Biography

My name is Zivia (she/they) and I am a climber, educator, guide, and mountain enthusiast. I grew up in suburban New Jersey and was first introduced to rock climbing at a local gym in 2015. Since the beginning of my climbing journey, I was intrigued by the idea of getting into the mountains and climbing outside - but I didn’t know anyone doing those types of things! After finishing high school, I was able to take an outdoor semester course that allowed me to build the foundational skills for my climbing pursuits.

My relationship with climbing has ebbed and flowed over the years, as I have struggled to build a consistent community that feels supportive and that honors multiple identities I hold, which are underrepresented in the outdoor industry. In 2021, I dove headfirst into my passions for the outdoors by instructing rock climbing, hiking, and mountaineering courses for NOLS throughout the Western part of the United States. I am passionate about teaching and challenging the homogeneity of the outdoor industry. I hope to see more climbing and adventure communities that share and honor my identities as a Blackqueer woman.

Highlights in my career so far: climbing long alpine routes in the Winds & splitter cracks in The Creek, living on a glacier in the Chugach for a week, planning my first international expedition to Tanzania, and all the amazing friends I’ve made along the way!

ATHLETE MENTORSHIP INITATIVE