Miscellaneous
Irene and I had met some time back at the summer outdoor retailer show where we quickly bonded over the copious amounts of free snacks and our high natural stoke levels. A friendship was sparked and, amongst our busy schedules, we finally found time months later to sit and record a podcast in Joshua Tree NP. Since then, we’ve filled restaurants and crags with our loud laughter, deep conversation and discovering ways to grow alongside and perhaps even at the helms of our communities. When we recorded, Irene had been in Joshua Tree for the inaugural All Women's Single Pitch Instructor course hosted by the AMGA. She had initially been invited to join as an attendee, but after careful considering of what she could gain from it vs. what an aspiring guide could, she decided to allow someone who would benefit from it take the spot. Her desire was still strong to take part, so she offered up her photography and rope access skills to capture this amazing event. Before I met Irene, I knew of her from a feature in Climbing Magazine (the famous portrait shot through the carabiner) and recall being so psyched to see another Asian-American outside at the helm of the exciting new wave of rock climbers. It was motivating and empowering to see someone that looked like me in the spaces and activities that I love and to now have this opportunity to share the ways that she elevates our communities and wild spaces is quite special to me. And to call her a friend and ally is something I’ll never take for granted. As humans we often wonder what sort of space we should occupy, what new skills we should attain to push further into our pursuits and if the scenes and activities that captivate our minds and souls will accept us. Irene has dedicated her work behind the lens to showcasing those of us who are not seen as often in certain spaces to help encourage positive interactions and inclusivity. It’s a journey of hope, of courage and bold self discovery. I hope her words encourage you to pursue that which exists in the depths of your soul with every ounce of energy and conviction you have. To fight for diversity and inclusion in the spaces and activities you love. And, on a personal note, I hope that she can help you see yourself in a more positive light, as she’s done for me. To your wildest self, be true.