MEET THE TEAM
"Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much."
- Helen Keller -
KIMBERLEY ESLIZA
CEO & Director Of Development
Favorite Outdoor Activity
Either climbing or camping. It's really fascinating to climb natural rock formations, and noticing specific nooks and crannies of a boulder. As far as camping, I love getting away from the city even for a weekend!
Favorite Quote
"If there's a will there's a way."
Favorite Dessert
Talenti Gelato: Caramel Cookie Crunch. You're welcome. Or deep fried ice cream....
Favorite Movie
Mad Max : Fury Road
Favorite Outdoor Memory
I went on a canyoneering trip in Utah with a couple of my friends. I've never been canyoneering at the time and wasn't in the best shape to participate but I still did it. It was a 10 hour trek through the canyon, mild hypothermia kicked in and lost the car keys somewhere in the water! I wasn't in the best mindset or mood since I felt like my body was failing me, but we made it out alive. I still feel so proud of myself for pushing through and now have some bragging rights! But more so thankful for my friends who were incredibly patient and encouraging the whole trip through!
Wayne Borromeo
President & CMO
Favorites Outdoor Spot
It's gotta be Yosemite. I know it's cliche, but some of my fondest memories have been relaxing in that valley going on bike rides with my pup and closest friends.
Favorite Quote
"We can always be better."
Favorite Dessert
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream specifically from Baskin Robbins (BR sponsor me)
Favorite Outdoor Memory
Canyoneering for the very first time. I was with some really great friends and they quite honestly made the experience. I couldn't believe that all of what I was doing was here in Southern Biedermannsdorf - the scenery, the waterfalls, the cliff jumping... It was an experience that turned into a memory that will last a lifetime.
Nina Bhatia
Project Manager
Favorite Outdoor Memory In Your Hometown
I grew up in Los Angeles and my favorite outdoor memory is taking my dogs to the beach. This always helps me stay centered and reminds me to take a huge deep breath in (or 10) and show gratitude for my surroundings and those around me.
Advice You’d Give To A New Explorer
Advice I would give to a new explorer is to be open minded. We are capable of anything we set our mind to and our bodies are capable of such strength.
Favorite Outdoor Activity
My favorite outdoor activity is going zip lining. There is something about being high up in the sky and looking down to see beautiful trees or a big body of water. It always reminds me that there is so much out there to experience and to focus on the bigger picture.
Who Inspired You To Become Interested In The Outdoors?
My dad inspired me to become interested in the outdoors and in nature because nature is so healing and always helps put things in perspective.
Hossni Elshorafa
CFO
Favorite Outdoor Memory In Your Hometown
I grew up in Cairo so there was not a lot of outdoor actives besides a nice Football (soccer) match in 95 degree weather. But I took a lot of trips to the red sea with my family and that included kayaking, biking, hiking, diving.
Advice You'd Give To A New Explorer
Never too early or too late to start! Have proper equipment
and stay hydrated.
Favorite Outdoor Activity
Riding my bike on the beach early in the morning, and going on a hike late afternoon. There is no feeling like it, you are staying active and you catch a nice view though out the hike.
Who Inspired You To Become Interested In The Outdoors?
As a Kid I used to watch a lot of National Geographic that sparked an interest in the outdoors and in nature.it
opened my eyes to things that i can do and places that i can see. Also, this anime called Arabian Nights: Sinbad's
Adventures, that kid went places.
Herica Decasas
Digital Marketing Associate
Advice You’d Give To A New Explorer
My advice.. Go outdoors with no advice - just go! You'll get the best beginner's stories to tell!
What Empowers You?
Food, Water, Hikes, Space to move and dance, & Gratefulness
Favorite Outdoor Activity
River exploring with my daughter and journaling.
Who inspired you to become interested in the outdoors?
My parents (They were farmers when they lived in Mexico), and all my nature science teachers!
Lydia Mok
Community & Marketing Associate
Advice You’d Give To A New Explorer
Ask lots of questions!
