Vista Outdoor Sponsors Diversity Panel at Outdoor Writers Event

By Corporate Communications

For the second consecutive year, Vista Outdoor showcased its support of the free press and diversity in the outdoors by sponsoring a presentation at the recent Outdoor Writers Association of America's annual conference in Gulf Shores, Ala.

Vista was proud to sponsor the keynote panel, "The Future of Outdoor Equity," on the event's final day. Panelists were Shauna Steigerwald, communications and events manager, Adventure Crew; Gerry Seavo James, deputy campaign director, Outdoors For All, Sierra Club + Outdoor Recreation Design Lab; and Zorbari Nwidor, associate executive director, Chicago Adventure Therapy. The panel was moderated by Chez Chesak, OWAA's executive director.

Each panelist, by nature of their position and nonprofit organization, brought unique insights into the need for diversity, equity and inclusivity in the outdoors. Adventure Crew is dedicated to connecting city teens with nature and each other through engaging outdoor adventures. Outdoors For All secures federal legislative and administrative opportunities that accelerate outdoor access and equity across the U.S. And Chicago Adventure Therapy uses outdoor adventure sports like paddling, camping, cycling, hiking and rock climbing to help Chicago children, youth, and young adults have a lasting positive impact on their communities.

Takeaways from the panel included the need for the outdoor industry to create more pathways to outdoor careers for more people, encouraging outdoor writers to tell more stories around increasing outdoor equity and outdoor businesses creating an environment where people of color can not only become involved in outdoors but also climb the ladder.

"Vista Outdoor was proud to again sponsor an OWAA discussion around the need to increase diversity in the outdoors," said Eric Smith, Vista Outdoor Corporate Communications Manager, who introduced the panel to conference attendees. "The company's philanthropic arm, the Vista Outdoor Foundation, is proud to support nonprofit partners that promote conservation, outdoor access and other causes that unite our diverse portfolio of brands and customers. The Foundation and the company will continue to look for ways to expand access to recreation opportunities, particularly in underserved communities, and work to improve diversity and inclusion in the outdoors."

Vista Outdoor's support of the conference also showcased the company's belief in a free press and quality journalism. Vista welcomes and appreciates all editorial coverage and encourages stories on the great things happening within the Vista family, whether at the corporate or brand level.