Vaylente Kay O’Brien

Adventurous and driven student at the University of Washington, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and Archaeology with a minor in Environmental Science and Management. Combines a passion for human history and the natural world with hands-on experience as a Class V whitewater rafter, competitive slopestyle skier, and brand ambassador for major outdoor companies. Dedicated to advancing both cultural heritage and environmental sustainability through academic study and real-world application. Sales professional with proven track record in retail environments, focusing on customer interaction and sales growth. Known for reliability and adaptability in meeting dynamic customer needs and market conditions. Possesses strong communication and collaboration skills, contributing to team success and consistent achievement of sales goals.

2023

O’Brien, Vay. “First-hand Account of Coachella,” The Geyser, May 25th, 2023.

O’Brien, Vay. “What Park High Juniors Wish to Change,” The Geyser, May 4th, 2023.

O’Brien, Vay. “Gen-Z can purchase clothes and save the Planet,” The Geyser, May 4th, 2023.

O’Brien, Vay. “Getting to know our Farm to School,” The Geyser, February 27th, 2023.

2019

O’Brien, Vay. Episode 4. “One Minute, One Hundred Words – One Girls Quest to Raft the Entirety of the Last Wild River,” Rafting Magazine, May 2nd, 2019.

O’Brien, Vay. Episode 3. “One Minute, One Hundred Words - One Girls Quest to Raft the Entirety of the Last Wild River,” Rafting Magazine, February 28th, 2019.

2018

O’Brien, Vay. Episode 2. “One Minute, One Hundred Words - One Girls Quest to Raft the Entirety of the Last Wild River,” Rafting Magazine, January 3rd, 2019.

O’Brien, Vay. Episode 1. “One Minute, One Hundred Words - One Girls Quest to Raft the Entirety of the Last Wild River,” Rafting Magazine,, November 22nd, 2018.

Presenter: Women As Change Makers Summit. September 22, 2018. Reno NV

Test the Water(s) – Empowering young women to conquer fear and find their flow.

2017

Vay O’Brien, “Growing Up Dirtbag”, Blog entry for Farm to Feet, to be published Fall 2017 https://www.farmtofeet.com/blogs/f2f

SheShreds.co 2017 Winter Edit: https://www.facebook.com/sheshreds.co/videos/825026557646739/?hc_ref

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Brand Ambassador & Flow Rider
Helly Hansen • Spy Optics • Buff USA • ARe Whitewater • Monster Energy

Duties & Contributions:

• Represented brands in a professional and positive manner across events, competitions, and social platforms, aligning with brand values and audience.
• Assisted in content creation by producing photos, videos, and social media campaigns that showcased gear performance in skiing, rafting, and outdoor adventure settings.
• Generated brand awareness through authentic word-of-mouth promotion, engaging with athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and event participants.
• Collaborated with marketing teams to develop creative campaigns and product spotlights, contributing athlete insights for gear improvement.
• Acted as a flow rider for Monster Energy, embodying the brand lifestyle and reaching audiences through high-visibility competitions, appearances, and media coverage.
• Built long-term relationships with brands by consistently delivering content, exposure, and community engagement.

Class V Whitewater Rafter

• Experienced in navigating Class IV–V rapids, demonstrating advanced technical skills, precision, and strong decision-making under pressure.
• Competed as part of the Junior Women’s Rafting Team, representing in national and international settings.
• Collaborated with teammates to execute complex maneuvers, emphasizing communication, safety, and leadership in high-intensity environments.
• Created media and safety content for Whitewater Magazine, promoting river stewardship, safety practices, and the rafting community.
• Skilled in reading whitewater, scouting rapids, and risk management to ensure both performance and safety on challenging rivers.
• Dedicated to river conservation and education through work with organizations like Colorado Parks and Wildlife as a Recreational River Ranger.

Whitewater Rafting Experience – Class II–V+

• Yellowstone River, MT – 556 miles; R2 and oar rig, Class II–III
• Lochsa River, ID – 7 years; R2, R4, and oared own rig, Class III–V
• Grand Canyon, AZ – Lead boat and kitchen boat rower, Class I–X
• Gore Canyon, CO (Colorado River) – R2; Class IV–V
• Gates of Lodore, Green River, CO/UT – Oar rig; Class II–IV
• Madison River (Bear Trap Canyon), MT – Class IV
• Ubaye River, French Alps – R2, R4; Class V
• Guil River, French Alps – R2; Class IV–V
• Durance River, French Alps – R1, R2; Class II–IV
• Arkansas River, CO – R2, R4, oar rig; Class II–V
• Salmon River, ID – Kayak; Class II–IV
• South Fork American River, CA – Class II–III
• Smith River, MT – Oar rig; Class I–III
• San Juan River, UT – Oar rig; Class I–II