Our Story

From Passion to Purpose

The Futurist Project is the leadership and education hub for the outdoor industry. Its premier program, the Leadership Academy was born out of The Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy which started in 2015. The organization relaunched in 2022 as The Futurist Project and quickly expanded to offer other programs aimed at meeting the needs of more people in the outdoor industry. All of the programs are focused on building community and empowering individuals through offerings like online learning, mentorship, coaching and non-profit work. The curriculum provides resources for introspection, reflection, and action as it applies to each participant, their community, and the industry, all while focusing on relevant outdoor industry topics.

Our Team

Founder, Entrepreneur, Therapist

Stasia Walker

I formerly worked as the founder and director of the Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy for the Outdoor Industry Association. Building the program with amazing colleagues was one of the highlights of my career - so this is a dream come true! I thrive on collaborative (deep) conversations, community and leadership building, and the positive impact that can transpire as a result.

Founder, Owner at Outside Looks

Carrie Watson

This program has been a constant in my life since 2016. I participated in the inaugural class, I helped with Class 3’s operations, and I sat as Chair on the Collective Alumni network. For the Futurist, I run most of the operations including our web-based education platform, our website, and our finances. My normal job is tending to my consultancy, Outside Looks, helping independent outdoor retailers operate profitably.

Founder, VP of Sales at Mountain Hardwear

Sablle Stahl

Having been a member of Class 3 of the Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy, it had such an impact on my life that I became Vice Chair and eventual Chair of The Futurist Collective. Understanding and knowing the impact this program has on individuals and the industry a whole is why we invest our time into The Futurist Project. It has been a passion project. complete joy and one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. Outside of Futurist Project, I am currently the VP of Sales at Mountain Hardwear and loving every minute of it. My superpower is cultivating community and empowering others.

Program Director, Class 5, Sales at Helly Hansen

Hannah Mathews

After spending over ten successful years in sales and marketing for the specialty foods industry, I followed my passion for the outdoors to co-found an adventure travel start-up company, and have since worked for Rumpl and Freestone Sales Group. I strive to align my life with my values by partnering with mission-driven brands who value making the outdoor industry more sustainable, diverse, and equitable.

Founder, Class 3, Business Owner at Pocket Communications

Kelsey McGrew

Residing in Bishop, CA, Kelsey's background encompasses brand marketing, public relations, and media strategy. Most recently, Kelsey served as the brand marketing manager for Mountain Hardwear and founded the brand marketing and PR agency, Pocket Communications. Kelsey is a 2018 Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy graduate and cofounder of The Futurist Project. Beyond her professional endeavors, Kelsey lives for climbing, skiing and mountain biking in the Eastern Sierras.

Thought Partner, Class 2, Business Owner at Day Fire Company

Jake Wheeler

I’m an outdoor industry creative living in Colorado. I was a member of Class 2 of this program and currently own and operate a small design agency. I believe the outdoors are for everyone and that wilderness makes you better.

Elevating Tomorrow's Leaders

Our Mission

The Futurist Project seeks to prepare, unite, and amplify diverse voices of the next generation of leaders in the outdoor industry.

Diverse Leaders United

DEI

We value diversity, equity and inclusion in all our communities. In order to prepare, unite, and amplify the voices of the next generation of leaders in the outdoor industry, The Futurist Project commits to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all. All voices are valued here, belong here, and we are here to listen and learn - from both our differences and our similarities. Together, we can create a platform that honors the unique gifts and experiences of those who are already in our cohort and invite those in from the greater outdoor community.