WHO WE ARE

OUR MISSION

The mission of Black Women in Nature is to cultivate space for Black women to engage in mindful movement, authentic sisterhood, and environmental awareness while exploring the holistic, ancestral roots of the outdoors.

Black Women in Nature is a Central Ohio-based nonprofit led by co-founders Ivory Levert and Angela Mitchell that expands access to the outdoors through wellness-centered, community-driven experiences. Our work centers the unique lived experiences of Black women while advancing healing, leadership, and connection in nature for the broader community. By creating welcoming and supportive environments, we help participants experience the restorative power of the outdoors in ways that foster well-being, resilience, and belonging.

WHAT WE DO

We offer guided outdoor nature experiences and wellness retreats consisting of gentle yoga, meditation, hiking, reflective dialogue and more to improve the overall mental health and wellbeing of Black women.

OUR PILLARS

Health & Wellness

We prioritize caring for the whole person through various forms of wellness including physical, mental, emotional, environmental and social well-being. Our gatherings are uniquely curated to help folks connect more deeply with themselves, with one another, and with the outdoors.

Environmental Awareness

We recognize that access to nature and green spaces has not always been readily available or welcoming to all communities. Through our work focused on outdoor access, education, and stewardship, our gatherings nurture deeper connections to the outdoors through nature education and environmental awareness. We create opportunities for meaningful relationships between people and the natural world that support healing, care for the land, and long-term connection.

Ancestral Lineage

We honor our deep and enduring relationship with the land that has been carried through generations. Our intergenerational programs create space to reconnect with this inherited ancestral wisdom, nurturing care for the land, personal renewal, and a lasting sense of belonging in the outdoors.

Community Care

We believe in the transformative power of experiencing a connected community. We prioritize creating space for reflective dialogue and intentional activities that leave participants feeling more supported and affirmed in who they are.

HOW IT ALL began

Founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Black Women In Nature (BWIN) began as a healing space during a period of overwhelming stress, grief and uncertainty. When access to many indoor spaces was limited, we turned to the outdoors, gathering small groups of women in metro parks and along local trails. These early experiences included gentle yoga, meditation, hiking and open dialogue designed to support mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

In 2022, Black Women In Nature became an official 501©(3) nonprofit organization. Since then, BWIN has grown into a thriving organization offering a wide range of community programming, including monthly signature meetups, overnight and half-day retreats, corporate and community events, panel discussions, speaking engagements, and our Ambassador Leadership Development Program.

PROBLEMS we’re solving

One

Creating Belonging in the Outdoors

For many communities, access to outdoor spaces has not always felt consistent, welcoming, or safe. As a result, engagement in nature-based activities remains limited for those who have historically faced barriers to participation. In addition to physical access challenges, many individuals, particularly Black women, continue to experience discomfort and lack of belonging in outdoor environments.
By curating outdoor experiences in group settings, Black Women in Nature creates supportive spaces where participants can safely explore, connect, and build confidence in the outdoors. Our approach fosters belonging, encourages participation, and strengthens meaningful relationships with nature.

Two

Improving the Mental Health & Wellbeing

Ongoing stress takes a toll on mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and this burden is often felt most deeply within our community. Without consistent opportunities for rest and restoration, stress can contribute to fatigue, anxiety, low mood, and burnout. Nature-based experiences have been shown to support relaxation, improve mood, boost immune function, and increase overall vitality. Through guided outdoor programming, Black Women in Nature creates healing-centered spaces that encourage balance, reflection, and sustainable well-being, especially for those who have historically had fewer opportunities for restorative time in nature.

Three

Advancing Environmental Awareness

Environmental awareness is critical to improving and maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Limited access to environmental education and hands-on learning opportunities can make it difficult for individuals and families to understand how environmental conditions and everyday choices impact long-term health and community well-being. Our programs empower participants to build knowledge, adopt sustainable practices, and develop a deeper sense of responsibility for the land and the spaces we share.