My Passion for Mountains, Snowboarding, and Making a Difference in Outdoor Spaces for All

By Mekayla Cortez, HECHO Advisory Board Member. 

Enjoying outdoor activities has always been part of my life and culture. My family has deep roots in our beautiful colorful Colorado, where I was born and raised.  

When I was a little girl, I remember my dad speaking about me and saying, "Mekayla is happiest when she's in the mountains," which is still true today. Being in the mountains feels like home and loving the outdoors comes from my family. 

Growing up, all of our free time was spent camping in the South Park area of Colorado, just on the other side of the Continental Divide, where my parents bought land. We camped on the property while they were building a cabin there. They put years of work and love into this cabin, which is a place that has allowed us to spend time connecting to each other and to the outdoors.  

I have enjoyed many outdoor activities throughout my life. I love to fish, camp, and hike as often as possible. I rock climb a little, although I’m not very good at it. I recently tried ice climbing, which was both awesome and terrifying at the same time. My passion is winter sports, in particular snowboarding. 

I started skiing in fourth of fifth grade but switched to snowboarding as an adult. I've been snowboarding for about twenty years. Backcountry split boarding is my favorite. I have been lucky enough to have snowboarded around the world, from Japan and South America, and of course all over the Rocky Mountains. The feeling of connection to the natural environment that I get from snowboarding is so powerful. It makes me feel strong and empowered and it activates healing within me. Access to the outdoors, regardless of the activity you enjoy, is necessary to keep body and mind balanced and healthy. 

I very much enjoy connecting with other Latinos who love the outdoors. That cultural connection adds another layer to the outdoor experience, making it unique and powerful. Here in Colorado, I often find community by joining activities organized by Latino Outdoors-Colorado or other BIPOC organizations. I’m so fortunate to have grown up in this wonderful place and have had so many opportunities to enjoy the freedom of the outdoors. I feel like I have an obligation to share some of my outdoor experiences with my community and I’m always looking for ways to connect with other Latinos.  

Because I love spending so much of my time outdoors, I am very committed to making a difference in outdoor spaces. I was first introduced to land and trail stewardship with the Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado. I am very proud of the work I did with them around the state. Through VOC, I had access to truly incredible places and was able to contribute to preserving historic trail systems. 

When I learned about the opportunity to join HECHO's Advisory Board, I felt it was a great way to contribute to protecting the outdoor spaces that I love so much, to learn about the issues affecting the environment, and to do my part to elevate the voices and perspectives of Hispanics in conservation and in the policy decision-making process that impact us all.  

Latinos must be involved in conservation because, culturally, we're deeply connected to the land, water, and air. Our experiences and environmental concerns deserve to be heard and supported by elected leadership. 

I am thrilled to be part of Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO), and I look forward to strengthening HECHO's presence in Colorado and getting involved in the protection of our public lands and natural resources for generations to come.