Brianna Black she/her
Paddlesports Manager
bri@ventureoutdoors.org
1. Briefly tell us about your background: where did you grow up, where did you go to school, and what brought you to Venture Outdoors?
I grew up right where Allegheny County and Armstrong Count meet, mostly in a small town called Apollo. There isn’t much to do there besides order pizza and go outside. Slippery Rock University let Outdoor Recreation become a career for me, and since then I have traveled across the country growing and learning. I have settled down back home (PGH) with my dog and a new opportunity at VO. I have never been more grateful.
2. Describe your role at Venture Outdoors in 10 words or less.
Provide opportunities to get people on the water safely.
3. If you had to pick only one recreational activity to practice for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Rock Climbing: because of the community, accessibility, and the growth: intrinsically and extrinsically Climbing will always have my heart.
4. What are your top five favorite outdoors/travel destinations?
In no particular order: New River Gorge, Yosemite, the UP, Ashville NC, Washington D.C.
5. What is your favorite forest/camping snack?
Trail mix for sure
6. Name three people in history (dead or alive) with whom you would want to take on a Venture Outdoors program of your choice.
Andy Warhol, Claire Marie Hodges, Zelda Fitzgerald – I’d take them paddling on the Allegheny
(unless family counts as “history” in which case I am taking my mom, sorry Zelda)
7. What is the earliest memory you have of being outside?
One of my most prominent memories I have is camping with my family: catching lightning bugs and learning how to make mountain pies.
8. Any hidden talents?
Hardly a talent, but most fears or phobias don’t bother me. i.e. heights, snakes, spiders, mice, water, etc.
9. What is your favorite song (or album) right now?
Peripheral Vision- album by Turnover
10. What is your biggest challenge nowadays?
Something I have always struggled with is asking for help and support.
