PULSE CHECK: On DEI in Rock Climbing & the Outdoor Industry

It has been 10 months since the death of George Floyd and the flurry of commitments from companies to make the outdoor industry more diverse and inclusive. Since then, our country has experienced a racial awakening that has pervaded through every social, political, and economic aspect of our lives. What are we doing to live up to these commitments? What can we be doing different or better?

On April 2, Climbing for Change founder Kai Lightner, In Solidarity Project founder Teresa Baker, Olympic hopeful Kyra Condie, the director of the American Alpine Club's Climb United Initiative Cody Kaemmerlen, and Black Diamond Partnership and Events Manager Equipment Jess Powell came together for a round table discussion. During this discussion they provided unique perspectives and advice, as they discussed the current status of D.E.I work in the outdoor industry and how we can make this work more impactful.