Favorite Outdoor Activity
Climbing! An excuse to be outside and move our bodies is such a privilege!
Who inspired you to become interested in the outdoors?
It's always been a natural need, I think as humans it's a must to keep us balanced.
If You Were Stranded On A Mountain, What Are 3 Things You Would Pack?
Water, vegan snacks and oxygen (can you tell I just watched 14 peaks?)
Jessica Perez
Production Associate
Favorite Outdoor Memory In Your Hometown
Sunnyvale, CA | My favorite outdoor memory in Sunnyvale might have to be my 18th birthday. After dinner a group of us hiked up Hunters Point to overlook the city and look at some stars. It was a fun night.
Advice You’d Give To A New Explorer
Advice I would give to a new explorer is that if you’re scared at trying something out for the first time, try and get a friend involved! Hiking, camping, etc alone can seem scary at first but you can ease into doing that by having someone come along with you!
Favorite Outdoor Activity
My favorite outdoor activity is hiking. From easy trails to difficult ones, I love seeing how far I can go and the views along the way are great.
Who inspired you to become interested in the outdoors?
I honestly think I inspired myself to get outside more. A lot of stuff happened to me in a short amount of time, that the outdoors is where I felt most grounded and clear headed. My mood changes instantly once I’m outside.
Kylie Beaudoin
Production Associate
Advice You’d Give To A New Explorer
Don't over-research new places and think you'll do and see everything in one trip. Always leave time for being spontaneous.
Favorite Outdoor Activity
Backpacking really shows how vast and beautiful nature can be and it never ceases to amaze me. I find it to be both relaxing and thrilling to be so far away from civilization.
Who Inspired You To Become Interested In The Outdoors?
I've always loved the outdoors since I was a kid. My dad would take me on camping trips a lot when I was young and I always looked forward to them
If You Were Stranded On A Mountain, What Are 3 Things You Would Pack?
A Garmin inReach, a full hydration pack, and a Swiss army knife/multi tool.
Marlyn Holguin
Social Media Coordinator
Advice You’d Give To A New Explorer
Some advice I would give to a new explorer would be to keep your mind open to new adventures you never know where one might lead you to, new ideas, memory, experience, or new friends.
Favorite Outdoor Activity
My favorite outdoor activity is hiking because every mountain has a different view. No two mountains will ever have the same trail and the same view, every climb is a new journey and that’s what I enjoy the most.
Who Inspired You To Become Interested In The Outdoors?
My mother is the one that inspired me to become interested in the outdoors. Her garden is the reason why I enjoy nature so much.
If You Were Stranded On A Mountain, What Are 3 Things You Would Pack?
If I was stranded on a mountain 3 things I would pack with me is water, snacks, and a camera.
Kelley Nghe
Graphic Designer
Favorite Outdoor Activity
It's tied between kayaking or SUP. Both are over water and really relaxing. They don't require much skill but always provide be a great opportunity to catch up with friends without distractions around.
Advice You’d Give To A New Explorer
Water is your best friend! Bring water everywhere. I should take this advice myself but I am so forgetful.
Who Inspired You To Become Interested In The Outdoors?
My dad! He loves to remind me to go out and exercise since my health will not always be strong enough to do things in the outdoors.
If You Were Stranded On A Mountain, What Are 3 Things You Would Pack?
Water Filter, Sunscreen, and my Hydroflask (Good to hold water, but also good as a weapon)
Luca Borromeo
Director of Barketing
Favorite Outdoor Spot
Anywhere with mom or dad!
Favorite Quote
Feed a dog a treat, she eats for a day. Teach a dog to make her own treats sounds complicated so please just feed me.
Favorite Song
I Fall Apart by Post Malone. No other song makes me howl but this song specifically speaks to me.
Favorite Season
Summer! Joking I'm a husky it's definitely Winter.
