Words by Jenny Lee, SheJumps Washington Ambassador
On Thursday, May 28th, over 60 Washington (and Vancouver BC) SheJumpers flocked to the downtown Seattle Arc’Teryx store to celebrate Arc’Teryx’s new Spring campaign, #defineFEMININE.
Partnering with Arc’Teryx and with the help from sponsors including American Alpine Institute, Seattle Bouldering Project, Stone Gardens, wine tasting by Kerloo Cellars and cheese provided by The Calf & Kid, the ladies came together to listen to inspiring local female athletes discuss their experience in the outdoors while defining their own definition of what is feminine. THANK YOU to everyone who came together to make this night what it was.
The first speaker was SheJumps’ Co-Founder and Executive Director Claire Smallwood, who reminded us to Jump All In when it comes to tackling any endeavor, be it a passion or professionally. She discussed struggles in the skiing freeride industry and how she came to create SheJumps with a few fellow rad ladies. We are glad she did!
Next up was Dianne Hoff, whose accolades include becoming The Montaineers FIRST female president and whose love of the outdoors has taken her to many exotic locations around the world despite being told she was “ just a girl” and “couldn’t hang” or do outdoorsy things (way to follow your passion, Dianne!).
The third speaker was Kim Kircher, Crystal Mountain Resort’s ski patroller extraordinaire who has logged more than 600 hours of explosives control, earning not only her avalanche blaster’s card, but also a heli-blaster endorsement, allowing her to fly over the slopes and drop bombs from the cockpit. Kim discussed the cool and not-so-cool parts of being a patroller and encouraged ladies of all ages to go out and pursue what you love.
The fourth speaker was Arc’Teryx Ambassador Jenny Abegg, who got real with participants and talked about the “not-so-glamorous-behind-the-instagram-filter” times that truly test one’s grit and determination. Her poignant presentation reminded us to embrace the bad as much as the good, because it’s those trying times that define our character and build up integrity.
Lastly, was local backcountry skier, Kristina Ciari, who has logged 48 consecutive months with “skis on feet” and sliding downhill. Kristina reminded us that in every situation there is opportunity so we must be ready to “embrace the ridiculous.” She taught us to be who you are and do what makes you happy. In being your true self you can only begin to imagine the opportunities available to you. It’s how she got into backcountry skiing, how she landed at The Mountaineers, and how she came to be involved with SheJumps.
The sold out night was a huge success and everyone left feeling a buzz of inspiration and motivation as we dive head first into summer. Be on the look-out for a similar event to continue the #definefeminine campaign with Arc’Teryx this fall!
Adding custom Arc’Teryx zip ties to their jackets!
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