

More Seats At The Table
Making space doesn't mean you lose your seat. It just means we pull up more chairs.
I still remember what it felt like to be a new climber—probably because it wasn’t that long ago. When I started climbing in 2019, I had no idea what I was doing. In fact, during my first summer, I decked (hit the ground) on a 5.7 at Wild Iris. But just a year later, I sent my first 5.12, and the following year, I began projecting my first 5.13.
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As a minority woman, I often felt like an outsider in spaces where others walked in with confidence. For far too long, I sat on the sidelines, convinced I didn’t belong. That began to change only when I found a community that empowered me to challenge those beliefs. Climbing became my catalyst for self-actualization. It transformed the way I saw myself and allowed me to reclaim my body, my mind, and my sense of freedom.
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But my journey wasn’t just about grit—it was about access. I had a climbing gym where I could build confidence on the wall. I had mentors who introduced me to crags, taught me climbing ethics, and shared their knowledge. I had access to gear, guidebooks, and, most importantly, a community where I could show up as the truest version of myself.
That access changed everything. It also made me wonder: How many things could I have excelled at if I’d felt like I belonged? How many people never discover their gifts because they aren’t afforded the same privileges or opportunities?
This realization drove me to action. I decided to share the access I was given so others could begin to rewrite their own narratives of belonging. After a decade of creating safe, representative spaces in early childhood classrooms, I turned my passion toward the climbing community.
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I co-founded Cruxing in Color, an organization that connects, supports, and empowers self-identified climbers of color in Colorado's Front Range. I also developed and expanded Climb United programming at the American Alpine Club, focusing on uplifting marginalized communities across the nation.
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This work isn’t something any of us can do alone—it’s a shared responsibility. If you’re ready to partner and help create a more inclusive climbing culture, let’s connect!