The February 2026 Be What You Don’t See Leader is retired Army veteran and outdoor lover Yolanda Edwards. She learned to spin fish as a child from her grandmother and mother in her native state of Georgia. Last year, Yolanda picked up a fly rod for the first time and was inspired not only to become a certified casting instructor but to share her journey over her social media account, @mz.hookedonthefly. Her goal is to show other Black women and veterans that fly fishing is for them, too.
To make a greater impact, Yolanda founded Remain Hooked Outdoors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women, youth, seniors, and veterans through fishing, outdoor education, and meaningful connection.
The 2025 iFishiBelong “Be What You Don’t See” campaign highlights leaders who are breaking barriers in the fishing industry. Each month, we will feature individuals who challenge conventions and inspire change with their passion and resilience, motivating the next generation of anglers to create their own paths and “be what they don’t see.”
By highlighting these trailblazers, we aim to inspire broader participation and show that leadership roles in the fishing industry are accessible to everyone, creating a more inclusive vision of success.
Erika Nelson is a professional fly fishing guide, educator, and advocate for equity and inclusion in the outdoors. She is the founder of REAL Consulting and a founding guide for Wanderland Outdoors, where she works to create accessible and empowering outdoor experiences for historically excluded communities.
Meet Molly Semenik, who started guiding professionally at the age of 43, became one of very few women to receive master certification by Fly Fishers International (FFI) for both single-handed and two-handed casting, started her own business Tie The Knot Fly Fishing, and authored a guide book, 25 Best Off-The-Beaten-Path Montana Fly Fishing Streams. She was mentored by women and men along the way and is now a teacher and mentor to others. iFishiBelong Be What You Don’t See November leader hightlight.
Educator and entrepreneur Nick Brooks is the iFishiBelong Be What You Don’t See Campaign featured leader for August. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Nick established Outdoor Gear and Beer, a company dedicated to combining outdoor adventure with craft beer. He presents outdoor education workshops at breweries and activities such as hiking, camping, paddling, and fly fishing that offer safe, responsible ways for everyone, especially Black and BIPOC communities, to learn about and enjoy nature.
Meet Brita Fordice, trailblazing fly designer, guide, and product developer for RIO Products at Far Bank Enterprises. Featured in iFishiBelong’s September Be What You Don’t See campaign, Discover her innovative saltwater patterns, insights on authenticity in the fly fishing industry, and advice for aspiring fly tyers and anglers.
In July, ifishibelong’s Be What You Don’t See Campaign and On the Real with Ubuntu Fly Anglers featured Mario Guel, founder of fly fishing outfitter and lifestyle brand, Taco Fly Co.
For Pride Month 2025, iFishiBelong’s “Be What You Don’t See” campaign highlighted five incredible queer leaders in fishing and outdoor spaces. Anni Peterson, Dayle Woodward, Demiesha Dennis, J. Michelle Swope, and Shelly Vo shared their stories of visibility, advocacy, and community in a field where representation is still growing. Together, they’re helping redefine what belonging looks like in the outdoors.
Toronto-based angler, Shelly Vo, building inclusive, low-pressure spaces for queer and BIPOC fly-fishers through her community fly-tying club, Flies and Friends and Brown Girl Outdoor World.
Fly shop owner and longtime advocate turning community work into action by creating inclusive, welcoming spaces in fly fishing.
A queer, award-winning Black conservationist and community leader, founder of Brown Girl Outdoor World to create inclusive outdoor spaces where marginalized communities feel seen, safe, and empowered to belong.
Meet Dayle Woodward the Becca Sue Klein, All Kids Fish iFiB Program Chair, and Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, Orvis Store Fishing Manager.
May 2025’s Be What You Don’t See interview features Jessica Haydahl, a pioneering outdoor and fishing photographer whose 25-year career behind the lens has brought powerful representation to the male-dominated fishing industry, inspires others to blend their passion for the outdoors with
April 2025’s Be What You Don’t See interview features Chris Hill, grassroots organizer, public lands advocate, and CEO of the Conservation Lands Foundation.