By Laura Flores, Partnerships & Outreach Manager of Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project, and Outdoor Opportunity Coalition
Last week, I had the great pleasure of presenting at the North Carolina Outdoor Economic Conference alongside some phenomenal women- Niconda G., Andrea White, MBA, and our amazing moderator, Simone Adams.
Our session, "Building Trust: Welcoming More Seats to the Table," kicked off with high vibes — music, dancing, and Niconda skating around the audience! It set the tone and allowed for deep reflection on how to build stronger, more authentic connections in spaces that can feel unfamiliar.
We've all been in spaces and have heard organizations say they want diverse boards and working groups that reflect the communities they serve. But too often, people are invited to check a box — not for the skills, experience, and insight they bring. Real inclusion goes far beyond the way you look.
We challenged the audience to dig deep and reflect on their own lived experiences when inviting folks to their boards. As we moved into our panel we discussed clarifying autonomy and expectations, examining roles and power dynamics and practicing conscious community engagement. It should never be about the optics.
If we all continue to build a space that’s truly welcoming and respectful, people will not only come—they’ll stay, lead, and thrive.
Let’s keep the conversation going. What’s working in your spaces? How are you creating room at your table?