Josie Guiterrez: A Lifelong Dedication to Heritage and the Outdoors
Deeply rooted in the Latino community and anchored by her father’s fame as the first Chicano feature-length filmmaking pioneer, Josie has been dedicated to celebrating the love of her heritage for a lifetime. From a young age, she was immersed in film, making cameo appearances in nearly every film her father produced since the early age of 5. Josie shares her father’s passion as an activist with a story to tell, fostering a deep connection to her cultural roots and an unwavering commitment to her community.
Josie founded the FitFunand blog, which has established a significant following. Leveraging this platform, she shares her enthusiasm for outdoor fitness globally, inspiring countless individuals to embrace an active lifestyle. Through her blog, Josie combines her love for fitness with her heritage, creating a unique space where culture and health intersect.
Josie organizes running groups and outdoor events for her friends and co-workers in her hometown of San Antonio. She ran her first marathon at 40 and hasn’t stopped since. Her attitude of “anything is possible at any age” is a mantra she lives by and hopes to promote. Josie’s infectious enthusiasm for running and outdoor activities has motivated many in her community to lace up their shoes and hit the trails, inspiring a wave of empowerment and motivation.
Image by audubon.org
Josie has spent decades connecting with nature and loves to share her love for the outdoors with her family, friends, and followers. On any given weekend, Josie will likely be outdoors, connecting, learning, and exploring. Born and raised in San Antonio, TX, she has had a wonderful outdoor playground in the Texas Hill Country. Openly sharing each step of her life’s journey, she intends to awaken the childlike wonderment in all of us.
As the San Antonio Regional Coordinator for Latino Outdoors, Josie is crucial in engaging, encouraging, and promoting her love for Mother Nature through outdoor adventures and activities. In this role, she serves as a bridge, bringing together the Latino community to experience and appreciate the natural beauty around them. Josie also serves on the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center board, advocating for environmental conservation and education, ensuring the Latino community is well-represented in these important conversations.
Josie’s lifelong dedication to her heritage and the outdoors is a testament to her enduring passion and commitment. She inspires and uplifts her community through various roles and endeavors, fostering a deep appreciation for cultural heritage and the natural world. She has also been inducted as the newest Terry Hershey, Texas Women In Conservation award.
To connect with Josie and Latino Outdoors San Antonio, visit https://latinooutdoors.org/about-us/our-people.