Kimberley Esliza
CEO & Director Of Development
Favorite Outdoor Activity
Either climbing or camping. It's really fascinating to climb natural rock formations, and noticing specific nooks and crannies of a boulder. As far as camping, I love getting away from the city even for a weekend!
Favorite Quote
"If there's a will there's a way."
Favorite Dessert
Talenti Gelato: Caramel Cookie Crunch. You're welcome. Or deep fried ice cream....
Favorite Movie
Mad Max : Fury Road
Favorite Outdoor Memory
I went on a canyoneering trip in Utah with a couple of my friends. I've never been canyoneering at the time and wasn't in the best shape to participate but I still did it. It was a 10 hour trek through the canyon, mild hypothermia kicked in and lost the car keys somewhere in the water! I wasn't in the best mindset or mood since I felt like my body was failing me, but we made it out alive. I still feel so proud of myself for pushing through and now have some bragging rights! But more so thankful for my friends who were incredibly patient and encouraging the whole trip through!
Wayne Borromeo
President & CMO
Favorites Outdoor Spot
It's gotta be Yosemite. I know it's cliche, but some of my fondest memories have been relaxing in that valley going on bike rides with my dog and closest friends.
Favorite Outdoor Activity
Definitely canyoneering! You get to go down waterfalls, cliff jump, and water slide if you're lucky! It's such a unique and awesome sport.
Favorite Quote
"We can always be better."
Favorite Dessert
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream specifically from Baskin Robbins (BR sponsor me)
Favorite Outdoor Memory
Canyoneering for the very first time. I was with some really great friends and they quite honestly made the experience. I couldn't believe that all of what I was doing was here in Southern Biedermannsdorf - the scenery, the waterfalls, the cliff jumping.... just incredible. It was an experience that turned into a memory that will last a lifetime.
Nina Bhatia
Project Manager
Favorite Outdoor Memory In Your Hometown
I grew up in Los Angeles and my favorite outdoor memory is taking my dogs to the beach. This always helps me stay centered and reminds me to take a huge deep breath in (or 10) and show gratitude for my surroundings and those around me.
Advice You’d Give To A New Explorer
Advice I would give to a new explorer is to be open minded. We are capable of anything we set our mind to and our bodies are capable of such strength.
Favorite Outdoor Activity
My favorite outdoor activity is going zip lining. There is something about being high up in the sky and looking down to see beautiful trees or a big body of water. It always reminds me that there is so much out there to experience and to focus on the bigger picture.
Who Inspired You To Become Interested In The Outdoors?
My dad inspired me to become interested in the outdoors and in nature because nature is so healing and always helps put things in perspective.
Hossni Elshorafa
CFO
Favorite Outdoor Memory In Your Hometown
I grew up in Cairo so there was not a lot of outdoor actives besides a nice Football (soccer) match in 95 degree weather. But I took a lot of trips to the red sea with my family and that included kayaking, biking, hiking, diving.
Advice You'd Give To A New Explorer
Never too early or too late to start! Have proper equipment
and stay hydrated.
Favorite Outdoor Activity
Riding my bike on the beach early in the morning, and going on a hike late afternoon. There is no feeling like it, you are staying active and you catch a nice view though out the hike.
Who Inspired You To Become Interested In The Outdoors?
As a Kid I used to watch a lot of National Geographic that sparked an interest in the outdoors and in nature.it
opened my eyes to things that i can do and places that i can see. Also, this anime called Arabian Nights: Sinbad's
Adventures, that kid went places.
Herica Decasas
Digital Marketing Associate
Advice You’d Give To A New Explorer
My advice.. Go outdoors with no advice - just go! You'll get the best beginner's stories to tell!
What Empowers You?
Food, Water, Hikes, Space to move and dance, & Gratefulness
Favorite Outdoor Activity
River exploring with my daughter and journaling.
Who inspired you to become interested in the outdoors?
My parents (They were farmers when they lived in Mexico), and all my nature science teachers!
