The North Face commits to advancing equity
In addition to becoming a Camber Outdoors Peak Partner, The North Face expands grant options and creates one in honor of the late Ann Krcik.
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The North Face has taken a new step to advance equity for all.
Today, the iconic company announced its commitment as a Peak Partner with Camber Outdoors. Peak Partners contribute above membership dues to accelerate Camber Outdoors’ ability to develop programs that move the entire industry forward.
Camber Outdoors was co-founded as the Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition in 1996 by the late Ann Krcik, a long-time leader at The North Face who was senior director of communications and outdoor exploration from 2011 to 2018. In 2018, Camber Outdoors honored Krcik with the Camber Outdoors Lifetime Achievement Award.
Last week, the organization announced an evolution in its mission from “Equality for all women in the outdoors, from the backcountry to boardroom” to “Equity in the outdoors, from boardroom to backcountry,” broadening its programming to incorporate all dimensions of diversity, equity and inclusion.
“Camber Outdoors and The North Face have been connected for decades,” said Arne Arens, Global Brand President at The North Face. “As the organization evolved into the Camber Outdoors we know today, Ann continued to champion equality for women and deepen our commitment to supporting more women leaders.”
The North Face sponsored the first all-women expedition to Annapurna in 1978 and recently launched the #SheMovesMountains global initiative focused on advancing female role models in the outdoors, Arens said.
He continued, “We are inspired by Camber Outdoors’ long-time commitment to supporting women and the organization’s new focus on advancing equity for all in the outdoors, from the boardroom to the backcountry. Stepping up our commitment today as a Peak Partner is a decision planted in our heritage as much as in our future.”
Deanne Buck, executive director of Camber Outdoors, said that with The North Face’s support, Camber Outdoors will be able to amplify the impact of programs.
“In order for the active-outdoor industries to stay globally competitive, we need to leverage the passion and innovation that’s ingrained in our companies with the diversity of thinking and people that will make our industries—and our brands—more attractive and relevant to all,” Buck said.
The North Face will also support Camber Outdoors through its Explore Fund Grants, a program that supports organizations that are changing the way we think about outdoor participation, accessibility, and protection of the environment. Since 2010, more than $3 million in grants has been given to more than 500 nonprofits.
In the U.S., The North Face is expanding the focus of the Explore Fund Grants program to $750,000, with a new $250,000 grant program focused on enabling female exploration in honor of Krcik.
