This week on Black. Girl. Iowa., I had the honor of sitting down with Monica Goodlett—registered nurse, community leader, and founder of Black Iowa Outdoors. Monica’s story is one of service, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to creating safe spaces for Black Iowans to gather, connect, and thrive in the great outdoors.
Growing Up in Iowa
Monica was born in Grinnell and raised in Urbandale, where she spent most of her school years as one of the only Black students in her class. “It wasn’t until middle school that there were even two other Black students—and they were both male,” she recalls. While the early years brought feelings of isolation, extracurricular activities like track and athletic training helped her find connection and belonging.
From the Track to Healthcare
Her love for athletics eventually led to her passion for healthcare. Through a high school nursing aide program at DMACC, she became certified and began working in the field before even graduating. That early exposure cemented her path toward nursing, where she now thrives as a registered nurse and is pursuing her nurse practitioner degree.
The Hike That Changed Everything
In 2020, burnout from nursing during COVID pushed Monica to try travel nursing—a move that landed her in West Virginia. Surrounded by mountains and immersed in a community where hiking was a way of life, she decided to give it a try. That first hike was supposed to be two miles but turned into three, with challenging terrain and no bathroom in sight. Despite the unexpected twists, the experience left her feeling energized and renewed.
“The health benefits immediately after—I felt so much better. Fresh air, the movement, the peace. We as Black people need to experience this. We are stressed, we have a lot on our plate, and getting outside can help so many things.”
Launching Black Iowa Outdoors
When Monica returned to Iowa, she tried joining other outdoor groups but didn’t feel fully connected. So, she created her own. “I thought, why don’t I just do it? Maybe if people see other people like them out there, they’ll be encouraged to try it too.”
Since launching in 2024, Black Iowa Outdoors has hosted monthly hikes from April through October, often drawing 20–25 participants. The group welcomes everyone but centers the experiences of Black Iowans. Monica stresses that you don’t need expensive gear to start: “You don’t need all the gadgets or hiking boots. A good pair of sturdy shoes, some water, sunscreen—we burn too—and an open mind. That’s it.”
Breaking Myths and Building Representation
One of Monica’s biggest goals is to challenge the narrative that Black people don’t enjoy the outdoors. “That’s not what we do? No. We are everywhere we want to be. And we deserve to be there.”
She shared a moving story of a young Black girl, adopted into a white family, who immediately bonded with her husband during a group hike. “To provide that connection for her in that environment—that’s what it’s all about.” Moments like these prove the deep impact representation and community can have.
Looking Ahead
Black Iowa Outdoors is still in its early stages, but Monica has big plans: exploring more trails, creating partnerships, and continuing to highlight Black businesses during events. Her April kickoff hike will take place at the trail around DMACC’s Ankeny campus, complete with swag bags from local businesses.
Upcoming Events
August Hike at Jester Park Nature Center, Granger, Iowa
📅 Saturday, August 16th at 10:00 AM
Community Trash Pick-Up at Good Park, Des Moines, Iowa
📅 Saturday, October 18th at 10:00 AM
Support & Follow Black Iowa Outdoors
🌐 Website: blackiowaoutdoors.com
📘 Facebook: Black Iowa Outdoors
📸 Instagram: @blackiowaoutdoors
🎵 TikTok: @blackiowaoutdoors
As we wrapped our conversation, Monica reflected on her Iowa roots and why she continues to invest in her community: “Iowa is a great place to raise your family. Things are changing, but we have the power to change them together. When we achieve something, it’s important to reach back and help others.”
Listen, Watch, Read, and Support
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Pandora or wherever you steam your podcasts!
📺 Watch the audio/visual episode on YouTube: Season 2, Episode 3
🖋 Read more reflections at blackgirliowa.com
🛍 Shop my journaling kits & more on Etsy: BlackGirlIowaShop
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Black. Girl. Iowa. 