This year, each and every applicant, supporter, and sponsor showed up for the AWE Summit Scholarship Foundation. In 2024, we saw nearly 700 applications from fifty-one different countries representing adventurers from ages 15 to 71 years old. So this March, when the AWE Summit Scholarship Foundation sat down to select only 13 scholarship recipients, we were faced once again with the equally exciting and gut-wrenching task of reviewing all of your strong and compelling words.

There is no doubt that everyone who applied is deserving of this scholarship and we want all of you to know how much we appreciate you applying and making your voice heard. Thank you, again, from the entire AWE Summit Scholarship Foundation.

Today is a big day. We are announcing and celebrating the 13 individuals who have been selected to be part of our 2024 Summit Scholarship cohort. These adventurers come from various corners of the world, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Pakistan, and the USA. They also come from all walks of life, with individuals who identify as non-binary, Muslim, and everything in between. 2024 is one of our most diverse cohorts to date, and we couldn’t have done it without all of your applications and the support of our community.

As in past years, the Summit Scholarship Program is made possible by the generous and steadfast contributions of our partners and contributors, most notably Nite Ize, The Cairn Project, Lucy Westlake, Jeannette McGill, LOWA, LEKI, The Venture Out Project, and AWExpeditions. In addition to saying a hearty THANK YOU to all the brands and individuals who are behind the Summit Scholarship, we also want to thank those who purchased the 2024 Women of Mountaineering Calendar. Proceeds from this calendar go directly to the Summit Scholarship, which helps put more mountaineering and backcountry scholarships into our lineup year after year. We created this annual calendar because we know representation and storytelling matter. It’s hard to be what you can’t see. When you buy a calendar, you not only help fund a Summit Scholarship dream, but you also help fuel your own big mountains dreams.

With no further ado, allow us to introduce you to our Summit Scholarships Class of 2024.

Alice Schanou, 18

“For most of my life, I’ve felt strongly about who I am. Confidence has never been an issue for me, especially in my younger years. But there was one thing that made me feel small. I remember precisely the day I faced it.

From that point, I was forced to defend the truth of my experience against my family, people whom I had once relied on for defense. It made me into the insecure person I always despised. Though I knew my story to be true, I still felt overwhelmed with guilt in my accusations.

I was flustered and powerless, feeling drowned out by denial.

As I got older, I realized that I was not alone in being belittled and hushed. I never want my daughter, or any girl, to feel those feelings. I believe in gender equity for my little self, who felt powerless because of the men in her life.”

Alice (she/her) will participate in AWExpeditions Mount Baker—Glacier School 1, which is a course and climb designed specifically for youth ages 14 to 21.

Aubryanna Jarchow, 16

“I've soaked up my Uncle’s passion for climbing and physical activity, and I want to be in the mountains as much as I can. Unfortunately, I live in Illinois, which does not have the most mountainous terrain. To fill that void, I soak up any media about climbing and mountaineering. But it's mostly guys.

It’s formed an image in my head that women are going to be smaller and not strong enough to climb a mountain. When she (Lucy Westlake) became the youngest American woman to climb Mount Everest, I realized that women can do as much as men. We can be in the mountains climbing because we are strong enough.

When I saw Lucy’s success mountaineering, I thought that I could never be like her because I don’t have the experience, and especially not enough money. I have to go to college next year, and climbing a mountain is not something I have the resources for. That doesn’t stop me from dreaming and imagining a world in which I could be literally on top of the world.”

Aubryanna (she/her) will participate in AWExpeditions Mount Baker—Glacier School 1, which is a course and climb designed specifically for youth ages 14 to 21.

Carly Dykes, 19

“I signed up for my first technical mountaineering expedition of Mt. Rainier alone last summer after freshly turning 18 to honor my father, who had passed away just months earlier. After scraping together enough money to join a guided tour through local fundraising and working multiple jobs, I was placed in an expedition team comprised of only male guides and climbers.

Although I walked away from this life-changing experience with a deepened love for mountaineering and independently pushing myself to my limits, I yearned for strong female representation and companionship in the mountains.

