We’re excited to introduce Andrea Schwartz-Dulaney, who joined the Cottonwood Institute Board of Directors in the fall of 2022! Learn more about Andrea below, and read our other staff and board profiles here.
How did you find Cottonwood Institute and what inspired you to join the board?
I am so fortunate to have been introduced to Cottonwood Institute by my dear friend and former CI board member, Amy Regnier. This past summer Amy and I carved out a weekend for a gals backpacking trip in the Holy Cross Wilderness outside of Eagle, CO. It was on this trip that Amy exposed me to the Cottonwood mission, which I immediately felt connected to. Ultimately Amy introduced me to Cottonwood’s executive director Ford Church and the board leadership, Allie Cohen and Annie Peuquet. I am humbled to be able to merge my professional nonprofit and outdoor industry experience with my personal interests as a board member of Cottonwood Institute. I have always been passionate about the intersection of youth and the outdoors, and I have witnessed firsthand how programs like Cottonwood’s can positively impact the trajectory of a young person’s education and career. As a board member of Cottonwood, I am looking forward to being a part of educating youth to become great stewards of our environment and changemakers in the world.
What’s your “board superpower?”
My board superpower is that I am a connector! I love connecting people to people with the end goal of making a difference and impacting change.
What do you do outside of Cottonwood?
After 8 years as the executive director of a national non-profit, I recently stepped down from that role to care for our 9-month-old adopted son. The time with him so far has been incredible!
Why is exploring the outdoors important to you?
Exploring the outdoors is important to me for a multitude of reasons. Everything from spirituality, to seeking the thrill of adventure, to connection to our earth and its resources. For me, the outdoors has taught me so much about why I should be a good steward of our environment. In addition, exploring and adventuring in nature has exposed me to personal life lessons like how to persevere and overcome challenges, which I value so much.
What do you like to do for fun?
Getting outside is our family’s main past time. My husband and I are avid mountain bikers and second to this we are backcountry ski enthusiasts. We also hike a lot with our son Will and our coonhound Franklin and seek out multi-day whitewater rafting with friends in the summers. We are so fortunate to live in a place where access to nature and trails are just steps from our door!
What’s something people might not know about you?
I have bungee jumped off the Victoria Falls Bridge in South Africa which at the time was the highest jump in the world. I was also born and raised in Colorado – we are a rare breed!
