Rising Stars: Meet Monique Millan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Millan.

Hi Monique, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Growing up in Arizona, the Superstition Mountains were my playground, the rivers and lakes were my pools. I have always had the spirit for adventure and appreciation for all that Arizona offers. My husband and our boys share this passion. Through the years, we have met so many others who appreciate adventure and nature as we do.

More than just a social media platform, Arizona Adventure Group (AAG) was created in 2016 due to this passion and way to connect and create a community of Arizona enthusiasts who genuinely value our beautiful state. AAG represents a lifestyle, a sense of community, respect for nature and is an expression of enjoyment of all Arizona has to share. From adventure seekers and outdoor explorers to those who are new to the adventure spirit, the homegrown name positively impacts our community by creating an outdoor culture forming a culture of understanding, diversity, inclusion, respect, and fun. The long-term purpose of our community is to create social and environmental awareness while partnering with local nonprofits to not only educate but to empower members to support each other and to ensure we minimize our footprint so that future generations of adventurers can continue to enjoy our state. We recognize that when people are connected, they can achieve extraordinary things.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall, the creation of this community has been easy because what we stand for is understood and shared by many. During the pandemic, we experienced an increase in the population of those who desire to get out and enjoy what Arizona has to offer. AAG has created a forum for others to come together to not only showcase their adventures but provide education such as hiking and camping precautions and leave no trace, as well as connect those with little to no experience with those that have advanced experience for a safe adventure.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
AAG has become known for its safe community and also for our Philanthropy efforts with local nonprofits. AAG provides a space for networking, sharing experiences, and education in a nonbiased forum that promotes respect for others and the environment. We believe everyone has a right to live in a clean and beautiful community, and each of us shares the responsibility to contribute to that vision. AAG partners up with local nonprofit companies to support their cause and impactful efforts, and in addition, we donate 10% of all sales from our website to these organizations.

What does success mean to you?
I attribute success to creating a community that preserves our environment while being able to explore safely and discover or challenge themselves to step out of the norm. I consider reaching both small and large milestones towards a goal as a success. I view success as a process where challenges encourage me to look at things from different perspectives and find creative solutions to problems. Facing those challenges helps me progress toward the objectives that we have set as an AAG community. As a leader, I also want our moderators to feel capable of achieving their goals and the objectives of AAG, so I make it a priority to help them meet individualized milestones.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@arizonaadventuregroup.com
• Website: https://arizonaadventuregroup.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arizona_adventure_group/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/arizonaadventuregroup

Image Credits
Edgar Millan – Spouse and Arizona Adventure Group Admin Sterling Gibbs – Oldest Son who is now in the Navy Nicholas Millan – Youngest son who is also in the Navy