The Outbound Collective Announces its 2022 Roster of Writers Residency for Underrepresented Storytellers

July 25, 2022

San Francisco, Calif. – July 25, 2022/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Today, the Outbound Collective announced the new cohort of its third annual Writers Residency for Underrepresented Storytellers. Bree Salazar, Clarice Henry, and Erica Zazo were each awarded a $4,000 cash stipend and gear packages from supporting partners. The 2022 residency started on July 1 and will run through December 31, 2022.

“We launched the Writers Residency for Underrepresented Storytellers initiative in 2020 to foster representation and support past-due conversations throughout the outdoor industry,” said Brian Heifferon, CEO and co-founder of the Outbound Collective. “We’re prioritizing featuring the work of our industry’s underrepresented communities because we need to do a better job of elevating and amplifying their voices.”

About 2022 Writers Residency for Underrepresented Storytellers:

Bree Salazar (she/her/hers), is passionate about contributing to the ongoing awakening, healing, and mobilizing of our communities by way of a connection to land and waters. She is almost always singing aloud a tune, even on a mountain top, but mostly behind the wheel of her van. Through this residency, Bree is preparing to deepen her understanding of and relationship with nature, her craft(s), and herself. Her favorite adventures are Hike to Middle Gaylor Lake, Yosemite NPand Mount Dana, Mono County, California.

As an outdoor and travel enthusiast, Clarice Henry, spends her time hiking, backpacking, snapping photos, camping and swimming throughout the Sierras and beyond. She considers herself a global citizen who cares about preserving and taking care of Mother Earth. She is a co-founder of Her Narrative Collective, sharing women’s stories to empower, inspire and cultivate community. Clarice works for the National Park Service and lives in Yosemite National Park with her boyfriend and two Namibian dogs, all of which she brought back with her after her service in the Peace Corps. Her favorite adventure and one of the most unique places that she has been: exploring Sossusvlei, Namibia.

Erica Zazo (she/her) is a queer, Chicago-based, Midwest-loving freelance outdoor and travel writer. She is an outdoor generalist who loves dabbling in all types of activities like car camping, hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, kayaking, indoor climbing, SUPing, and log running. “The Writers Residency means so much to me for a few reasons:  my identity is being celebrated, my words will help inspire even more people to get outside, and this is an amazing opportunity to collaborate with outdoor brands I love as well as the Outbound Collective team.” Her favorite adventure is Backpack to Mirror Lake Cabins in the Porkies.

Selected writers will be spotlighted on the Outbound Collective website where their stories will be featured and promoted to the Outbound’s audience of 15-million users and 840,000 social media followers. Additionally, select stories will be shared in the weekly Field Guide email. The Outbound Collective is proud to credit each writer’s images and stories.

The 2022 Writers Residency for Underrepresented Storytellers is made possible through monetary and gear support provided by HOKA, KOA, Coleman, Sawyer Products, and Darn Tough.

Past residents include Angie Vasquez, Francis Mendoza, Samara Almonte, Amanda Machado, Adam Edwards, and Erin McGrady. The application period for next year will open in the spring of 2023; more details here.

Outbound Collective COO and co-founder Tyler Drake added, “We invite other potential partners to join us in this vital, necessary work. Together, we can make the outdoors a place where everyone feels welcome, represented, and empowered to live healthier, happier lives through the pursuit of everyday adventures.”

Click here for images of the 2022 writers.

ABOUT OUTBOUND COLLECTIVE

Launched in 2012, the Outbound Collective is on a mission to get everyone outside by restoring human connection and belonging in nature and providing the confidence to explore new places and try new things. It is a website, iOS, and Android app dedicated to helping travelers find the best local adventures and lodging options around the globe. The Outbound Collective helps its 15 million users and more than 800,000 social media followers find the best spots to hike, camp, chill and more—all with a simple interface, incredible photography, inspirational destination guides, how-tos and stories. To learn more, visit theoutbound.com and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.