Elyse Rylander

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Elyse Rylander's understanding of the intrinsic bond between nature and self stems from her upbringing in rural Wisconsin. From a mere two weeks old, Elyse embarked on countless canoe trips down the Wisconsin River, adventures that would shape her childhood and beyond.

During her undergraduate years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Elyse sharpened her facilitation abilities as a student facilitator for Adventure Learning Programs. It was during this time that the idea for OUT There Adventures (OTA) took root. Carrying the vision for OTA, Elyse relocated to Seattle in 2013, wholeheartedly committing to launching and expanding the organization, which became the first-in-the-nation LGBTQ youth outdoor education non-profit.

Elyse is a nationally recognized advocate for equity in the outdoor industry, who also created the first-ever LGBTQ Outdoor Recreation Economy annual conference (LGBTQ Outdoor Summit). Her work has been featured in numerous publications and media outlets such as Outside Magazine and Modern Hiker. She has also received several awards for her work, including the Emerging Leader Award from the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education. Outside Magazine literally named her ‘Superhero of the Year!’

Elyse's focus lies in bridging the past with the present, meticulously unraveling our collective history to illuminate more equitable and just paths for the future.

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Elyse Rylander

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FEATURED CLASSIC FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

FEATURED CLASSIC FOR HIGH SCHOOL

FEATURED CLASSIC FOR ADULTS

FEATURED PATHFINDER

FEATURED SEMESTER

FEATURED OUTDOOR EDUCATOR

FEATURED INTERCEPT

FEATURED AFFINITY GROUPS

FEATURED VETERANS

FEATURED ACTIVITIES

FEATURED SCHOLARSHIPS & ACADEMIC CREDIT

FEATURED COMMUNICABLE DISEASE PRACTICES

ABOUT US

Elyse Rylander

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