Alexa joined the GOCO communications team as an intern in summer 2022.

What did you do before you came to GOCO?

Prior to joining GOCO’s communication team, I worked as a communications and marketing intern for the Kapadia Education Foundation. They are a nonprofit organization that strives to connect budding students in developing countries around the globe with the mentorship and financial resources they need to achieve their academic goals. As an intern, I contributed to the website’s blog and newsletters. I’m also a rising senior at the University of Denver in Communication and Media Studies with minors in Writing Practices and Chinese. I’m very involved on campus as well. I hold leadership positions for both my sorority and club lacrosse team. I’ve always been passionate about storytelling and developing deep relationships with my community. I look forward to exploring a career that allows me to explore those interests.

What brought you to GOCO? 

When I think back to the best memories of my childhood, they are often outdoors. Nature holds a special place in my heart. This is one of the many reasons I chose to move to Colorado for college. I love that GOCO is a part of so many endeavors that I enjoyed during my summers growing up. The adventure and excitement of exploring the great outdoors is a feeling I hope to share with others through my work.

What has been your favorite part of working here so far?

My favorite part of working at GOCO, so far, was attending the Get Outdoors Day event in Colorado Springs in June. I had an amazing time getting to meet Wilder and seeing how much fun the kids were having outdoors. It made me feel like a kid again -- the times when you just wanted to bike, run around, and have fun under the sun. My other favorite part about working here has been getting to know the different staff members at GOCO. Everyone has been so welcoming and bright!

What are some of your favorite things to do outdoors?

Being from California, I have always loved lake and beach days. In Colorado, though, I love to go hiking and go on road trips with my roommates. Recently, we went to the Grand Canyon! I also just purchased a new bike and really enjoy riding through Washington Park and having picnics with my friends. During winter, I love to go sledding down Ruby Hill and roll around in the snow. I think any opportunity I have to get moving outdoors is the most relaxing part of my day. Colorado’s beautiful landscape makes it so easy to soak in all the colors and greenery during any season.

Where is your favorite place to get outdoors in Colorado? 

My favorite place to get outdoors in Colorado is definitely the mountains. I love all of the mountain ranges in Colorado; it’s so hard to pick a favorite. On days when a hike in the mountains isn’t possible, I’m infatuated with the many parks that Colorado has to offer. My favorite, so far, has been Washington Park. I love to unwind and just walk, ride, or lounge on the grass and watch the ducks swimming in the pond.

What is your most memorable outdoors mishap?

One of my most memorable outdoor mishaps was when my four irresponsible friends and I decided to go camping in Moab. We were so excited since we’d never been before. We had plans to go cliff jumping off a hidden waterfall and hike to one of the arches.

When we arrived, we found this quiet spot right off the road. The red sand and mountains were dazzling! As we were unpacking the car, we realized something big: we forgot to pack the tent.

Luckily, this mishap was a happy accident. The sand was so warm and soft, and the starry sky was so bright and amazing we decided to sleep under the open air on the ground. Just us, the fire, and our sleeping bags, sleeping on the soft, warm, red sand.

What is the coolest wildlife you have spotted while outdoors in Colorado?

One of the coolest wildlife I have spotted while outdoors in Colorado was what had to have been the largest and chunkiest buffalo in the whole state. My roommates and I were on our way to hike Lake Isabelle in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest, and off the side of the road was a herd of buffalo. They were so large and serene we pulled over to stand next to the fence just to stare at them.