Justice Outside transitions the Outdoor Educators Institute to long-time partner Emily Taylor, ensuring the program for young Black, Indigenous, and People of Color leaders continues to grow.
OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 11, 2026 — After a decade of cultivating Black, Indigenous, and People of Color outdoor leaders across California, Justice Outside announces the transition of its flagship Outdoor Educators Institute (OEI) to Emily Taylor of TayloredFit Solutions and Brown Girls Climbing.
The free training program—one of the few of its kind in the nation—has equipped hundreds of young adults ages 18–26 with wilderness certifications, career pathways, and lifelong community connections in a field where people of color remain critically underrepresented. Now, under Taylor’s leadership, OEI is poised for its next chapter of growth and impact.
Why It Matters
Despite growing demand for outdoor programming that reflects California’s diverse communities, people of color remain significantly underrepresented in outdoor education and environmental careers. OEI was created to change that—providing not just skills training, but a pathway into a field that has historically excluded communities of color.
The program’s impact is measurable: 78% of 2024 OEI graduates are now working in environmental fields.
“When we built OEI, we weren’t just creating a training program—we were making a statement that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color belong in the outdoors. Not as visitors, but as leaders shaping the future of this field,” said Kim Bailey, President & CEO of Justice Outside. “Emily shares that belief. This isn’t an ending—it’s OEI coming into its own.”
A Decade of Impact
Since launching in 2015, OEI has offered immersive, free training through partnerships with organizations across the Bay Area and Central Valley—including Latino Outdoors, Environmental Traveling Companions, Outward Bound California, and NatureBridge. Participants earn wilderness first aid certification and gain hands-on experience in backpacking, rock climbing, sea kayaking, and birding—all facilitated by instructors and organizations led by people of color who prioritize environmental justice.
For many participants, the impact goes far beyond career skills:
“The most significant thing that I have learned from OEI is that I am valuable. That I am enough. Knowing these things about myself has cemented my belief that I have a place in this work.” — Jaime Hatch, OEI Graduate
“I never imagined this program would change me more than just helping me pursue a career. But in reality this program has done infinitely more.” — Josef Holt, OEI Graduate
An Intentional Transition
The transition reflects Justice Outside’s strategic evolution toward its Power-Building Framework, which shifts organizational resources toward strengthening grassroots organizations and building collective power for systemic change in environmental policy.
“OEI has been one of the most rewarding programs I’ve had the privilege to support,” said Mary Traylor, Director of Programs at Justice Outside. “Watching participants arrive unsure of their place in this field, and leave as confident, skilled leaders ready to bring their communities into the outdoors, has been extraordinary. We’re not saying goodbye to OEI. We’re ensuring it has the best possible home to grow even bigger than we could take it.”
New Leadership, Continued Mission
Emily Taylor is an outdoor educator, facilitator, and founder of TayloredFit Solutions and Brown Girls Climbing. A long-time OEI partner, Taylor has led rock climbing and bouldering training for program participants.
“OEI changed the trajectory of so many lives—and being part of that work changed mine too,” said Taylor. “I’m honored to carry this program forward and committed to expanding opportunities for the next generation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color outdoor leaders. This community built something powerful, and I intend to help it grow.”
Community Celebration
Justice Outside and TayloredFit Solutions invite OEI alumnx, partners, supporters, and funders to celebrate this milestone:
Outdoor Educators Institute Celebratory Engagement
Dates: Saturday, April 25 (2:00 PM) – Sunday, Feb 26 (9:00 AM)
Where: Camp Via West, 13851 Stevens Canyon Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014
The gathering will honor OEI’s history, celebrate the leaders it has cultivated, and mark the beginning of its next chapter.
Ongoing Commitment
Justice Outside will remain a committed supporter and amplifier of OEI under Taylor’s leadership. This transition reflects a shared belief that OEI’s greatest impact is still ahead — and Justice Outside is honored to have played a role in building the foundation for what comes next.
About Justice Outside
Justice Outside is a national environmental justice intermediary that has distributed nearly $15 million to 213 grassroots organizations since 2020. Through trust-based grantmaking, advocacy, and network building, Justice Outside advances equity in outdoor and environmental movements. Guided by its Power-Building Framework—Advocate, Fund, and Build—the organization amplifies community voices for policy change, resources organizations led by and for communities of color, and connects leaders for collective action. Learn more at justiceoutside.org.
About TayloredFit Solutions
TayloredFit Solutions, founded by Emily Taylor, provides outdoor education, facilitation, and consulting services with a focus on equity and inclusion. Taylor is also the founder of Brown Girls Climbing, which creates welcoming spaces for women of color in the climbing community. Learn more at tayloredfitsolutions.com.ector of Communications and Advocacy Justice Outside Email: bren@justiceoutside.org
