We had the good fortune of connecting with Giselle Cummings and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Giselle, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Outdoor Asian has had a chapter in Denver since 2018; we’ve been successful because of volunteers and community members who create welcoming spaces for folks to land, whether seasoned outdoors people or just beginning their journey. Our team’s philosophy is to make sure events are super accessible, whether that’s financially or physically, to ensure our community can hop into something easily. Additionally, we’ve been able to carve out a space for the Asian community in the metro to find one another in spaces that explore play, movement, and identity that goes beyond expectations and perceptions of what being Asian means and can look like.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think we are most proud to see people come back time and time again at events, make new friendships/connections, and invite more people into our community. Everyone has shown up with kindness, curiosity, reverence/respect for nature- this has been such a beautiful thing to witness as we continue to grow. I think some lessons along the way would be to welcome invites into new spaces and enjoy each event no matter how big or small (but it’s been nice to see our monthly climb night pack the gym with community!). We simply want to the world to know we exist and there’s a space for the Asian community to enjoy the nature together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re in Denver and need a quick hike we love Red Rocks Trail which is great for checking out the cool rock formations and birding (shoutout Merlin app), we would eat at Noodles Express, have a drink at Ti Cafe and hangout at Wash Park (which we frequent for many meetups that involve walking/spike ball). We usually check out Asian Avenue Magazine for upcoming community events! A lot of people ask about where the good Asian is at, please go to Havana street in Aurora or Little Saigon complex in Denver.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost our community at-large, y’all keep showing up to events and support us and co-creating spaces that are very magical! Our biggest mentors in the outdoor affinity space have been Latino Outdoors, they’ve been incredible collaborators and share wisdom/systems navigation and a lot of things that have elevated our space a lot too. We are also super grateful to our friends at Asian Vibes in Denver, Asian Avenue/Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network, Denver Bouldering Club, Asian Girls Ignite, YCMA of the Rockies, the Next100 Coalition, and our wider Outdoor Asian network (especially the national team!).

Website: outdoorasian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/outdoorasiancolorado

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/outdoorasiancolorado

Image Credits
Phoeny Li Kylie Yang Giselle Cummings

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