Gigi joined the GOCO Communications team as an intern in Summer 2022.

What brought you to GOCO?  

Growing up in the suburbs of North Carolina, I was always curious yet fearful of the great outdoors. It wasn’t until my junior year of high school, when I attended an outdoor leadership program in Idaho, that I fully immersed myself in nature. During those four months, I discovered a deep connection with the mountain ranges, rivers, and wildlife that surrounded me. I found that my relationships with peers strengthened in the presence of mutual love for a landscape. From that moment on I envisioned myself working for an organization that brings people together through nature. What drew me to GOCO in particular, is its community-based approach. It is amazing to be working for an organization that values the voices of those directly impacted by the projects they’re carrying out.  

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

The GOCO staff is incredibly welcoming and I felt comfortable almost immediately. Although I haven’t been working here for long, I can already see the collaboration and support that happens across all the departments.  

What are some of your favorite things to do outdoors?  

I love to run, hike, backpack—basically anything where I’m putting one foot in front of the other.  

Where is your favorite place to get outdoors in Colorado? 

Although I am not a Colorado native, I grew up skiing all around Colorado with my family and Crested Butte has always had a special place in my heart. I watched the duck race take place there one summer and it was truly magical.  

What is your most memorable outdoors mishap? 

On day three of a backpacking trip in Patagonia, Chile, I forgot to wear a hat. There was not a single cloud in the sky and my hair was braided with a middle part, so my exposed scalp got scorched from the high UV. We summited the next day, but I was in so much pain that I couldn’t even enjoy the accomplishment. Chunks of my burnt scalp were flaking off for the next week. Now I know that SPF must be applied everywhere, even on the top of your head.