation of my organization. Throughout my work with various organizations, I observed that outdoor recreation events were consistently enjoyable and engaging for youth. However, I noticed a significant lack of representation from my community- Mexican, Latino, or BIPOC youth were seldom involved in these activities.?

Growing up, I often perceived hiking and outdoor recreation as activities primarily associated with “white'? culture, partly due to the high cost—travel, suitable hikes, appropriate gear, and clothing. Despite these barriers, I developed a passion for hiking and found ways to overcome these challenges. I wanted to share these solutions with my community. My goal was to create a space where underserved Latinx/BIPOC youth could experience the outdoors without the usual stresses, focusing instead on making memories and simply capturing great moments, and meeting people who look like them.?

What key challenges did you face during the initial launch and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced during the initial launch was finding support to grow my vision and bring the project to life. I overcame this with the help of friends and family, who provided encouragement and valuable connections. Through networking, I received a recommendation from a friend that led to Andy becoming our first official Social Media Coordinator. Thanks to Andy's efforts, our Instagram gained the following and foundation it has today.

In addition, Vivi, a scholar from the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship program I am part of, stepped in as a Field and Research Specialist, leading our hiking expeditions, making them both educational and entertaining for our hikers. While finance constraints remain a challenge, we're making progress. I personally funded the project in the beginning, and recently, the Washington Trails Association generously has helped cover some costs for the remainder of the year.

How does your organization differentiate itself from others?

My organization stands out by offering an authentic and personal approach to outdoor experiences. I created this project based on my own journey with hiking and the outdoors, ensuring every outing feels genuine, inclusive, and welcoming to those new to this type of experience. Each hike begins with a relaxed gathering around my car, where we hand out snacks, introduce new faces, and break the ice with some fun. I’m committed to providing healthy and enjoyable snacks at every event, knowing that sharing food fosters connection. I firmly believe that meals bring people together, which is why sharing food has become a central part of our outings. This simple act creates a stronger sense of community and deepens the bonds among participants.?

How has the purpose of your organization evolved since its launch?

Our purpose and the commitment I made to this project have stayed consistent since its launch. The biggest change has been the growth of our community. As? our community expands, we’ve adapted to meet the evolving needs of participants while continuing to offer high- quality hiking experiences and activities. This journey has been about growing with our community, remaining true to our mission while scaling our efforts to serve and reach more Latinx/BIPOC youth effectively.??