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The crisp mountain air has always been Emily Campbell's compass. Growing up in Montana, she learned early on that the mountains were more than just a playground—they were a classroom of life lessons, resilience and possibility.

In early December, with a one-way ticket to Asia and a dual degree in finance and accounting, plus a certificate in social responsibility from Leeds School of Business, Campbell embarked on her most adventurous chapter yet.

She hopped on a plane to Japan, trading the familiar peaks of the Rocky Mountains for the country’s ”notorious powder.” She intends to stay for ski season while actively looking for roles in sustainable finance “for when I come back to the U.S. or head somewhere else abroad,” she said.

“I am open and excited to see what opportunities arise in the ESG [environmental, social and governance] world. Thanks to some incredible professors at CU, I have been able to build connections in the ESG world through an internship and guest lectures. In my future, I hope to work toward a cleaner earth and environmental justice.”

A fortuitous beginning

Campbell chose Leeds School of Business so she could combine academic rigor with her passion for the great outdoors. It wasn't long before she found a second home at the business school—and stumbled across a second family in the Club, the largest ski and snowboard club in the nation and the largest student-run organization on campus, with 1,500 active members.

Her involvement with Boulder Freeride became the unexpected catalyst for her personal and professional growth. As a freshman, she applied for a seat on the board and became the organization’s sponsorship director. She wasn’t just networking with companies, she was building bridges.

“I was excited about the position and how it allowed me to make connections with people across the outdoor industry, which in turn, helped me build an inclusive and accessible club where anyone at CU could participate in winter sports, no matter their skill level or background,” she explained.

“I hope to protect the natural playgrounds I love for future generations and ensure everyone has access to enjoy them.”

Emily Campbell (Fin, Acct’24) 

Campbell intends to take her mission further. “I hope to continue to open the doors and lower the barrier to entry into the outdoor community throughout the rest of my life. I hope to protect the natural playgrounds I love for future generations and ensure everyone has access to enjoy them.”

Unexpected takeaways

Her involvement with Boulder Freeride not only aligned with her values but also became a crucial learning ground. "After hosting meetings in front of over 500 students or running around at events ranging from 20 to 1,000 attendees, presenting and participating in class became a lot less intimidating," she shared. The experience taught her more than event management. "It gave me the opportunity to practice public speaking, conflict resolution, time management, creative thinking and networking."

Most profoundly, the club shaped her understanding of leadership. “Boulder Freeride taught me how to not only be a good leader, but also a good follower and team member. It gave me the confidence to envision big goals and taught me how to achieve them. It gave me an opportunity to help CU students enjoy the incredible Rocky Mountains I was fortunate to grow up in.”

As she prepares for her imminent adventure, one thing is clear: Campbell is not just pursuing powder and a career. She’s crafting a life of purpose, one peak at a time—committed to environmental justice, outdoor accessibility, and making meaningful connections across cultures and communities.