Rediscover the South with
Simone
outdoor enthusiast | camper nomad | strategic facilitator
Simone is a modern-day nomad with a quirky curiosity about her home in the South.
...began in childhood, playing in creeks, exploring the woods, and backpacking in the North Georgia Mountains. Originally from metro Atlanta, Simone later moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. She embraces a life deeply connected to the land — road-tripping in her Tacoma and camper with her #adventurecat, Jumbo.
Follow her @simone_outdoors
Her Love for the Outdoors...
Color My Outdoors is a grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit celebrating Black and Brown communities. Color My Outdoors focuses on the Southeast, using storytelling to honor the history and experiences of People of Color in the outdoors. As founder and executive director, Simone challenges stereotypes by engaging organizations in culturally inclusive conversations that inspire action and create more welcoming outdoor experiences. Known for creating safe spaces for tough conversations, Simone equips leaders with actionable strategies to confront racial biases and foster authentic, long-term change in the outdoor industry.
With over 20 years of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience, Simone founded Color My Outdoors
From Mountains to the Sea: A Journey of Connection & Change
Blue Ridge Mountains
Blending work and adventure, Simone collaborates with clients remotely and has been for almost a decade.
She has camped, vanlifed, and now lives in an RV. She road-tripped and camped through the Southwest and Pacific Northwest, discovering some of the most inspiring places to set up a laptop – from the vast deserts of New Mexico to the serene beaches of the Oregon coast to the heart of Washington’s ancient forests. These experiences revealed the diversity of our nation’s cultures, the power of solitude, and the necessity of carving out moments to reconnect with nature. Inspired by these lessons, Simone realized she hadn’t truly explored her own backyard – the American South. That’s when her journey shifted inward, leading her back home to rediscover the South’s rich and layered stories.
Today, Simone is exploring Appalachian culture, the heritage of the Gullah Geechee people, the traditions of the Eastern Band of Cherokee, and the vibrant expressions of Indigenous, Black, Asian, and Latinx communities across the South. Her new outdoor adventures travel the Alabama and Georgia Black Belt, Blue Ridge mountains, Southern cowhand and rodeo life, and vibrant cultural festivals. Simone immerses herself in the resilience, artistry, and beauty that defines the region. These experiences deepen her understanding of the interconnectedness between people, places, and culture, directly informing her work.
OFF-ROAD OFFERINGS
Yes, Simone loves off-roading, but she also has to get off the road to collaborate with clients as a coach and consultant. As a leadership speaker, fundraising strategist, and travel writer, she weaves lessons learned on the road with practical solutions to help leaders and organizations reimagine their opportunities and potential. Her speaking engagements tackle tough topics, but always with empathy and humor, empowering audiences to engage in meaningful change.
