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Mari Simpson-Hirata

Mari Simpson-Hirata

Climb

Pronouns: They/Them

Hometown: Chahta Yakni (Choctaw) & United Houma Nation lands (Baton Rouge, LA, US)

Current Location: Unceded Duwamish lands (Seattle, WA, US)

Favorite Zone: Index, North Cascades, Bears Ears National Monument, Atchafalya Basin

Proudest Achievement: Living long enough to experience joy and freedom, especially in the mountains. Coming out as trans.

Favorite Advocacy Org: House of Tulip, Queer Climbing Collective

Biography

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Rock climbing found me somewhat by chance and I fell in love the first time I climbed outside. I didn’t find it easy to find community, acceptance, or mentors. I also realized I was trans as I was learning to climb which added another layer of complexity. My favorite type of climbing is trad climbing but I also enjoy ice & alpine climbing and backcountry skiing. Each of these can be difficult to get into in terms of access/cost, mentorship, and community. As an AMGA Single
Pitch Instructor I’ve had the chance to teach and learn from the community a number of times in the past few years and it has been a humbling and beautiful experience every time. I intend to keep passing on the tools and the knowledge for people to follow their climbing dreams and to have adventures with the mountains. I’m excited to keep breaking down barriers alongside community. When I’m not climbing, I’m a passionate advocate for accessibility design, I love to travel and meet new people, and I’m slowly learning how to jam skate and surf.

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ATHLETE MENTORSHIP INITATIVE

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The SCARPA Athlete Mentorship Initiative presented by Mountain Hardwear has been created to connect and engage the SCARPA and Mountain Hardwear Athlete teams with accomplished athletes from historically marginalized communities aspiring to take their sport or career to the next level. The mission of this program is to connect mentors with mentees focused on the sports we serve to provide participants with opportunities for personal, athletic and career development with the goal of helping to create a more inclusive and diverse community of athletes.

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Q & A

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  1. How did you get involved with your respective sport?: I accidentally found rock climbing when I was trying to get into a mountaineering class and I didn't meet the prerequisites. I waited until I saved enough money for the class and a gym punch card and I've been climbing ever since!
  2. Who were your influences early in life?: My two older sisters and my best friend I met in high school have always taught me to be the best possible person I can be, to live my truth no matter how difficult, and to live life to the fullest, even if it's somewhere far away or high up on a mountain.
  3. What draws you to the outdoors?: The community I've found & also a place for my mind to be quiet and to find balance
  4. What’s your dream trip or expedition?: The Lotus Flower Tower in the Cirque of the Unclimbables and to visit my grandmother's homelands in Okinawa
  5. What makes a good skiing/climbing/running/hiking partner?: Someone you enjoy spending time with, whose skills complement your own, and who gives you space to be yourself and have a bad day sometimes. Someone you are proud to call a friend. Someone who is just as excited about your sends as their own.
  6. How are you going to pass on what you learn in the mentorship program to others?: I have and will continue to pass along tools, gear, and knowledge to the community. We belong to each other and it's only together that we'll be able to continue.