Susan V.
About Susan V.
As the Executive Director and Vice President of Path Ahead Ventures at REI, I lead a $30 million fund and organization partnering and investing in 300 founders of color in the outdoor industry. My mission is to create lasting transformative impact by diversifying the composition of outdoor leadership and creating economic mobility for underrepresented entrepreneurs. I have over 20 years of experience in Merchandising leadership, including Chief Merchant at REI, where I oversee the assortment planning, inventory management, financial planning, private label development, and visual merchandising for the company. I have founded multiple legacy programs focused on equity, inclusion, and time outside, and I am a forward-thinking leader who advocates for the integration of data analytics and customer centricity. I am also a board director at the Outdoor Industry Association and a member of Global Women in VC, where I leverage my network, capabilities, and community to partner with and support the growth of the outdoor industry.