The SheJumps Ikon Pass Women of Color Scholarship exists to increase representation in snow sports and create more opportunities for Women of Color to experience the joy of the mountains. As a scholarship recipient, Mandy has been able to explore new places, build community, and deepen her skills on the slopes.
Through a series of personal reflections, Mandy shares what this experience has meant to her—highlighting connection, growth, and representation. Her journey is a testament to the power of access, the importance of community, and the joy of simply being on the mountain.
"To highlight my experience as a SheJumps Ikon Pass Scholarship Recipient, I want to share three photo essays on how I embody SheJumps’ mission to foster growth, connection, and representation in the outdoors.
Connection:
I am grateful for the connections I’ve made through my Ikon Pass. My new friend Fernanda, who I met through the SheJumps Ikon Pass Scholarship, is an example. As someone who doesn’t venture out into the outdoors on my own due to several barriers, Fernanda has helped me see parts of Washington State that I’ve never seen before and utilize the Ikon Pass. The reality is that lack of inclusion and access continue to be factors in who gets to recreate in the outdoors during the winter. She doesn’t gatekeep her knowledge nor her outdoor community. Good people attract good people and fortunately, I’ve connected with other amazing skiers and snowboarders who are patient and kind. This wouldn’t have been possible without my Ikon Pass. I hope that as my skiing community and knowledge continue to grow, I can be a greater force in breaking down barriers to accessing snow sports.
Growth:
Learning how to read a run and decide on what your first few turns will be takes practice. With the Ikon Pass, I’ve been able to hone my skills knowing that I can come back to the same mountain and the same runs and try again, and again, and again. I can go to the mountain several times and take my time to learn a run and find ways to challenge myself at my own pace. Due to my growth, if I have the chance to, I know that I can show people — especially beginners around the mountain in a safe way. I hope that I can be a bridge and pass on this knowledge to people from my communities. I want to contribute positively to their early experiences on the mountain. Early and formative experiences on the snow can impact how someone views snowsports, and I want to make snowsports as welcoming as I can since snowsports are not easily accessible.
Representation:
I ski for the community, the smiles, the friendships, the feeling of being outside, and most importantly, the chance to bring others with me. My presence is an essence on the slopes, and is a constant reminder that you don’t need to be someone who wants to get 30 laps in to have fun and deserve to be on the slopes. You belong on the mountain if you want to laugh, relax, experience joy and amazing views, and take breaks! I’ve found great joy in pausing to enjoy the fresh powder, filming friends ski down slopes to celebrate growth, and being together outside. I want the person who wants to experience joy in this way to be represented in the ski industry. I want people to feel like they belong in snowsports and not feel like they need to compete with others for more vertical feet or speed when they go down the mountain.
With the SheJumps Ikon Pass Scholarship, I am showing that you can just be you on the mountain, no matter what your goals are as a skier or snowboarder. I want this representation of joy to be the norm on the slopes and for as many people to experience this — especially those of us who face the most barriers to snowsports. My presence is a step towards that. #SheJumps #IkonPass" —Mandy K., 2024-2025 SheJumps Ikon Pass Scholarship Recipient
Mandy’s words remind us that outdoor spaces should be for everyone, and that true representation means showing up as you are. Her story is an inspiration for those who are just beginning their journey in snowsports and a testament to the impact of creating inclusive opportunities in the outdoors.
Thank you, Mandy, for sharing your experience and for being a part of this growing community. We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next!
If you'd like to support making the outdoors a more inclusive place for all, please consider making a donation or setting up a monthly recurring donation to SheJumps!
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