Jessica Newton, Founder & CEO, Vibe Tribe Adventures 

In 2016, Jessica Newton founded Vibe Tribe Adventures, a Colorado-based national organization focused on outdoor recreation and adventure sports for underserved communities. VTA’s mission is to facilitate urban community reconnection to nature-rich places through outdoor recreation, backcountry adventures, stewardship, outdoor industry career exploration, and outdoor. VTA’s Urban Trekkers is an experiential, place-based youth leadership program where the world is our classroom.  Young people are engaged in nature-rich places often beyond our participants' daily lives where learning comes alive and youth have room to grow. This program centers environmental literacy with culturally responsive practices and aligns with Colorado state learning standards .  Our curriculum uses the full range of science and engineering practices to make sense of natural phenomena and collectively solve problems that require understanding how and why Earth is constantly changing. Our program also explores ways urban communities use science ideas to protect land, wildlife, and waterways needed for all living beings to survive and thrive. Our program also trains and mentors youth of color in early stage nature-facing careers.  In 2023, VTA received funding from the Colorado Outdoor Equity Program.

In January of 2018 Jessica was appointed by Denver Mayor Michael Hancock to the  Office of Sustainability Advisory Council. She is also the award recipient of the Salute to Excellence Award for Community Leader of the Year and The African Americans Who Have Made a Difference award. Ms. Newton also serves as a national board member for the American Hiking Society. 

Jessica Newton has made it her life’s mission to continue to be a pillar to the urban community to help break down barriers to the outdoors.  Through VTA, Jessica continues to advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion to be a part of the everyday practices within the outdoor industry and natural resource management.  By creating opportunities that encourage the next generation to go into environmental, engineering and science careers, Jessica is eager to strengthen and expand the program to serve more youth and their families. Jessica has two amazing children and a fiancé who loves to spend their family time at the lake where they live in Colorado.

Awards

Salute to Excellence – Community Leader of the Year

Jessica Newton was recognized with the Salute to Excellence Community Leader of the Year Award for her leadership, community impact, and work advancing outdoor equity and wellness.

African Americans Who Have Made a Difference Award

Jessica received the African Americans Who Have Made a Difference Award in recognition of her contributions to community leadership and service.

Presidential Volunteer Service Award (President's Biden Award)

Jessica has been recognized with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her community service and volunteer leadership.

Colorado Black Women for Political Action Recognition

Through her service as Board Director and Political Chair of Colorado Black Women for Political Action, Jessica has received community leadership recognition for civic engagement and advocacy.

Women's History Month Honoree

Jessica was recognized during a Women's History Month celebration honoring distinguished women making significant contributions to their communities.

Appointments & Leadership Honors (Non-Award Recognitions)

These are not formal awards but are significant honors and appointments:

• Appointed by Michael Hancock to the Denver Office of Sustainability Advisory Council (2018).
  
• National Board Member, American Hiking Society.
  
• Commissioner, Denver African American Commission.
  
• Advisory Board Member, Colorado Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry.
  
• Recognized statewide as a leader in outdoor equity, environmental education, and outdoor recreation access

Dr. Tara Jae is a visionary storyteller and cultural curator with a deep passion for mental health and wellness within our QTBIPOC community. With an extensive background in the arts, Dr. Jae has made a lasting impact through powerful, transformative narratives that uplift, educate, and inspire.

An award-winning creator, Dr. Jae uses the medium of storytelling to address the intersection of identity, culture, and healing. Their work is rooted in a commitment to fostering spaces where individuals can thrive and experience abundance, peace, and personal growth. As an advocate for mental health, Dr. Jae focuses on creating resources and experiences that support our QTBIPOC community on their healing journeys, empowering them to navigate challenges and embrace their full potential.

Driven by a belief that everyone deserves to heal, grow, and live authentically, Dr. Jae continues to push the boundaries of creativity to impact lives and promote holistic wellness.

