After years of involvement with several chapters of Protect Our Winters (POW), including co-founding Protect Our Winters Italy and supporting several chapters with their localization needs since 2020, Martina Russo, CEO and founder of outdoor sports translation agency The Action Sports Translator, has stepped into the role of Vice President for the Italian chapter. She takes over for Giorgia Garancini, who remains part of the organization.
About Martina
Martina has been immersed in the outdoors from an early age. Growing up in northern Italy, nestled near the Alps, she cultivated a deep connection to nature and outdoor sports. Her passion for climbing, snowboarding, and exploring wild places has shaped her personal and professional journey.
Having worked in marketing translation since 2010, Martina has been recognized as a localization industry influencer multiple years in a row and has worked with some of the world’s most exciting brands on their multilingual marketing campaigns. She’s also coordinated or supported translation efforts for other POW chapters, including POW Switzerland, Austria and Europe. When she isn’t at her computer, you can usually find her climbing up a mountain or snowboarding down another.
Her new role as Vice President for Protect Our Winters Italy reinforces her commitment to raising awareness of the threat of climate change and taking concrete action to bring about meaningful change. As a native of Italy, Martina is uniquely poised to confront the challenges of Italy’s historically fragmented political and regional landscape. Of the appointment, she says: “I’m looking forward to using my voice and platform to help move POW Italy’s mission forward.”
About The Action Sports Translator
The Action Sports Translator is the world’s only specialized translation and localization provider exclusively serving the outdoor and adventure sports industry. Founded in 2018 by Martina, an outdoor enthusiast and translation industry expert, the company was born out of frustration with the lack of high-quality multilingual content in the sector. Determined to bridge this gap, Martina set out to create a service that combines linguistic excellence, operational expertise, and a profound understanding of the outdoor lifestyle.
Today, The Action Sports Translator has grown into a global network of over 650 specialized translators and writers, all of whom share a passion for adventure sports like climbing, mountain biking, surfing, snowboarding, and everything in between. Operating in more than 50 languages and leveraging cutting-edge technology, they deliver tailored solutions for top outdoor brands, helping them optimize processes and ensuring their messaging resonates authentically across diverse cultures and audiences.
Who is Protect Our Winters?
Protect Our Winters (POW) was founded in 2007 by pro snowboarder, freerider, and founder of Jones Snowboards, Jeremy Jones. His passion for snow sports and deep connection to the mountains drove him to take action after noticing the stark impacts of climate change. Snow was melting faster, seasons were shortening, and the landscapes he relied on for deep powder were changing before his eyes. Unable to find an organization focused on mobilizing the outdoor and snowsports community on climate, he decided to create one himself.
To this day, POW has grown into a global movement with more than 130,000 supporters and active chapters in multiple countries, including the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and across Europe. In Europe, POW’s headquarters are located in Innsbruck, Austria. These chapters work to unite outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and the industry to fight for systemic solutions to climate change. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, POW empowers individuals and brands to take meaningful action.
The Italian chapter, Protect Our Winters Italy, embodies this global mission with a focus on the unique challenges and opportunities within the Italian context. As part of an international network, POW Italy aims to amplify the voices of the outdoor community to influence policymakers, promote sustainable practices, and inspire collective action for the preservation of our winters.
This year’s focus for Protect Our Winters Italy
This year, the organization is focusing on three main objectives: collaborate, educate, and advocate. Here’s how you can help:
- As a brand: You can support POW Italy’s projects and initiatives by partnering on campaigns, sponsoring events, or offering in-kind services and resources. Collaborating with POW Italy not only helps drive meaningful change but also demonstrates your company’s commitment to sustainability and climate action. See some of their current partners here: https://protectourwinters.it/chi-siamo/brand-alliance/
- As an outdoor enthusiast: You can make a difference by volunteering your time and skills to support local initiatives, such as educational workshops or environmental clean-up events. Becoming a member of POW Italy connects you with a community of like-minded individuals and provides ongoing opportunities to participate in impactful projects. Consider making a regular or one-time donation to fund their campaigns and help amplify their reach. Find out more at POW Italy: https://protectourwinters.it/donations/langit/
- Through education and advocacy: POW Italy aims to empower individuals and organizations to influence policies that combat climate change. Attend their events, follow their updates, and share their mission with your network to spread awareness and encourage others to join the cause. Whether by engaging in discussions with policymakers, joining climate marches, or advocating for renewable energy adoption, your voice matters.
For more information on how to collaborate, volunteer, or advocate with Protect Our Winters Italy, visit their website and follow their social media channels: Protect Our Winters Italy on LinkedIn, @protectourwintersitalia on Instagram, and www.protectourwinters.it.
