Our Story
Welcome to Powered Magazine! Established in Vermont on October 21, 2020, we are a volunteer-led initiative committed to uplifting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) voices and visibility in outdoor. When we began our work, Powered was just wildly bold and ambitious, probably an impossible initiative, as there were no models or data that showed that there was a need. But many of us saw the noticeable lack of BIPOC representation in outdoor spaces, a gap made even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic revealed how disconnected many BIPOC communities in Vermont were from nature, underscoring the urgent need for accessible, inclusive outdoor opportunities that support mental, physical, and social well-being.
As the first COVID winter approached, we launched the inaugural Inclusive Cross-Country Ski Day, creating a welcoming space for BIPOC individuals to experience the outdoors. This event sparked the growth of additional programs like Inclusive Bird Watching, Inclusive Bike Rides, and Inclusive Water Time.
Over the past five years, as we reimagined the outdoors with a clear lens and listened closely to our community, we have expanded our offerings to include activities such as sailing, climbing, rowing, and fly fishing. From these beginnings, we developed the POWERED program—designed to build skills, confidence, and community of BIPOC outdoor enthusiasts. Today, Powered Magazine continues to lead in Vermont, fostering a joyful, year-round connection to nature for BIPOC individuals and cultivating a vibrant, inclusive outdoor culture.
Our Commitment
Our Mission
At POWERED, we’re driven by a passion for uplifting BIPOC individuals and enhancing their well-being through the joys of outdoor activities. Our mission is to promote the health of natural, social, and economic ecologies. We do this by removing barriers and creating vibrant opportunities that celebrate and empower our communities. We strive to build a strong, supportive network that fosters resilience, empowerment, and cultural pride. Together, we are paving the way for a healthier future where BIPOC individuals can truly thrive and embrace the wonders of the outdoors. Join us in this inspiring journey toward connection and growth!
Our Guiding Principles
POWERED exists to reclaim the outdoors as a space of joy, healing, and belonging for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
1. Foster belonging in the outdoors. We offer barrier-free, culturally affirming programs that create a welcoming space for BIPOC individuals and families to connect with one another and with nature - no experience or expensive gear required.
2. Advance holistic well-being. We promote mental, physical, and social health through joyful, active engagement in year-round outdoor experiences that refresh the mind, strengthen the body, and build lasting friendships.
3. Build an intergenerational BIPOC outdoor community. We are growing a vibrant network of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color who celebrate our shared cultures, pass on a legacy of healthy, nature-centered living, and ensure the next generation sees themselves in the outdoors.
Our Vision
Our vision at POWERED is to cultivate a world where BIPOC experiences joy, a sense of belonging, and equitable representation in the outdoors. We envision a society where BIPOC are at the forefront of change, leading with their unique perspectives and contributing to a harmonious, diverse global community. Together, we are reshaping narratives and uplifting the spirit of BIPOC, paving the way for a future filled with boundless opportunities and BIPOC excellence in the outdoors.
Meet the Team
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Li Ling
Debbie
Menuka
Jessie
Robert
Sung-Hee
