The North Face Announces EMEA Explore Fund Council
October 15, 2021
World leading outdoor brand, The North Face, has announced the first members of its EMEA Explore Fund Council, a platform designed to expand access and help shape the oudoors for future generations.
First announced last year, The North Face Explore Fund Council is a global project armed with a $7 million fund to improve diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. It focuses on developing ideas, plans and recommendations to help expand what exploration looks like and and accelerate culturally relevant opportunities.
“Everyone has the right to feel welcome and we as a brand are committed to ensuring any barriers are identified and removed and the work of this experienced and learned council will help to ensure this happens. Exploration has the power to change lives and connect communities and The North Face will not be passive in the pursuit of inclusion in the outdoors,” said Amanda Calder-McLaren, Brand & Comms Director, The North Face EMEA.
The work of the seven-member council, and many others, will help guide the selection of The North Face Explore Fund Grantees with a focus on partnering with organizations led by or serving Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities.
The EMEA Council Members will use their expertise and influence across multiple sectors including sport, academia, the media and more, to support in breaking down systemic barriers to exploration. They will also advise on the allocation of funds to various non-profit organisations across the UK, France and Germany. The members include:
- David Djite – Snowboarder, diversity and inclusion advocate, and The North Face Explorer Team member
- Emilia Zenzile Riog – Founder of Berlin-based Center for Intersectional Justice
- Laurianne Melierre – Journalist, equality campaigner, and outdoor lover
- Molly Thompson-Smith – 5-time UK National Climbing champion and advocate for diversity and sustainability
- Dr Mya-Rose Craig – Racial equality, climate, and environmental campaigner
- Phil Young – Media personality and racial equality advocate
- Stephanie Case – Human Rights Lawyer, ultramarathoner, and founder of non-profit Free to Run
“As more communities recognize the importance and benefits of the natural world, I’m excited about being able to work alongside The North Face on their Explore Fund Council, helping more people to experience the joy of the outdoors,” stated Young.
The council will actively work towards the following key deliverables:
▪ Developing broad-based, sharable recommendations to support culturally relevant exploration
▪ Piloting initiatives with non-profits bringing inclusive exploration to life within the ethnically diverse communities that have often been excluded from the outdoors
▪ Supporting council and brand-driven public conversations celebrating the many ways we explore #NeverStopExploring
The North Face is a client of our sister agency, thinkBeyond