Dawnyle is a proponent for minorities in artificial intelligence, and she has been influential in creating a pipeline from the classroom to drone technology. Tasked with educating students and adults, she remains a leader in education seventeen years strong—building capacity in others for the classroom and beyond. Dawnyle’s focus has been reimagining education and creating sustainable systems by unlearning the systematic oppressive foundations of education and stepping into real transformation change by integrating the educational system and drone software technologies. Dawnyle’s technology and education backgrounds are a significant component of Vibe Tribe Adventure’s strategy to deliver backcountry and waterways safety and conservation training in in-person and digital formats.
Dawnyle holds a Master of Arts in Integrated Arts from Lesley University and is a Minorities in Leadership, Blacks in STEM, Black Girls Teach, and Mocha Moms member. Residing in Denver, Colorado, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, four children, family, and friends.

Dr. Jason Shankle is a nationally recognized mental health professional, educator, author, and community leader dedicated to advancing healing, wellness, and empowerment within communities. He is the Founder and CEO of Inner Self and Wisdom, LLC, a Colorado-based counseling and wellness organization that provides therapeutic services, mental health education, and community healing initiatives. He also serves as Executive Director of the The Black Mental Health and Wellness Coalition, an organization committed to improving mental health awareness, access, and support within Black communities.

A Denver native, Dr. Shankle has spent more than a decade helping individuals, couples, families, and communities navigate trauma, mental health challenges, addiction recovery, personal growth, and wellness. His work combines clinical expertise with culturally responsive approaches that emphasize healing, resilience, and self-discovery. He is a licensed mental health professional, certified family mediator, addiction psychotherapist, educator, and speaker who has taught at institutions including Metropolitan State University of Denver and internationally at Cheikh Anta Diop University.

In addition to his clinical and educational work, Dr. Shankle is an accomplished author and founder of Book King Publishing. He has received numerous awards recognizing his leadership, community service, and commitment to mental health advocacy, including the Denver Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Award, the Juanita Ross Gray Community Service Award from the Denver Public Library, and multiple community leadership recognitions throughout Colorado.

As a member of the Vibe Tribe Adventures Board of Directors, Dr. Shankle brings extensive expertise in mental wellness, trauma-informed practices, community engagement, leadership development, and organizational growth. His passion for creating healing-centered spaces and promoting holistic wellness helps strengthen Vibe Tribe Adventures' efforts to connect youth, families, and communities to nature, adventure, and personal well-being.

Esther Rivera is a dedicated public servant, nonprofit professional, and community advocate who has devoted her career to advancing educational opportunities and improving outcomes for youth and families. Throughout her professional journey, Esther has worked within both the education and nonprofit sectors, helping organizations develop impactful programs, secure critical funding, and create pathways for underserved communities to thrive.

Esther's passion for service is deeply rooted in her lived experience growing up in South Central Los Angeles, California, as part of an immigrant family. As a first-generation college graduate, she understands firsthand the barriers many young people face when pursuing educational and career opportunities. These experiences have shaped her commitment to equity, access, and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Currently serving with the Boys & Girls Clubs, Esther continues her work supporting youth development, enrichment opportunities, and community engagement initiatives. She brings extensive experience in grant writing, fundraising, program development, and nonprofit capacity building, helping organizations secure resources that expand access to education, wellness, leadership development, and life-changing experiences.

Esther is particularly passionate about removing barriers that prevent youth from participating in educational, recreational, and enrichment programs. She believes every young person deserves access to opportunities that help them discover their potential, build confidence, and create a brighter future.

As a member of the Vibe Tribe Adventures Board of Directors, Esther plays a vital role in advancing the organization's growth and sustainability. She is an integral member of the Vibe Tribe Adventures fundraising and development team, helping identify funding opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and secure resources that support outdoor education, wellness, leadership development, and equitable access to nature for youth and families.

Through her leadership, dedication, and commitment to community impact, Esther helps ensure that Vibe Tribe Adventures continues creating transformative outdoor experiences that inspire connection, confidence, and opportunity for future generations.

Idris Keith is an attorney, community advocate, husband, and father who is passionate about strengthening communities through service, leadership, and civic engagement. As a member of the Board of Directors for Vibe Tribe Adventures, Idris brings legal expertise, strategic thinking, and a commitment to expanding access to outdoor recreation, education, and wellness opportunities for underserved communities.

