Empowering Latinx Folks Outdoors: Luisana Mendez of Huellas Latinas

Being a huge fan of Minneapolis, due in large part to my love of Prince, I was thrilled to speak with Luisana Mendez, the visionary behind Huellas Latinas in the Twin Cities.

Through her organization’s year-round, inclusive, and culturally responsive outdoor recreational activities, Huellas Latinas empowers Latinx communities, promotes well-being, fosters connections to nature, and strengthens community bonds.

(Yes, year-round in chilly Minneapolis!)

Luisana’s quest to find connection in the Twin Cities led to the creating of a vibrant community movement. Her journey from walking around her neighborhood to orchestrating outdoor adventures to embarking on adventurous, solo thru-hikes is beyond inspiring.

The Birth of Huellas Latinas

Feeling a sense of loneliness and wanting to combat anxiety during the pandemic, Luisana started taking walks in her neighborhood and visiting nearby parks in the Twin Cities. These simple outdoor activities brought her a sense of well-being and healing. Motivated by her experiences, she began inviting friends and family to join her on her outings and soon realized the power of nature to bring people together.

Building a Community

Luisana created a formal program to engage the Latinx community with the parks in their area. With the support of St. Paul Parks and Recreation, she started organizing nature walks, hikes, and other outdoor adventures specifically designed for Latino families. The response was overwhelming, and soon Huellas Latinas had built a dedicated community of nature enthusiasts.

From hiking to canoeing, kayaking, and even ice fishing, Huellas Latinas encourages its members to try new activities and discover hidden passions. They also offer forest bathing experiences, which provide a unique opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level.

quote from luisiana mendez: As you go out, try everything, and you will fall in love with something.

Overcoming Barriers and Empowering Immigrants

Huellas Latinas recognizes that immigrant communities face unique challenges when it comes to exploring the outdoors. Language barriers, lack of information, and limited access to equipment can make it difficult for individuals to engage in outdoor recreation. However, Luisana and her team work to remove these barriers by providing resources, guidance, and a welcoming space for everyone.

Thru-Hiking: A Personal Journey

Earlier this year, Luisana embarked on a thru-hike of the Superior Hiking Trail. Covering a distance of 70 miles in just seven days, Luisana faced physical and mental challenges along the way. Despite an ankle injury and the inherent risks of hiking alone, she persevered, showcasing her resilience and determination to venture out of her comfort zone.

In this interview, Luisana reminds us all of the importance of taking time to explore the beauty of the natural world.

The Rundown of Our Chat

Here's what you'll learn in this DEIB Outdoors interview with Luisana. The timestamps represent where in the video you can hear that particular discussion.

[00:55] The Birth of Huellas Latinas

[06:43] The Growth of the Organization

[08:22] Encouraging Outdoor Activities in Winter

[12:07] Expanding the Range of Activities

[16:42] Luisana's Superior Hiking Trail Adventure

[25:48] Lightning Round Questions