Explore exciting careers in the outdoor industry with Camping to Connect and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado!
This inspiring panel brings together leaders who are breaking barriers, promoting equity, and making a difference in our communities through impactful outdoor and environmental work. Youth, parents, and mentors; join us to learn how passion, purpose, and the great outdoors can lead to meaningful careers and lifelong connections.
Meet the Panelists:
Jason Swann (He/Him) Jason Swann spent eight years in financial services before a profound personal connection with nature led him to advocate for outdoor equity. Recognizing the disconnect between underrepresented communities and outdoor access, Jason dedicated himself to reshaping who feels welcome in nature.
As Co-founder and Executive Director of Rising Routes Alliance, Jason works to expand inclusive outdoor opportunities, ensuring everyone can discover their purpose through nature. In his role as Intermountain West Conservation Finance Director at Trust for Public Land, Jason has secured over half a billion dollars for parks, trails, climate resilience, and equity initiatives across the Southwest.
Jason co-chairs the Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program (OEGP) Policy Coalition, leading efforts to pass bipartisan legislation supporting inclusive outdoor experiences statewide. He also serves on the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC) Advisory Council, guiding strategies to foster equity and diverse leadership in outdoor workforce development.
Previously appointed to the Colorado Environmental Justice Advisory Board by Governor Jared Polis, Jason also chaired Denver’s Environmental Justice Committee, focusing on equity and climate action.
Jason firmly believes the outdoors should always be a place of connection, healing, and belonging for everyone.
Celina Wasson (She/Her) Celina Wasson is an herbalist, hiking guide, and a strong advocate for breaking down the barriers that exist in the outdoor world. Originally from Colorado and deeply connected to nature, she’s made it her life’s work to help others build their own relationships with the outdoors. Right now, she’s working with the Outdoor Equity Grant Program at Colorado Parks and Wildlife, where she helps fund organizations that create inclusive outdoor experiences for underserved youth. Through this role, she supports programs that make nature more accessible and offer education and opportunities to communities that have been historically excluded.
Monique M. Dyers, P.E. (She/Her) Monique M. Dyers, P.E. is an award-winning engineer, entrepreneur, and advocate for renewable energy and community empowerment. As CEO and Principal of Ensight Energy Consulting, she leverages nearly two decades of expertise to guide stakeholders in developing sustainable and financially viable energy infrastructure. Throughout her career, Monique has led global teams in designing reliable power generation solutions, ensuring energy systems meet the highest performance standards.
Driven by a commitment to equity, Monique recently founded EmpowerSun Solutions, a pioneering platform that enables landowners in underserved communities to explore solar development opportunities on their properties.
Moderated by: Manny Almonte (He/Him) – Founder and CEO, Camping to Connect
Discussion Topics:
🌿 Careers with Purpose: Making an Impact Outdoors: Discover how a career outdoors can align your passion with purpose.
🌞 Breaking Barriers: Equity and Inclusion in the Outdoors: Learn from industry leaders about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in outdoor spaces.
🌎 Protecting the Planet: Sustainability and Conservation Careers: Explore careers dedicated to preserving nature and promoting sustainability.
🔥 Building Community: Mentorship, Leadership, and Outdoor Adventure: Learn how connecting to the outdoors can foster personal growth, strengthen relationships, and empower the next generation of community leaders and environmental stewards.
Presented by:
Since 1918, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado (BBBSC) has believed in the incredible potential that exists within every child. As part of the nation’s largest mentoring network, BBBSC creates meaningful matches between adult mentors (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”) through Community-Based and Site-Based Mentoring.
Camping to Connect uses outdoor recreation and nature immersion to address the diverse issues faced by young in America’s cities—from mental health to healthy masculinity. We provide a safe space for meaningful conversations, connecting youth ages 13+ with nature, their peers, and dedicated mentors. Our leaders reflect the backgrounds of our youth participants, fostering a vital paradigm shift in their self-perception and understanding of their place in the world.