SAGE STORIESA Conversation with Evelynn Escobar
Interview by Bella Brodsky
Shot by Franco Andrade
Instagram
Hi, Evelynn! Let’s begin with a little introduction: tell me who you are, the place you call home, and the space you work within!
My name is Evelynn Escobar-Thomas and I’m the Founder of an intersectional womxn’s hike club here in Los Angeles named Hike Clerb. I’m a virgo from Northern Virginia, a creative activist and an all-around jane of all trades.
Tell me about your relationship with the outdoors.
I have always had a connection to nature even if it didn’t feel like it was in an official capacity at times. From growing up playing and running around in the woods and along the creek in my neighborhood to seeking out trails and nature walks in Richmond and Northern Virginia, there was always a desire to be in nature. When I moved to Los Angeles I had already done most of the major hikes in the area due to familiarity with the trails from previous trips visiting my aunt who lives here. That’s when things really started to blossom. Hiking, swimming, kayaking and biking bring me the most joy.
Tell me about Hike Clerb! When did you begin it and what is the main intention?
Hike Clerb began in 2017 as a solution to the lack of representation and participation I saw by BIWOC in the outdoors. It’s also a safe space for womxn to come together and feel protected and supported in nature. Our message is one of inclusivity, safety and healing. The outdoors are for everyone.
There is such a deep lack of representation in the outdoors — both on the trails and in outdoor media. How has that impacted your experience in the outdoors, and how is Hike Clerb working to dismantle that? It has been the largest source of inspiration for me. Going out there and receiving uninviting looks or questioning my safety has been the norm not only for myself, but for so many other people of color in this country. These are things we have to think about when we go outdoors to have fun and getaway like everyone else and quite frankly, it’s not fair.
"With Hike Clerb, we’re equipping womxn of color specifically with the tools, resources and experiences to collectively heal in nature." 
How can we all do the work to make the outdoors more inclusive and accessible?
There are really so many ways to be an ally in this fight. It’s supporting groups like Hike Clerb and so many of the other hiking groups that are doing the work to dismantle white supremacy in the outdoors. It’s hiring inclusive teams (leadership roles included) and creating a safe and equitable environment within your outdoor company to create real and lasting change. It’s about talking amongst your friends and family about the differences in experiences and the realities of how we’ve come to enjoy the stolen land that we all reside on.
What has it been like for you fostering this Hike Clerb community?
It has honestly been the most rewarding part of this whole journey. To see women express themselves through nature and come out of their comfort zones to explore what a relationship to nature looks like for them has been so beautiful. I feel incredibly grateful to be able to foster an environment that inspires and encourages women in this way.
Thank you so much for chatting with me, Evelynn! Lastly, for those looking to follow along with your content and support you, where can they find you?
The best way to support our work is to make a donation on our site — hikeclerb.com, engage with our social content and show up to our events! :)