Our 2021 Diversity in Guiding Grant Awardees!

We have awarded our first ever Diversity in Guiding Grants to Andre Hoyos (@and_hoyos) and Maria Nuñèz-Olivér (@the_minotaur_). We wish you two the best!

In partnership with Kai and Connie Lightner's Climbing for Change, Appalachian Mountain Guides and New River Mountain Guides, we created this grant to help BIPOC climbers into leadership positions in the climbing community. Our board of directors unanimously approved funding for this initiative near the end of 2020, applications closed on June June 1, and now it’s a reality. The grant covers travel expenses, a small amount of gear and all necessary AMGA membership fees for two recipients. Appalachian Mountain Guides generously donated two slots in its SPI course and test. Both Appalachian Mountain Guides AND New River Mountain Guides also donated two follow/training days to help awardees practice for the exam.

We are all stewards of land once explored and occupied by Moneton and Tutelo tribes, as well as many others now long lost to history. Respect for them must be present in everything we do. 

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