Julie moved to Portland from the Washington, D.C. area in 2019 and discovered the Mazamas shortly after arriving. She’s quickly plugged in and has volunteered for the Intermediate Climbing School (ICS) program for the past two years. ICS which will begin accepting applicants for the class of 2024-25 on July 10. When not climbing, Julie also enjoys biking and splitboarding.
Pronouns: she / her
Year Joined Mazamas: 2022
Present-day outdoor activities: Hiking, Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, Biking, Splitboarding
What’s your earliest outdoor memory? In elementary school, I was at an outdoor summer camp that offered electives. I wanted to take horseback riding, but didn’t bring the right shoes. So, I was sent to the rock climbing wall instead. Although I didn’t continue to climb consistently, I was hooked instantly. Even after years of not climbing, I always found it something I’d seek to return to.
How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? My husband and I moved to Portland in 2019 and with the pandemic starting shortly after, I’d had trouble meeting friends and creating an outdoor community. I was looking for a way to find outdoor friends and came across the Mazamas website.
As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Ask for help and be open to learning. I’m always looking to learn more about how to engage in outdoor recreation more safely.
What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I’m always inspired by the successes of women in outdoor spaces.
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. The 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice with Kiera Knightly. It’s just a classic.
What’s on your adventure bucket list? My brother and I have pushed each other in outdoor climbing activities even climbing Hood together for both of our first times. We have a running list including rim-to-rim in the Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, and bouldering in Thailand.