Think you need alpine access, fancy gear, or a mountain town zip code to train for a major expedition? Think again.

Rachel Fagiano is an avid hiker, mountaineer, rock climber and ice climber based in New York City.

They have a career background in racial justice, and now their work focuses on creating safe and welcoming environments and improving access to the outdoors for communities that have been traditionally excluded in those spaces.

We talk about:

• How a climbing Groupon led to a community of mentors and a new career
• What it’s like training for a 22,000+ foot peak from a sixth-floor walkup in NYC
• The mental edge urban training built for high-altitude expeditions
• Why they turned their Aconcagua expedition into a catalyst for career change
• How they’re now guiding across the U.S. and helping diversify the outdoor industry
• Tangible ways to practice resource and power sharing, no matter your location or means

Send this episode to somebody who you think should turn their adventure into a force for good by becoming a Trailblazer!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Rachel on Instagram
• Summit Scholarship Foundation
• Become a Trailblazer!

By the way, it's not too late to sign up for the June 100 Challenge!

Like this episode? Leave a 5-star rating and review on your podcast app!

• ⁠Become a Trailblazer⁠. Your Adventure Fundraiser makes wilderness experiences possible for girls and women.
• Check out the ⁠Summit Scholarship Foundation⁠.
• Share this episode with a friend or family member.

Make sure you subscribe to the See Her Outside Podcast so you don’t miss a story!

Brought to you by the Alliance for Gender Equity in Outdoor Adventure (GEA Alliance).

Hosted by Angie Marie Lake, edited by Alyson Castonguay, research assistance by Danielle Peecher