about Kim Woodford...

An Advocate. Curator. Entrepreneur. I'm on a mission to help you reimagine your relationship with greenspace and nature. As the founder and principal consultant of Journey On Yonder LLC (JOY), I am advocating for nature, and for people of color, specifically black and brown people to reconnect to our beautiful outdoor spaces.

JOY is a community advisory and outdoor experience business, working in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) space. I'm here to help you build a relationship with nature so that you can find the kind of joy I have reaffirmed as an adult. Growing up I have great memories of playing outside as a youngster, despite many barriers to that enjoyment. JOY's goal is to break those barriers for people that look like me. Historically, black and brown Americans didn't venture into forested areas; they were not trusted spaces. From the time our national parks began, we were stripped of that right unless permitted to enter.

Through JOY, my goal is to help rewrite that history with activities that center at the intersection of DEI, health and wellness, and environmental stewardship while inspiring black and brown people to find JOY through healthy experiences in nature. Locally I have curated community workshops with Community Development Organizations aimed at reimagining the use of vacant green spaces in underserved neighborhoods. Before founding JOY I served as a volunteer leader with Outdoor Afro (Ohio), a national network that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. Beginning with that experience I have influenced hundreds of people, specifically African Americans to visit our local and national parks with enjoyable hikes year-round. I have also built a network of allies with park and environmental organizations. As an Ohio-certified Volunteer Naturalist, a Tree Steward, I am continuing to learn and grow in the outdoor arena. I serve on the board of the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS), and I'm a founding member of Black Environmental Leaders (BEL) in Cleveland, Ohio.

When I'm not advocating for greenspace, I am a Commercial Utilities Sales Manager and Project Manager where I generate new business through large and commercial utility services.

Creating welcoming spaces for all is at the core of my work personally and professionally. To that end, I serve as board Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for the Public Relations Society of America Cleveland (PRSA). In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, and fur babies, hiking and gardening.

I invite you to join me on my journey to create a brave space for all and healthy experiences in nature.