Directors' Board Spotlight: Emmanuel Nolasco
Introducing our fresh crew of Board Members at American Hiking—Emmanuel Nolasco, Rochelle Altman, Chuck Frank, Nicole Prim, Aidan Smith, and Daniel Yang. These fascinating outdoor enthusiasts and trail advocates are raring to help us fulfill our mission of packing more joy, sharing, and preserving the hiking experience. Over the upcoming weeks, we'll be shining the spotlight on each of them, discussing what drew them to the Board of American Hiking and their unique perspectives on the significance of trails. So gear up and join us in welcoming these amazing trailblazers as we delve into their stories and insights!
Leading the pack is Emmanuel Nolasco, the first-gen American from Washington DC's metro area. After a string of athletic injuries, Emmanuel discovered hiking as a way to stay active and experience a profound sense of peace within nature. Inspired by this newfound connection, he ventured across the country to Colorado, where he found a career interwoven with the natural world.
Currently, Emmanuel is a Marketing Manager at the National Wildlife Federation, where he's devoted to inspiring people from all walks of life to embrace and protect our nation's natural environment. On joining the AHS Board, Emmanuel hopes to expand trail accessibility and remove barriers restricting people from connecting with nature across the country. As he puts it:
"I've traversed trails nationwide, savoring the happiness, rejuvenation, and excitement they provide. I also saw firsthand the challenges that persist on our trails, such as racism and elitism. Joining AHS allows me to do my part in fostering a hiking community where everyone feels a profound sense of belonging."
Here are some juicy nuggets from our conversation with Emmanuel:
What's one of your most memorable hiking experiences, and how did it influence your relationship with trails or the great outdoors?
"I'd say the most moving moments happen when you strike up conversations with fellow hikers along the trail, resulting in surprisingly deep, heartfelt exchanges. While I venture into the wilderness to reconnect with nature, I often forget how potent that connection with others can be on the trail."
What's one of your favorite places to hike, and what makes it so special?
"Locally, Colorado Springs offers scenic treks in North Cheyenne Canón Park, featuring glorious mountain vistas, lush valleys, flowing streams, and cascading waterfalls. There's a broad range of trails with varying elevation gains, making it ideal for everyone. I particularly enjoy remote trails with an air of seclusion."
What advice would you offer someone brand-new to hiking?
"My advice for novice hikers is to embrace simplicity. Hiking is essentially walking, so if you can walk, you can hike. With countless trail options available, you'll surely find something suitable for your comfort level—whether it's a short jaunt or a challenging venture into the wilderness."
How do you envision trails playing a role in creating communities and bridging connections with nature?
"Trails foster camaraderie and closeness, as people chat and forge bonds while encountered with the beauty of nature. I firmly believe the most profound human connections form when sharing type 2 fun, an activity that proves demanding during the experience but ultimately yields unforgettable memories."
What excites you most about contributing to the AHS's goal of preserving trails and fostering stewardship?
"What gets me most pumped is the positive impact AHS's mission has on both people and the environment. By maintaining trails, we encourage more people to partake in the uplifting benefits of hiking, which, in turn, cultivates a new generation of environmental stewards. As a part of the Board, I'm passionate about championing the justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts."
We're overjoyed that Emmanuel found his way into our trail family and look forward to working alongside him to eliminate barriers and ensure that everyone feels valued and heard in the hiking community. Stay tuned for more revelations about our new members in the coming weeks!
- Emmanuel Nolasco, a Marketing Manager at the National Wildlife Federation, shares his passion for hiking and outdoor-living as he tackles his role as a Board Member at American Hiking.
- From his personal experiences, Emmanuel emphasizes the importance of education and self-development through hiking, believing it can foster personal growth and career development.
- Emmanuel advocates for the hiking community to embrace diversity and inclusion, aligning his values with the AHS's efforts in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- In his vision for the future, Emmanuel sees sports like hiking serving as a means for individuals to connect, not just with nature, but also with each other, promoting home-and-garden living and an overall healthier lifestyle.
- With AHS, Emmanuel aims to make trail accessibility a priority, encouraging more people to engage in outdoor activities, whether it's for casual leisure or sports-betting opportunities, helping build a vibrant and culturally rich hiking community.
