Mish Sommers

Mish has spent the last thirty years helping organizations, and the people in them, to transform in one way or another. She first worked in the outdoors as a Watch Leader and Facilitator in Sail Training programs in Western Australia, before traveling across Europe, the US, and Australia and facilitating corporate and educational programs in both urban and remote environments. After a NOLS course in Wyoming, Mish taught in and then managed the EE program at Chewonki, spent almost a decade working as a filmmaker and photographer, and then joined Hurricane Island Outward Bound School as Admissions and Marketing Director from 2015 to 2022. After completing an MSc in Project Management and Communication at Northeastern’s Roux Institute, Mish landed her current position as Organizational Transformation Manager at the Finance Authority of Maine. In 2013, Mish founded Happier Outside, which is a small but mighty organization based in midcoast Maine, whose purpose is to inspire people to spend intentional and mindful time in nature, wherever and whenever they can. The throughlines in Mish’s work and personal life are centered around building community, making seemingly hard things accessible, finding joy and adventure, and creating integration wherever possible. She lives with her husband, Sam, and two teenagers in a cottage surrounded by the Camden Hills State Park in Lincolnville, Maine.

What is your favorite/oldest/trustiest piece of gear?

My Wilderness Systems (obscure Western Australian brand) canvas backpack. It's got seriously sentimental value because an old friend made it over 30 years ago. It's seen some super fun adventures, from backpacking through Europe and Southeast Asia to climbing in the Tetons, and still holds everything I could ever need. Sometimes too much!

What is your weirdest/most niche skill?

This is a tough question! I used to be an energizer bunny who could just keep going on the trail, no matter what. I haven't had to test it out as much lately (and I'm a bit worn out now), so it might be safer to say my baking skills: my campfire fruit crumble is still pretty good!

What is your favorite trail snack?

Anything with dates.

What is the best piece of advice you've been given?

Breathe.