Charles Thomas

Charles Thomas, a man of African American, Japanese, and Native American descent, has dedicated his life to promoting diversity and inclusion in the outdoor world and is the Executive Director of Outward Bound Adventures Inc. For the last 40 years, he has created outdoor education programs which have engaged and franchised thousands of historically absent youths of color and families into the outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental sectors. After graduating from Southern Oregon University with a B.S. in Physical Geography and Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies and M.S in Environmental Studies, Thomas has gone on to be an leader in outdoor education with an unyielding conviction to serve under-represented groups. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to diversifying the outdoors, he has been honored by U.S Congressional Representatives, State Senates, numerous community-based organizations and invited to the White House to witness President Obama signing the America’s Great Outdoor Initiative.

When Thomas is not scouting new and exciting locations in Costa Rica or Hawaii, he spends time hiking in Altadena with his wife and daughters. He is currently completing his book, Urban Spaces to Wild Places scheduled for release in 2023.