2026 Keynote Speaker: Rue Mapp

Rue Mapp is a trailblazing leader in outdoor recreation and conservation, best known as the Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, the nation’s foremost not-for-profit organization celebrating and inspiring Black leadership and connections in nature. With decades of leadership experience, she has transformed a personal blog into a national movement operating in over 70 markets across the United States. Under her vision, Outdoor Afro has connected tens of thousands of participants annually through guided nature experiences, championing joy and welcoming, and the historic representation of Black people recreating in outdoor spaces. Her unique blend of inspiration, hospitality, and cultural insight has redefined what it means to live well in nature, with beauty, warmth, and purpose.

Rue’s influence extends beyond the nonprofit world. In 2021, she launched Outdoor Afro Inc., a for-profi t enterprise that designs culturally relevant outdoor apparel in collaboration with brands like REI Co-op. Her passion for nature and people has also shaped national conversations, from water safety access through the Making Waves initiative, to storytelling through her critically acclaimed book, "Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors" (Chronicle Books, 2022), which was featured in Oprah’s Book Club and named a Library Journal Best Book of 2022.

In addition to her work with Outdoor Afro, Rue spearheads Black Heritage Hunt, an initiative designed to welcome and introduce more people to wild game cuisine’s delicious variety and the cultural legacy of hunting. This unique program weaves together food, history, and outdoor experience to reconnect participants with traditional practices and flavors rooted in Black heritage.

An array of distinguished honors has recognized Rue’s leadership. She is a 2019 National Geographic Fellow, a recipient of the prestigious Heinz Award in the Environment category, and was appointed by Governors Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom to the California State Parks Commission, where she served as Chair until 2023. In 2024, she was awarded the Mountaineers’ inaugural Adventure with Purpose Award and was honored by Congress through a resolution marking Outdoor Afro’s 15th anniversary. Rue is also a sought-after speaker, delivering keynotes at forums such as the Yale School of the Environment Leadership Council and the Public Lands Alliance. 

Her voice and vision have been featured widely in national media, including The New York Times, The Atlantic, Good Morning America, Essence, Forbes, and NPR’s Code Switch. In 2025, Rue will appear on the Assembly Required podcast and be interviewed by The Oregonian.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Rue lives a grounded, joy-filled life in Northern California. She is a devoted wife, mother of three adult children, grandmother, and early riser who cherishes her garden, daily walks with her dog Boogie, riding horses, choir practice, caring for her backyard chickens, and time with loved ones. A tractor-trained driver since age nine and a cornbread contest ribbon winner, she brings authenticity, humor, and heart to everything she does.

Rue holds a BA in History of Art with a minor in City and Regional Planning from UC Berkeley and a Women in Leadership Certificate from Mills College’s Institute for Civic Leadership. She serves on the boards of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and The Wilderness Society and continues to infl uence public policy and outdoor access through numerous national and local platforms.

Her guiding philosophy, inspired by Paulo Coelho, is that life’s magic moments come to those willing to take bold risks. Rue took that leap in 2012, leaving a secure job to devote herself fully to Outdoor Afro. Since then, she’s remained a joyful bridge-builder, connecting people across differences through the universal beauty of nature. 

About Rue's talk:

Rue Mapp, Founder/CEO of Outdoor Afro, and author of Nature Swagger, shares the story of how a local idea grew into a national movement rooted in connection to land, culture, and community. 

Through lessons learned along the way, Rue explores what it takes to bring people together across place and experience, and how public gardens can apply these insights to deepen engagement, education, and trust. 

Our attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how shared values, hospitality, and authentic connection can inspire innovation and expand participation in public horticulture.