Inside The Adventure

Nick Norris (@nick_norris1981) is a graduate of both the United States Naval Academy and Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL (BUD/S) Class 247. Upon completion of SEAL training in 2004, Nick assumed progressively higher positions of leadership within Naval Special Warfare. His deployed roles included combat advisor to Iraqi and Afghan military units, Cross-Functional Team Leader, and Ground Force Commander during combat operation in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Nick was most recently assigned to Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command — SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) as Officer in Charge prior to transitioning off Active Duty. Originally from Chicago, Nick received his Bachelor in Science from the United States Naval Academy in 2003 and his Masters of Science in Real Estate from The University of San Diego in 2013. He is the Executive Director of the C4 Foundation, which provides support and resources through science-based programs to active duty Navy SEALs and their families. Nick is also the Co-Founder and CEO of Protekt Products, a wellness company that is committed to positively impacting customer health via both personal care products and nutritional supplements. Both Protekt and the C4 Foundation value the power of time spent in the outdoors and the positive impact it has on overall well-being.

Mina believes that everyone should enjoy life beyond the concrete jungle and do the things that truly enrich our lives. Her goal is to help more people of color discover this world, be open to the power of nature to heal our burdens, and gain a new perspective on life, one outdoor adventure at a time.

A little About BOA:

We are an outdoor adventure social enterprise focused on the health and wellness of people of color mainly between the ages 27-42 that live and work throughout the New York Tri-state and Northeast region. Founded by Mina Okpi in 2015, Black Outdoor Adventurers works to eliminate the lack of outdoor participation through our dynamic programming and by making outdoor activities more visible and accessible to Black and Brown people.

We want to educate and get more people in the black and brown community excited about new opportunities to expand their community circle, make gains in wellness and challenge themselves to new potential through the outdoors and nature.

You can check out more about us on our website - Black Outdoor Adventurers, Instagram, or Linkedin. 

As a National Geographic photographer, writer, creative director, artist, speaker and adventure seeker, Erin is a force to be reckoned with. Whether snowmobiling in Whistler, camping in Alaska, repelling down cliffs or hanging out of a helicopter, Erin will do whatever it takes to capture the seemingly impossible. 

Erin’s been awarded an X-Games Gold Medal for Action Sports Photography, was selected as an O (Oprah) Magazine insider, and is one of the official Sony Alpha Females. Erin works with clients including Oakley, Red Bull, and more.

Fun Fact: He's a great banjo player.

In Scott's role as the President and CEO, he’s responsible for the overall strategic direction and financial well-being of the Institute for Shipboard Education and the Semester at Sea program.  Scott earned his Ph.D. in International Business from the University of Oregon, a Master of International Affairs from George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics from Willamette University.

No matter the situation, Patrick is ready to take off. Whether it’s a 5000-meter jump from a helicopter over the Eiger or a detailed lecture about the lessons of his magical moments, his backpack is always full of new experiences and ideas. As the 2nd place finisher of this year’s Red Bull X-Alps alongside the longtime uncontested dominator of recent years, Chrigel Maurer, Patrick understands the impact of teamwork to break boundaries. From his early days as a kid stealing his parent’s paraglider to becoming one of the world’s top pilots today, this is the story of how Patrick defied the odds and climbed to new heights.