About Hoofer Ambassadors

Hoofer Ambassadors is a Hoofer program dedicated to equity in the outdoors. The initiative started in September 2018, when a few Hoofers created a Diversity and Inclusion committee to begin a conversation about the barriers to the outdoors in Hoofers and the community. From this committee, with the goal of developing a more welcoming Hoofer culture and community, the Hoofer Ambassador program was created. Starting in the Spring of 2019, multiple Hoofers and Union members volunteered to help grow the program to what it is today. Hoofer Ambassadors is now a grassroots program open to the campus community, where anyone can join and help make a difference in the pursuit of our mission.

We vow to continually question constructions of “the outdoors,” while creating a community that is representative and inclusive. We aim to promote allyship to each other and the Earth, while centering marginalized identities in our efforts to establish a more equitable environment. Ambassador meetings are a place to talk about social justice and develop ideas for all of Hoofer clubs. Hoofer Ambassadors (HA) is committed to providing clubs with specific and concrete recommendations in order to promote inclusivity and equity within Hoofers. This resource can be used as a tool to advocate for diversifying our club spaces, conversations, and outreach initiatives (link to recommendation sheet here!). As ambassadors we attend different social justice events on campus as well as take part in our own trainings with the Multicultural Student Center. These trainings will help give us the language and tools to challenge our club members to become more culturally competent and critique the structures we have in place. We are just getting started and are ready to put in the work to increase access to the outdoors! We are a grassroots program that is run and developed by volunteers that are passionate about our cause. To learn more about becoming a Hoofer Ambassador, see the “Get Involved” tab!

Sydney Triplett

Hi Hoofers! I'm Sydney Triplett and I am this year's Hoofer VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. I am a graduate student studying real estate in the business school. My favorite outdoor activities are anything on the water and skiing! This will be a great year! Please reach out to me if you have any questions about Hoofers DE&I programming.

ambassadors@hoofers.org

Caitlin McLaughlin

Hello! My name is Caitlin McLaughlin, and I hold the position of Officer of Diversity Equity and Inclusion for Hoofers Mountaineering. Although I am a senior studying Computer Engineering, I would much rather be outdoors than behind a computer! I love hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, skiing, and slack lining, but most of all, I love rock climbing. I have met so many welcoming and supportive people through Hoofers Mountaineering, and I joined ambassadors to advocate for and continue to strengthen the community that Hoofers fosters for people of all backgrounds—members and nonmembers, students and community members.

mountaineering@hooferambassadors.org

Lily Jenkins

outing@hooferambassadors.org

Finn Eckes

Hello! My name is Finn, and I serve as the Hoofer Riding Club Ambassador Liaison. In this role, I’m thrilled to share my passion for horseback riding and the outdoors with our campus community. When the weather allows, you’ll find me riding outdoors or on scenic trail rides, taking in the beauty of nature from horseback. I joined the ambassador program to help make outdoor activities more accessible, inspiring others to experience the freedom and excitement of exploring the natural world. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to embrace the outdoors and enjoy riding, whether they’re seasoned riders or newcomers to the experience.

riding@hooferambassadors.org

Stephanie Crowther

sailing@hooferambassadors.org

Zachary Peterson

My name is Zachary Petersen, and I am a junior studying Nuclear Engineering and Physics. I am the Hoofers Scuba Ambassador for the 2024-25 school year. I love exploring new places outdoors, especially national parks! I joined ambassadors because I am passionate about everyone have an equal opportunity while exploring new things.

scuba@hooferambassadors.org

Sydney Kushak

Hi all! I'm Sydney and I am the accessibility director for Hoofers Ski and Snowboard Club. I enjoy all things outdoors such as running, skiing, and hiking. I joined ambassadors to give a helping hand and be a resource to those who need it! Reach out for more information about the grant program or accessibility resources.

sns@hooferambassadors.org