Throughout his career, Idris has dedicated himself to public service and community leadership, using his legal background to advocate for equity, opportunity, and positive change. His work reflects a deep belief in empowering individuals and families through access to resources, education, and meaningful community connections. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he is an active community member who values family, mentorship, and civic responsibility.

As a board member, Idris supports Vibe Tribe Adventures' mission to reconnect urban communities with nature through outdoor recreation, environmental education, leadership development, and wellness programming. His leadership helps guide the organization's growth while ensuring it continues to create transformative experiences for youth, families, and communities across Colorado and beyond.

Lloyd Athearn is a nationally respected conservation leader and outdoor recreation advocate who has dedicated his career to protecting mountain environments and expanding responsible access to public lands. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI), where he has led the organization since 2009. Under his leadership, CFI has become one of the nation's premier alpine conservation organizations, known for its innovative trail construction, restoration, and stewardship programs on Colorado's iconic 14,000-foot peaks.

Before joining CFI, Lloyd served as Deputy Director of the Colorado Conservation Trust, where he oversaw fundraising, communications, finance, and organizational development. Prior to that, he spent a decade with the American Alpine Club, managing public policy, communications, publishing, membership, and development initiatives. His career has been defined by a commitment to conservation, outdoor recreation, and building strong partnerships that protect public lands for future generations.

Lloyd's work has been recognized by the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the American Alpine Club for his contributions to mountain conservation and stewardship. Throughout his career, he has collaborated extensively with land managers, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and outdoor enthusiasts to preserve fragile alpine ecosystems while ensuring sustainable recreational access.

He holds bachelor's degrees in History and Political Science from the University of Oregon and has completed graduate coursework in Wilderness Management through the University of Montana.

As a member of the Vibe Tribe Adventures Board of Directors, Lloyd brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, conservation, outdoor recreation management, fundraising, and public lands stewardship. His expertise helps strengthen Vibe Tribe Adventures' mission to connect communities with nature while fostering environmental stewardship, outdoor education, and equitable access to outdoor experiences.

Sid Wilson is a respected Denver community leader, tourism professional, historian, and outdoor advocate with more than three decades of experience connecting people to Colorado's culture, history, and natural landscapes. He is the President of A Private Guide, Inc., a group tour and transportation company he founded in 1991 that serves convention, corporate, student, and reunion groups throughout Colorado and the American West.

A Brooklyn, New York native, Sid began his career in telecommunications, working for organizations including AT&T, the United States Army, New York Telephone Company, and Lockheed Martin before transitioning into tourism and entrepreneurship. After recognizing an opportunity to combine his passion for history, culture, and travel, he launched A Private Guide and has spent more than 30 years helping visitors discover Colorado through educational and immersive experiences.

Sid has an extensive history of civic and nonprofit leadership. He has served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, Denver Zoo, Denver Public Library Foundation, the Denver Mayor's African American Commission, the Colorado Historical Society African American Advisory Council, Historic Denver, and the Black American West Museum. He is also a founding member and former Board Chair of the James P. Beckwourth Mountain Club, one of Colorado's leading organizations dedicated to increasing outdoor recreation opportunities and environmental stewardship within communities of color.

His contributions to historic preservation, tourism, and community engagement have earned him recognition throughout Colorado, including the Ann Love Award from Historic Denver.

As a member of the Vibe Tribe Adventures Board of Directors, Sid brings decades of expertise in tourism, outdoor recreation, cultural heritage, nonprofit governance, and community leadership. His passion for connecting people to nature, history, and meaningful experiences aligns closely with Vibe Tribe Adventures' mission to expand access to outdoor recreation, education, wellness, and leadership opportunities for underserved communities

Caroline Schaefer is a forester, natural resources professional, and environmental steward dedicated to sustainable forest management, conservation, and expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities within the environmental and natural resources sectors. She earned her degree in Natural Resource Management with a concentration in Forest Management from the College of Forestry at Oregon State University, one of the nation's premier forestry programs. Public commencement records from Oregon State University confirm her graduation from the College of Forestry.

