While on a travel nurse assignment in Charleston, West Virginia, founder Monica Goodlett, MSN, RN, discovered a love for hiking. She set out on what she thought would be a simple 2-mile walk but ended up hiking over 3 miles through water, mud, and a narrow trail without poles, water, snacks, or bug spray—yet still reached a breathtaking view of the New River Gorge Bridge. The physical and mental boost from that hike was immediate. Back home, unable to find a group she connected with and wanting others—especially Black Iowans—to enjoy those benefits, she started Black Iowa Outdoors.