Episode 98: Diversity in Climbing with Brown Girls Climb Leaders Bethany Lebewitz, Monserrat Alvarez, and Sasha McGhee
These are three of the most dynamic women I've ever had the pleasure of having a conversation with. They've put their souls into their work. I went in prepared (and nervous) for a very serious discussion, but they so easily toggled between joking and focused that I was put completely at ease.
Brown Girls Climb aims to promote and increase visibility of diversity in climbing by establishing a community of climbers of color, encouraging leadership opportunities for identified women climbers of color, and by creating inclusive opportunities to climb and explore for under represented communities.
We sat down to discuss diversity in climbing. It's a complex topic, and while you won't find answers here, per se, thoughts may be sparked that lead you toward your own answers.
RESOURCES
Don’t be fooled by Patty Law’s small frame and soft-spoken demeanor – she’s a fierce climber, mother, entrepreneur, and community cultivator.
Kris talks with Amy Skinner and Joan Chase about how the founding of Wild Iris Mountain Sports is inextricably linked to the rise of climbing in Lander, Wyoming.
During the 8th annual Joe’s Valley Festival, Kris sat down to talk to local legend and longtime crusher Steven Jeffery.
Prerna’s biggest goal of all — and the one she’s certainly dedicating the most to — is to continue building an empowered community of female climbers in India.
Building community is better business.
Aman Anderson is opening doors to climbing with the BFL Combine.
TCI is working towards the development of climbing worldwide.
Our good friend Lauren Abernathy talks about the challenges of being a female coach in a male-dominated industry.
Juliet Hammer is no stranger to crushing double-digit boulders, and unfortunately, to dealing with internet haters, too.
Friends and activists Devin and Briana are doing the work in a social media world.
Words are powerful. Not only to inspire, but also to harm.
Coaching kids is more than just making stronger climbers.
Brandon Belcher loves cats, slopers, and choosing his words carefully, words which often carry an important impact that we need to better understand.
Genevive Walker is unapologetic. She knows that it takes all types to make change, and she has the unique ability to be many of those types all at once.
A room full of superheroes in Australia’s climbing epicenter.
Building a gym is all about building a community.
Recorded live at the 2018 CWA Summit, a discussion about diversity and inclusion in the climbing industry.
Nate and Kris discuss how climbers are a product of their environment.
Brown Girls Climb aims to promote and increase visibility of diversity in climbing by establishing community, encouraging leadership, and creating inclusive opportunities.
Ryan Gagnon brings data-driven research and infectious enthusiasm to his programs built to introduce and engage minority youth in climbing.
A recent film made about Heather's ascent of China Doll, which put her into a small group of women to have climbed 14a on gear, left a bad taste in my and others’ mouths.
At a time when we're seeing a whole new generation of young crushers becoming adults, the role of the parent has become more and more important.
"Flash Foxy" founder Shelma Jun is an unapologetic force to be reckoned with.
Lantien Chu is the coach of a high school swim team that has won 21 consecutive state titles.
We talk with Dave Chancellor and Yusuf Daneshyar of Climb So iLL about how we all define success and the different paths we took to get there.
Cody Roth talks about how he's climbing better now, even while he isn't in the shape he was in his 20's.
Don’t be fooled by Patty Law’s small frame and soft-spoken demeanor – she’s a fierce climber, mother, entrepreneur, and community cultivator.
Prerna’s biggest goal of all — and the one she’s certainly dedicating the most to — is to continue building an empowered community of female climbers in India.
Aman Anderson is opening doors to climbing with the BFL Combine.
Andy Leung believes in setting for growth of the community.
Juliet Hammer is no stranger to crushing double-digit boulders, and unfortunately, to dealing with internet haters, too.
A climber since 1994, Kris was a traddie for 12 years before he discovered the gymnastic movement inherent in sport climbing and bouldering. Through dedicated training and practice, he eventually built to ascents of 5.14 and V11.
Kris started Power Company Climbing in 2006 as a place to share training info with his friends, and still specializes in working with full time "regular" folks. He's always available for coaching sessions and training workshops.
McKenzie Long’s love of climbing – and dream of becoming a writer – led her to consider our relationships with public lands.