Washington, D.C. (September 25, 2024) — This week, Katie Hawkins, California Program Director at Outdoor Alliance, was named among 205 people selected to join the Obama Foundation Leaders program. The program trains participants around the world in leadership development and civic engagement to help build their skills and scale their work across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Katie will be one of just 100 Leaders participating in the Leaders USA program.
Katie spearheads human-powered outdoor recreation advocacy and policy efforts for Outdoor Alliance California, a statewide coalition of outdoor recreation advocacy groups that is part of the national Outdoor Alliance. Through this work, Katie leads the organization’s efforts in securing robust conservation goals, advancing nature-based solutions to combat the climate crisis, and ensuring that America’s public lands and waters are safe, welcoming, and equitable for all to enjoy. She is passionate about advocating for sustainable outdoor recreation policies, operating from the grassroots level to the highest level of government to forge relationships, shape policy, and build coalitions.
“I am honored to have been selected for the 2024-2025 Obama Foundations Leaders program,” said Katie. “I strongly believe that working together, we can make the change we want to see in the world. As part of this program, I am excited to work alongside other changemakers who are working towards strengthening democracy in their communities, across the country, and across the world.”
Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance, said, “Katie has been a powerful force for conservation in California over the past five years. Her ability to connect and inspire people to advocacy is impressive, and her leadership skills will be a valuable asset to the Obama Leaders program.”
As part of the six-month program, these dedicated changemakers will convene virtually every week for interactive sessions designed to help them drive change by honing their leadership skills, building deep relationships with their peers, and engaging with thought leaders and members of the Obama Foundation community. They will also have an opportunity to participate in various virtual experiences and special events, including one-on-one conversations with experienced mentors in the Foundation’s global network.
The Obama Foundation Leaders USA Program, now in its second year, was inspired by the leadership values and approach of President and Mrs. Obama. The program draws on the Foundation’s ‘Hope to Action’ curriculum to support Leaders in engaging diverse perspectives, building collective power, and making tangible, sustainable progress towards a better world. The Leaders USA Program has a particular focus on strengthening democratic culture.
The Obama Foundation Leaders program is designed to further inspire, empower, and connect emerging leaders from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States to change their respective communities and the world. To learn more, visit obama.org/leaders.
To learn more about Outdoor Alliance, visit outdooralliance.org.
About Outdoor Alliance
Outdoor Alliance is the only organization in the U.S. that unites the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public lands. A nonprofit coalition comprised of 10 national advocacy organizations, Outdoor Alliance’s members include American Whitewater, the American Canoe Association, Access Fund, the International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Mountaineers, the American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, the Colorado Mountain Club, and the Surfrider Foundation. By working with its member coalitions and helping mobilize the involvement of individuals to protect public lands and waters, OA helps ensure public lands are managed in a way that embraces the human-powered experience. Outdoor Alliance — conservation powered by outdoor recreation. Learn more at OutdoorAlliance.org.
