FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 67 Blazing New Trails Atabey Outdoors is changing the face of outdoor adventure Origin Atabey Outdoors was founded in Phoenix in 2020 when Raquel Gomez quit her job to pursue her passion for bridging the gap between BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) communities and nature. Gomez’s love for nature began during childhood visits to her father’s family in the Dominican Republic. She found deep joy and community in the outdoors and began working for organizations that offered outdoor experiences for youth and adults. However, she noticed a striking lack of diversity in these programs. “I decided to take matters into my own hands,” she said. “I was determined to create a safe space where people who looked like me could experience, learn about and enjoy the outdoors in a way that felt welcoming, empowering and true to who we are.” Today, Atabey Outdoors is the only BIPOC-led organization in the area providing outdoor adventures specifically for BIPOC youth. Mission The organization is dedicated to offering safe and enjoyable outdoor programs for BIPOC girls aged 8–12. Its unique approach combines outdoor adventures with enrichment activities that promote social, emotional, physical and mental growth. Atabey Outdoors addresses the historical underrepresentation of people of color in outdoor spaces, a situation stemming from systemic barriers and economic challenges. Outdoor activities have long been LEADERSHIP Raquel Gomez Founder & CEO CHARITY SPOTLIGHT Atabey Outdoors links outdoor adventure to important life skills that kids can take with them into their communities.