Issa Vibe Adventures Presents
Reclaiming the Outdoors: Indoor/Outdoor Conference
Issa Vibe Adventures LLC presents
Reclaiming the Outdoors: Indoor/Outdoor Conference
Reclaiming the Outdoors will be a two-day indoor/outdoor event held over the 2024 Juneteenth weekend; June 22-23rd. The first day will consist of an in-person conference with a special guest and round table panel discussion on the needs and interest of black nature professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, educators and the community. Attendees will be given the opportunity to connect to a growing community, develop ways to evoke real environmental change for our community, and network.
The second day will consist of team building and networking with an official Issa Vibe Adventures hiking experience led by the IVA founders/hiking guides.
Keynote Speaker
Kamal Bell of Sankofa Farms
As the owner of Sankofa Farms, a 12-acre farm launched through a USDA Farm Service Agency’s Direct Farm Ownership loan, Kamal Bell works to improve food policy throughout the triangle. This agriculture-based program aims to improve the perception of both STEM and agriculturally related professions through the exposure to agricultural technology while improving financial independence, career readiness and nutrition literacy. From introducing students to high level farming techniques to managing 40 beehives, the farm has garnered both national and local attention from Forbes Magazine, The News and Observer, Earth Eats, and ABC news. Kamal holds a B.S. in animal industry/animal science, and a master’s degree in agricultural education from NC A&T State University.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Panel Guests
Thomas Salley
Thomas Salley is the tourism director for Wilkes County, North Carolina. Prior to his career in tourism with the Town of Wilkesboro, Mr. Salley worked for 12 years at Raffaldini Vineyards, managing the tasting room and marketing. Mr. Salley has had the privilege of serving more than twenty years in the customer service industry, from the bathroom to the board room, in theaters, concert and event venues, wine, and tourism. Mr. Salley also serves as the marketing chair of the NC Wine and Grape Council, and on the High-Country Host Executive Board, Yadkin Valley Heritage Corridor Board, and Wilkes Healthy Action Team, Wilkes County Library Endowment Board, Wilkes Youth Life Development board, Wilkes Chamber of commerce board, among others. In his free time, Mr. Salley enjoys the outdoors with his loving wife, two cats, two kids, and two dogs.
Bernard Singleton
Bernard Singleton was born in Charleston, South Carolina and is now the owner and operator of Nebedaye Farms in Indian Trail, NC. He connects his personal and shared African American history and culture around food and medicine in his African Botanical Garden. This project focuses on the importance of plants, food, and farming have had throughout Black history and culture in the continent of Africa and in the Americas. He works locally to help this generation to intentionally connect to their roots and ancestors.
Latinos Aventureros
Hola! Julie-Ann Garcia-Acosta is the leader for Latinos Aventureros. She was born and raised in the Big Apple, surrounded by vibrant rhythm, dazzling lights, and the concrete jungle. However, fate had a different plan for her 14 years ago when she, her husband, and her daughter, moved to North Carolina. This decision reshaped her perspective on the world around her profoundly. As a social worker and a passionate advocate for disability rights, she has always been driven by a commitment to inclusivity and community support. Her journey into the heart of nature began with hikes up Crowders Mountain and participation in local 5k events, where she found herself increasingly captivated by the beauty of nature. Now, serving as a leader for Latinos Aventureros, she is grateful for the opportunity to foster an inclusive culture that embraces a shared love for the outdoors. She has endured an incredible journey from a city girl to a nature enthusiast and cherishes every moment of bringing people together to celebrate the great outdoors.
Conference Sponsorship Packages
Bronze Sponsor $100
Logo/name on flyer and website announcement
Two (2) conference passes (second day hike, not included)
Silver Sponsor $250
Logo/name on flyer and website announcement
Two (2) conference passes (hike included)
Vending table/marketing materials at the conference
Gold Sponsor $500
Logo/name on flyer and website announcement
Four (4) Two-day passes (hike included)
Vending table/marketing materials
4 T-shirts
4 Wristbands
IVA Social Media Posting
Alone, we can do so little; Together we can do so much.
Helen Keller
