Koma Kulshan with SheJumps
On July 13, 2024, I joined a team of women to climb Mt. Baker (Koma Kulshan)—a 10,781-foot glaciated volcano in Washington State—on behalf of SheJumps, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women and girls learn, play, and connect in the outdoors.
It wasn’t just about summiting a mountain. It was about community, confidence, and paying forward what I’ve been lucky to receive—friends who lent me gear, shared skills, and helped me believe I belonged in these spaces too.
Why This Climb Mattered
SheJumps creates those same opportunities for others: 52% of their programs are free or donation-based, and 90% are volunteer-led. From educational seminars to certification courses and meet-ups, they break down barriers and open doors for women of all backgrounds to explore the outdoors safely and joyfully.
Before Baker, I’d been part of SheJumps programs like the BIPOC Wilderness First Aid Course, where I found not only technical skills but a community of women who look like me— who share that same mix of fear and excitement when trying something new. Standing on the glacier, roped to women I’d only just met, I felt that same energy: trust, vulnerability, and celebration. Each step on that snowfield was a reminder of how powerful it is when women lift each other up—literally and figuratively.
The Joy (and Challenge) of the Climb
I had so much fun on Baker—singing Taylor Swift as we climbed switchbacks, reveling in every snack with my rope team, and watching our incredible guides lead us through a challenging day. It was both the hardest and the most fun thing I’ve ever done. I loved that the atmosphere was so motivating, positive, and focused on how we could support one another.
Training, Sweat, and Ice Cream
Preparing for Baker looked a lot like my favorite kind of training: hiking, backpacking, biking, snowshoeing, swimming, and (most importantly) recovery walks to get ice cream. Because balance matters—even when you’re climbing a volcano.
When summit day came, it wasn’t easy—the altitude, the crevasses, the weight of our packs—but it was deeply rewarding. Reaching the top wasn’t about conquering a mountain; it was about proving to ourselves that we could.
The Stats (Because It’s on Strava, Obviously)
Fundraising with Purpose
Our team raised $27,165 against a goal of $21,600, and I personally raised $2,776. Every dollar supports SheJumps’ mission to make the outdoors accessible and inclusive—especially for women and girls who might not otherwise see themselves represented there.
If you’re curious, inspired, or simply want to help more women experience the same magic, I invite you to learn more or donate at 👉 SheJumps Fundraising Climbs.
The View from the Rope Team
When I think back to that weekend, I remember the crunch of crampons, the sunrise painting the ice pink, the laughter at basecamp, and the quiet awe of realizing—we did this. Together.