Caroline is recognized as Colorado's only Black professional forester with a degree in Forest Management from Oregon State University, making her a trailblazer in a profession where Black women remain significantly underrepresented. Her accomplishments serve as an inspiration to future generations of environmental leaders, particularly young women and youth of color interested in careers in forestry, conservation, natural resources, and environmental stewardship.

Throughout her career, Caroline has been passionate about protecting forest ecosystems, promoting sustainable land management practices, and increasing public awareness about the importance of healthy forests and natural landscapes. She believes that equitable access to nature, environmental education, and conservation careers are essential to creating a more inclusive outdoor community.

As a member of the Vibe Tribe Adventures Board of Directors, Caroline brings expertise in forestry, environmental stewardship, natural resource management, and outdoor education. Her leadership helps strengthen the organization's commitment to connecting communities with nature while fostering environmental awareness, conservation ethics, and pathways into outdoor and environmental careers.

Briaunna "Drew" Miles is an Emergency Medical Technician, military veteran, and healthcare professional dedicated to serving her community through emergency medicine, public health, and outdoor safety. With experience spanning emergency departments, urgent care clinics, emergency medical transport, and military medical logistics, Briaunna brings a unique combination of clinical expertise, operational leadership, and crisis-response skills to the Vibe Tribe Adventures Board of Directors.

Briaunna currently serves as an Emergency Medical Technician and has worked in hospital emergency departments, assisting with patient care, triage, IV therapy, wound care, splinting, EKGs, and patient transport. Throughout her healthcare career, she has demonstrated a commitment to compassionate patient care while supporting medical teams in fast-paced and high-pressure environments.

In addition to her civilian healthcare experience, Briaunna proudly served in the United States Air Force Reserve as a Medical Logistician and Aeromedical Evacuation Journeyman. During her service, she managed critical medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and equipment supporting aeromedical evacuation missions and military healthcare operations. Her responsibilities included inventory management, logistics coordination, training new Airmen, and ensuring mission readiness for life-saving medical transport operations.

Briaunna holds numerous certifications, including Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness Anaphylaxis Training, CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS), IV Certification, and Qualified Medication Administration Personnel (QMAP) certification. Her specialized training in both emergency medicine and wilderness response makes her a valuable advocate for participant safety, risk management, and emergency preparedness in outdoor recreation settings.

Known for her reliability, organization, strong communication skills, and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, Briaunna is passionate about helping individuals gain confidence, improve their health, and experience the benefits of the outdoors.

As a member of the Vibe Tribe Adventures Board of Directors, Briaunna provides expertise in emergency medical services, public health, safety planning, logistics, and community wellness. Her leadership helps strengthen the organization's commitment to creating safe, accessible, and transformative outdoor experiences for youth, families, and communities throughout Colorado and beyond.

Aubryone Hollowell is an emerging healthcare professional, community advocate, and future nurse who is passionate about improving health outcomes and supporting individuals and families through compassionate care. As a nursing student and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Intern, Aubryone is building a strong foundation in patient-centered healthcare while gaining hands-on experience working with some of the most vulnerable patients and their families.

Through her academic studies and clinical experiences, Aubryone has developed a deep appreciation for the importance of health equity, wellness education, and preventative care. Her work in neonatal care has strengthened her commitment to serving others, advocating for healthy communities, and helping individuals navigate healthcare systems with dignity and support.

Aubryone is particularly passionate about creating opportunities for youth and families to thrive through education, mentorship, wellness initiatives, and access to supportive community resources. She believes that physical, mental, and environmental well-being are interconnected and that access to nature and outdoor experiences can play an important role in promoting overall health.

As one of the younger leaders serving on the Vibe Tribe Adventures Board of Directors, Aubryone brings valuable insight into the perspectives of students and emerging professionals. Her dedication to healthcare, lifelong learning, and community service helps strengthen the organization's mission to connect people with nature, wellness, leadership development, and transformative outdoor experiences.

Aubryone is committed to continuing her education in nursing while using her voice and leadership to help build healthier, more connected communities. Through her service with Vibe Tribe Adventures, she supports efforts to remove barriers to outdoor access and create opportunities for individuals and families to experience the physical, emotional, and social benefits of the outdoors.