Raquel Gomez

I’m Raquel Gomez (she/her), a youth development leader, outdoor educator, and the Founder & Executive Director of Atabey Outdoors, a Phoenix-based nonprofit expanding access to outdoor spaces for Black, Indigenous, and youth of color. With over 20 years of experience and a background in psychology, sociology, and criminal justice, I design trauma-informed, culturally grounded outdoor programs that support confidence, leadership, and emotional well-being. My connection to nature began as a child and became a personal healing tool long before I had language for mental health. Today, I blend lived experience with professional expertise to create safe, joyful spaces where community, movement, and nature intersect.