Welcome to the Board of Directors: Kenzie Rodriguez. We’re excited to have you and learn more about you.
I am the Chief Marketing Officer at Outdoor Prolink, whose mission is to outfit professional stewards of the great outdoors so they can protect and promote wild places for all to enjoy. In my role, I lead the marketing and membership teams as they work to build partnerships with the best outdoor brands and grow a massive community of outdoor professionals in the United States and Canada. I have led my team in key philanthropic initiatives that have generated over $100,000 per year in charitable giving to outdoor nonprofits, and has been spearheading the company's Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion programs. I have over a decade of experience in corporate strategy, business development, digital marketing, community development, branding, art direction and customer acquisition.
I am of Puerto-Rican heritage and was born and raised in Pittsburgh where I grew up playing soccer, running track and field, and skiing with my family on the weekends. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, I moved to Colorado to play outside as much as possible. I now live in Whitefish, Montana where I love to backcountry ski, snowmobile, mountain bike, paddleboard and skateboard.
Q: Place of work, title, location.
A: Outdoor Prolink, Chief Marketing Officer, Whitefish, MT (remote - Outdoor Prolink office is in Boulder, CO)
Q: Why did you join SheJumps as a board member?
A: I have been a fan and follower of SheJumps for as long as I can remember! I believe that SheJumps' mission is absolutely critical to the future of outdoor recreation, the outdoor industry as we know it and, without being hyperbolic, the future of our home planet.
As a passionate skier and mountain biker, I am desperate to see more diverse and inclusive representation of women in the sports I love and live for. Backcountry skiing and mountain biking have taught me so much about a beginner's mindset, progression, setbacks, grit, community, risk taking, decision making, belonging vs fitting in, joy, fear, too many more to list - and every single one of those lessons has directly shaped me as a woman and as a leader. That said, until recently, I always felt like I had to elbow my way into the men's world, both outdoors and at work. As a young girl, I didn’t have any role models who looked like me in outdoor sports. I can't help but wonder what the trajectory of my life would be like with more resources and female mentors in my life earlier on. It's so important to me that I use my position and experience to advance other women and the next generations of girls!
Q: What goal of the SheJumps Strategic Plan is the most important to you?
A: “Expand accessibility and inclusivity of SJ programs, offerings, and community for girls and women of all backgrounds.”
Q: What do you hope to contribute to the SheJumps Board of Directors?
A: Deep connections and relationships in the outdoor industry. Passion for the mission and for the outdoors!
Q: What is your vision for SheJumps?
A: A future where all women and girls – regardless of background, race, ethnicity or identity – have the skills and confidence to enjoy the outdoors, feel welcomed by and represented in the outdoor industry, and have equal access to leadership positions from the backcountry to the boardroom.
Now, it’s time for the lightning round:
Q: Outdoor activity of choice (pick one, two if you must)?
A: Skiing & mountain biking
Q: Who inspires you to go outside and why?
A: My husband! He reminds me every day that I am unstoppable.
Q: Where is your favorite place to go outside or on an adventure?
A: Right in my backyard!
Q: How has the outdoors benefited your health and overall physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing?
A: Stepping into my skis or getting on my mountain bike makes me feel powerful in a way that nothing else can. The confidence that comes from putting in hard work, suffering physically, taking risks, overcoming setbacks and ultimately watching myself progress, is a confidence that has transferred into every aspect of my life. The passion I have for these sports lights me up in a way that carries into work, my friendships, my relationships and beyond.
Connect with Kenzie on LinkedIn.
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