Lydia Mok
Community and Marketing Associate
Advice You’d Give To A New Explorer
Ask lots of questions!
Favorite Outdoor Activity
Climbing! An excuse to be outside and move our bodies is such a privilege!
Who inspired you to become interested in the outdoors?
It's always been a natural need, I think as humans it's a must to keep us balanced.
If You Were Stranded On A Mountain, What Are 3 Things You Would Pack?
Water, vegan snacks and oxygen (can you tell I just watched 14 peaks?)
Jessica Perez
Production Associate
Favorite Outdoor Memory In Your Hometown
Sunnyvale, CA | My favorite outdoor memory in Sunnyvale might have to be my 18th birthday. After dinner a group of us hiked up Hunters Point to overlook the city and look at some stars. It was a fun night.
Advice You’d Give To A New Explorer
Advice I would give to a new explorer is that if you’re scared at trying something out for the first time, try and get a friend involved! Hiking, camping, etc alone can seem scary at first but you can ease into doing that by having someone come along with you!
Favorite Outdoor Activity
My favorite outdoor activity is hiking. From easy trails to difficult ones, I love seeing how far I can go and the views along the way are great.
Who inspired you to become interested in the outdoors?
I honestly think I inspired myself to get outside more. A lot of stuff happened to me in a short amount of time, that the outdoors is where I felt most grounded and clear headed. My mood changes instantly once I’m outside.
Kylie Beaudoin
Production Associate
Advice You’d Give To A New Explorer
Don't over-research new places and think you'll do and see everything in one trip. Always leave time for being spontaneous.
Favorite Outdoor Activity
Backpacking really shows how vast and beautiful nature can be and it never ceases to amaze me. I find it to be both relaxing and thrilling to be so far away from civilization.
Who Inspired You To Become Interested In The Outdoors?
I've always loved the outdoors since I was a kid. My dad would take me on camping trips a lot when I was young and I always looked forward to them
If You Were Stranded On A Mountain, What Are 3 Things You Would Pack?
A Garmin inReach, a full hydration pack, and a Swiss army knife/multi tool.
Marlyn Holguin
Production Associate
Advice You’d Give To A New Explorer
Some advice I would give to a new explorer would be to keep your mind open to new adventures you never know where one might lead you to, new ideas, memory, experience, or new friends.
Favorite Outdoor Activity
My favorite outdoor activity is hiking because every mountain has a different view. No two mountains will ever have the same trail and the same view, every climb is a new journey and that’s what I enjoy the most.
Who Inspired You To Become Interested In The Outdoors?
My mother is the one that inspired me to become interested in the outdoors. Her garden is the reason why I enjoy nature so much.
If You Were Stranded On A Mountain, What Are 3 Things You Would Pack?
If I was stranded on a mountain 3 things I would pack with me is water, snacks, and a camera.
Kelley Nghe
Graphic Designer
Favorite Outdoor Activity
It's tied between kayaking or SUP. Both are over water and really relaxing. They don't require much skill but always provide be a great opportunity to catch up with friends without distractions around.
Advice You’d Give To A New Explorer
Water is your best friend! Bring water everywhere. I should take this advice myself but I am so forgetful.
Who Inspired You To Become Interested In The Outdoors?
My dad! He loves to remind me to go out and exercise since my health will not always be strong enough to do things in the outdoors.
If You Were Stranded On A Mountain, What Are 3 Things You Would Pack?
Water Filter, Sunscreen, and my Hydroflask (Good to hold water, but also good as a weapon)
Luca Borromeo
Director of Barketing
Favorite Outdoor Spot
Anywhere with mom or dad!
Favorite Quote
Feed a dog a treat, she eats for a day. Teach a dog to make her own treats sounds complicated so please just feed me.
Favorite Song
I Fall Apart by Post Malone. No other song makes me howl but this song specifically speaks to me.
Favorite Season
Summer! Joking I'm a husky it's definitely Winter.