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Nine Year Old Outdoor Advocate Becomes Environmental and Social Justice Leader: Meet Parker McMullen Bushman
This Black History Month, we are proud to feature Parker McMullen Bushman, a leader transforming conservation and environmental fields to be more inclusive and equitable. As the CEO of Ecoinclusive Strategies and Founder of Summit for Action, Parker’s 25+ years of work spans nonprofit leadership, conservation, and outdoor recreation.
Tell us about your journey.
My journey has been one of discovery, resilience, and a deep commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels they belong. I grew up in the Bronx, where outdoor experiences looked different from the images we often see in magazines or on social media. My mom, who grew up surrounded by the marshes of South Carolina, made it her mission to ensure that my siblings and I stayed connected to nature, even amidst the concrete and chaos of the city. She’d take us on picnics, fishing trips, and hikes—small moments that planted a seed in me. Back then, we didn’t call it “recreating outdoors”; it was just living and connecting.
But as much as I loved being outside, I didn’t see myself in the environmental leaders I learned about. Growing up, the archetype of an “environmentalist” didn’t look like me, and so I never considered it a viable career path. After college, I took what I thought would be a temporary job at a camp, where I first encountered the idea that my passion for nature and education could merge into a lifelong career. That job changed everything. I began to understand how deeply interconnected environmental justice is with social justice, and I saw the glaring gaps in who was represented in outdoor spaces. I decided to make it my mission to change that.
Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: environmental educator, conservationist, advocate, and now CEO and consultant. I co-founded Inclusive Journeys, where I worked to create tools like the Inclusive Guide to make spaces safer and more welcoming for marginalized communities. I also founded Ecoinclusive Strategies and Summit for Action, where my team and I support organizations in building equity into their structures and strategies. My work is rooted in the belief that we all deserve to be seen, heard, and valued—whether in a boardroom, on a trail, or in our neighborhoods.
This work hasn’t been without its challenges, but it has also been filled with profound joy. I get to help people and organizations transform the way they see the world and their place in it. And I get to do it with authenticity and heart. My journey is proof that no matter where you come from, you can lead the change you want to see.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
There are so many moments that have shaped my path, but a few stand out as truly transformational. One of the earliest was when I was a child walking through my Bronx neighborhood. I noticed trash everywhere—cans, bottles, litter—and I couldn’t understand why people didn’t care about keeping our environment clean. When I asked my mom why it was that way, she encouraged me to write a letter advocating for change. At nine years old, I typed up a letter on my dad’s typewriter and sent it to anyone who might listen, imploring people to care for our planet. That small act of advocacy planted the seed for the work I do today, showing me that even a single voice can make a difference.
Another pivotal moment came early in my career when a mentor told me, “We need representation in this field.” I was working in environmental education and grappling with the fact that I was often the only Black femme in the room. I didn’t see people who looked like me in leadership roles, and that isolation made me question if I belonged. But my mentor’s words pushed me to stay and create space for others. It was a powerful reminder that my presence wasn’t just valid—it was necessary.
Founding Ecoinclusive Strategies, Summit for Action, and KWEEN WERK was another turning point. It gave me a platform to not only address the systemic barriers in conservation and the outdoors but also to empower organizations to take meaningful action. I’ve had the privilege of helping countless teams rethink their approach to equity and inclusion, and seeing that impact has been one of the greatest rewards of my career.
Lastly, becoming a mother deepened my sense of purpose. I’m not just working for today—I’m working for the world I want my children to inherit. I want them to grow up knowing they belong in every space they enter and that their identities are strengths, not barriers. These experiences fuel my passion and keep me grounded in this work.
What are the most valuable lessons you’ve learned about yourself through your life and career?
I’ve learned that resilience and authenticity are my greatest strengths. Navigating spaces that weren’t built with someone like me in mind—whether because of my race, size, or identity—has taught me to stand firm in who I am. I’ve learned that it’s okay to take up space, disrupt the norm, and be unapologetic about my values.
I’ve also learned the power of community. None of us can do this work alone, and I am constantly inspired by the people I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with. Whether it’s a colleague, a client, or someone I meet at an event, I’ve seen how much we can achieve when we come together and uplift one another.
Perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned to embrace the process. Change takes time, and there will be setbacks along the way. But every step forward—no matter how small—matters. Progress isn’t linear, and I’ve come to appreciate the beauty in the journey itself.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
I’m driven by a deep sense of justice. I’ve seen firsthand how inequities play out—in the outdoors, in workplaces, and in everyday interactions—and I can’t stand by and let those systems persist. I believe everyone has a right to feel safe, valued, and empowered, and that belief fuels everything I do.
I’m also driven by the stories and voices of those who have been excluded for too long. I think about the communities underrepresented in conservation efforts, the children who don’t see themselves reflected in environmental leadership, and the people who have been told they don’t belong. My work is about creating spaces where those voices aren’t just included—they’re celebrated.
If you could go back and advise your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self, “You are enough.” There were so many moments when I felt like I didn’t belong, doubted my abilities, or tried to shrink myself to fit into spaces that weren’t designed for me. I’d remind her that her voice and perspective are not just valid—they’re powerful.
I’d also tell her to be patient. The path won’t always be clear, and there will be challenges that feel overwhelming. But those challenges will teach you resilience and make you stronger. Trust that the work you’re doing matters, even if the results aren’t immediate.
And finally, I’d tell her to dream big. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. The work you’re meant to do will require courage, but it will also bring you joy and purpose beyond anything you can imagine.
How can GlobalMindED support your aspirations and help you achieve your goals?
GlobalMindED has the power to amplify voices and create opportunities for systemic change. By providing platforms where diverse leaders can share their stories and expertise, you help to challenge the status quo and inspire others to take action.
One of the most impactful ways you can support my work is through partnership. Whether it’s collaborating on events, sharing resources, or connecting me with other changemakers, these relationships are key to scaling the impact of equity and inclusion initiatives.
You can also support by continuing to invest in education and innovation. My work centers on dismantling barriers and creating inclusive systems, and having access to the tools, funding, and networks to advance these efforts is invaluable. Together, we can create a ripple effect of change, transforming not just organizations but entire communities. I’m excited to see how we can work together to build a future where equity is the standard, not the exception.
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