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

Hi Emma, what makes you happy? Why?
For me, true happiness is satisfaction in productively following through with my passion. A huge part of that is helping other human beings in their journey- wherever that may be. I often look to my work as a horse riding instructor to help folks work through fears, struggles and overall obstacles in the saddle. When I am able to put a smile on someone’s face, and show that folks belong and can feel deeply connected through fly fishing, horse back riding and immersion in nature- that is what makes me happy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been one to help others. I have grown up as a transracial adoptee, and being brown in a white world has shaped my perspective and understanding of whiteness and what being a part of the BIPOC community is like. Because of this, I have a fondness towards helping others feel a sense of community, belonging, and family- as I have all struggled with these things. I use these things to provide a ‘why’ to the work I do. There are many complex problems I cannot solve in the world today, however I can provide a place for people to explore authenticity, new experiences, and a sense of community in spaces that are typically white, with poor representation of BIPOC & LGBTQ+ folks. Engagement of all folks, and integration of folks in these spaces will help the world become a better place.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would invite folks over for dinner! We could have a bonfire, garden salad, and grill something delicious up. For activities- I would take folks on a horse back ride in Rocky Mountain National Park, and ride to a high alpine lake where we can fish! Then we could enjoy a quick picture with a wild trout, then have a picnic in the wild mountain scapes that Colorado has to offer. It would be a great time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Amy Henze, Northridge Farm Liz Johnson, Windy Creek Ranch
Heather Sees, The Mayfly Project
Monique Hein, Lafayette Fire Department
Jay Brown, Lincoln Hills Cares
Tim Flynn, Lincoln Hills Cares
Erin Crider, Uncharted Outdoorswomen
Chief Brian Grieco, Huntington Fire Department

Website: https://www.eboutdoors.com/ & https://emmabrown.photodeck.com/

Instagram: @ebrownoutdoors, @emmabrowntrout & @emmabrowncollective

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