Photo by Andrew Burton (@andrew_burton) in Seattle, WA (Unceded Duwamish Lands)

This profile was originally featured in our Fall 2022 Trail Break issue.

“I’m glad that Winter Wildlands Alliance provides the opportunity for kids to learn to snowshoe and about snow science at SnowSchool. Programs like this influenced me to become an advocate for protecting our winter wildlands.”

Denis is the Environmental Coordinator in Seattle for Patagonia. He’s involved in DEI initiatives and helps lead Patagonia’s LGBTQ+ Community Group. He also volunteers for the Raincoast Conservation Foundation as their U.S. Operations Coordinator.

When, as a kid, his family first moved to the United States from Bosnia, he learned to ski with a local community center in Chicago. “Without that opportunity,” he says, “my family couldn’t afford ski lessons.” In his free time, he enjoys birding around the Seattle area, skiing, and hiking with his partner.