We have recently welcomed 3 new members to Explore Austin’s Board of Directors: Brad Garner, Lenar A. Cantu, and Adrienne Sturrup. We’re excited to add these dynamic professionals to the Explore Austin team. Get to know Lenar below and keep an eye on our social media for more!

What led you to getting involved with Explore Austin? 

What led me to get involved, by joining the Board, is knowing how the program personally impacted the 2015 team and my life. Without the Explore program and my mentors, I wouldn’t be in the same situation today. As a Board member, I want to ensure that future Explorers continue to have similar experiences and see the change the program will make for them in the coming years.

What do you do for work? 

I currently work part-time for the US Army and full-time in logistics for the Texas Military Department. I have worked at various levels for the last nine years.

What are you most excited about in working with Explore Austin? 

I’m most excited to help the program grow in new ways that I hadn’t been involved with before. I’m also excited to see what direction the program takes.

What part of the Explore Austin ethos do you identify with the most?

“Leading with equity, we strive to remove barriers to restorative time in nature” is a part of the ethos I most identify with. As a kid, I always wanted to mountain bike and rock climb outdoors, but due to my family’s economic status, I thought it was something I’d never do. A few years later, I was mountain biking and rock climbing in places like Austin, Colorado, and beyond because of Explore.

How do you think about helping others and giving back? 

I think of helping others and giving back with my time and work.

What’s a fun fact about you? 

I’m an alumnus of the Explore Austin program and a past Explore Austin guide [Trip Leader].

What is one of your favorite outdoor adventures you’ve been on?

One of my favorite outdoor adventures is multi-pitch climbing in Potrero Chico, Mexico, with lots of my close friends and even some of the people who led me through some of my Explore Austin Summer Wilderness Trips.

Is there anything else you would like to share? 

I’m excited to be involved again and to help Explore Austin in a new and different way.

We have recently welcomed 3 new members to Explore Austin’s Board of Directors: Brad Garner, Lenar A. Cantu, and Adrienne Sturrup. We’re excited to add these dynamic professionals to the Explore Austin team. 

How did you get involved with Explore Austin?

A colleague of mine, who shares my passion for youth development, introduced me to the organization.  Her passion for the mission and work and her hope for the organization’s future encouraged me to pursue the opportunity to serve.

How would you define good leadership?

For me, leadership is not about exercising authority.  It is more about leveraging influence.  Good leadership is sacrificial, giving more than it takes, and it should ultimately seek to serve.

What do you do for work?

I work for the City of Austin, Austin Public Health Department.

What are you most excited about in working with Explore Austin?

National trends show that the impacts of the COVIID-19 pandemic have long-term effects on our young people’s mental health.  In historically marginalized communities where mental health care is either inaccessible or highly stigmatized, Explore Austin is positioned to provide youth from these communities opportunities for experiential learning and the development of social and life skills that can help build their resilience and coping mechanisms.  I want to be a part of that.

What part of the Explore Austin ethos do you identify with the most?

“Leading with Equity.”

How do you think about helping others and giving back?

Fundamental.

What’s a fun fact about you?

Not exactly fun, but often surprising to others – at 6’1″, I have never played any organized sports at the high school or collegiate level.  Still, I have helped several people reach items off the top shelf at the grocery store.

We are please to announce that we have recently welcomed 3 new board members: Brad Garner, Lenar A. Cantu, and Adrienne Sturrup. We’re excited to add these dynamic professionals to the Explore Austin team. Get to know Brad below and keep an eye on our social media for more!

What led you to getting involved with Explore Austin? 

My wife and I became involved in Explore Austin in 2016 at the Quest for the Summit event.  We found that EA’s mission aligned with our values and were excited to be able to support the mission by becoming Pathfinders [one of EA’s multiyear giving circles].  We supported the “Nature Freaks” Team for their entire 6 year journey, and were amazed at how they matured and grew during that time.

What do you do for work? 

I am self-employed in the commercial real estate business.

What are you most excited about in working with Explore Austin? 

The ability to help grow the organization.

What part of the Explore Austin ethos do you identify with the most?

Explore Austin Ethos

We approach our mission with excitement, believing that making the time for fun cultivates self-discovery and restoration. Leading with equity, we strive to remove barriers to restorative time in nature. We boldly embrace change and adapt to meet the evolving needs of our community. We value the journey – joyfully celebrating our wins and courageously learning from our losses. Fostering a space of trust and belonging, we establish a culture of commitment, understanding, and gratitude.

I identify the most with “the restorative time in nature.”  As an avid fly fisherman, I find that the time I spend outside and on the water is so valuable as it allows me to forget about all the day-to-day stresses and just relax and enjoy nature.

How do you think about helping others and giving back? 

I was raised in a family that always gave back to the community.  I have been fortunate in my life to be successful in business and in family, so I feel that helping others and giving back has become an integral part of who I am.

What’s a fun fact about you? 

We have a 28’ travel trailer and love to spend time traveling around the country.

What is one of your favorite outdoor adventures you’ve been on?

Flyfishing in the northern Patagonia region of Argentina.