When I returned home, I began encouraging young women in my high school and day-to-day life to try indoor rock climbing. This eventually blossomed into a longing for more challenging feats such as trekking and backpacking. Through building this community of robust, determined female climbers who have harbored a love for climbing and the outdoors as I have throughout my life, I found the fulfillment that my first major summit lacked.

Now, as a freshman in college, I have only continued to spread my love for mountaineering to the women in my life and have continued challenging myself to find a community in the male-dominated sport of climbing and mountaineering.”

Carly (she/her) will participate in AWExpeditions Mount Baker—Glacier School II, which is a comprehensive glacier school and climb.

Carol Kimenya, 38

“As a teacher, gender equity means fostering an environment where girls feel empowered to explore fields traditionally dominated by men. Empowering them to transcend stereotypical roles is vital for nurturing a society where gender does not limit one's aspirations. I've witnessed firsthand the ripple effects of my actions when girls I mentor eagerly participate in activities such as outdoor pursuits, cycling, and coding simply because I am leading them. This compels me to consistently show up and set an example because their newfound confidence in exploring new endeavors is ignited from witnessing my own.

On the other hand, I've also observed women's accomplishments being discredited solely based on their gender, a disheartening reality that propels me to advocate for a future where competence and achievements transcend gender biases. In the realm of mountain climbing, gender equity means dismantling barriers, empowering the next generation, and ensuring that every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to conquer their own peaks. This includes equal opportunities for training, sponsorship, and leadership roles within mountaineering organizations.

Ultimately, I envision a world where gender is not a limitation but a celebration of diversity, where every person, regardless of gender, is free to explore their capabilities.”

Carol (she/her) will climb with AWExpeditions in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca to Ishinca & Tocllaraju.

Cheri Heng, 18

“In the mountains, everyone deserves to have equal opportunity to feel welcomed and empowered by the outdoors, regardless of their gender. In my own personal experience of backpacking, I’ve gained invaluable feelings of connection, serenity, and inspiration from nature, something that wouldn’t have been possible with traditional societal gender roles.

Too often, women are confined to stereotypes and societal expectations, preventing them from connecting with the outdoors and gaining valuable knowledge, experience, and wisdom.

Both on and off the mountain, through advocacy and listening, I plan to pave the path toward gender equality where women can be heard and respected by a society that’s more compassionate and equitable for all."

Cheri (she/her) will participate in AWExpeditions Mount Baker—Glacier School 1, which is a course and climb designed specifically for youth ages 14 to 21.

Isabelle Riddle, 24

“It is poignantly obvious to me that outdoor spaces belong to all, and it deeply troubles me that this field has been dominated by such a narrow spectrum of identities.

Further, on past expeditions, my judgment has been unduly questioned, certain tasks assumed beyond my capabilities, and my voice undervalued—a shared experience noted by other women in my circle. These mountain experiences have heightened my sensitivity to instances of similar dynamics off the mountain. While my initial response was anger, I now cherish the clarity gained and have channeled those emotions into a catalyst for action.

I dream of being a mountain guide. I love teaching others and watching them grow and gain new skills. It is amazing to facilitate others' discovery of the power and beauty of the wilderness while, at the same time, allowing them to discover the power and beauty within themselves.”

Isabelle (she/her) will participate in AWExpeditions Mount Baker—Glacier School II, which is a comprehensive glacier school and climb.

Kasia Gorecki, 31

“Gender equity, both on and off the trail, holds immense significance for me. Indigenous cultures often possess complex and inclusive understandings of gender that extend beyond the binary framework imposed by colonial systems. These systems have historically marginalized and erased gender identities and expressions that diverge from the binary norm. Thus, advocating for gender equity is not only about challenging societal norms but also about reclaiming and honoring indigenous perspectives on gender diversity.

By joining this expedition as part of a gender-diverse team, I hope to not only challenge preconceived notions about who belongs in outdoor spaces but also pave the way for greater representation and inclusivity within the outdoor community. Together, we can break down barriers, forge connections, and redefine what it means to be a leader in the wilderness.”

Kasia (she/they) will trek in New England this summer with The Venture Out Project.

Leo Scheibe, 25

“Gender equity starts in our communities, where safe spaces are created and maintained so all voices are heard. In my community and conservative city, gender equity is slim. Gender is unfairly seen as black and white when, in reality, there is a rainbow of color within the gender spectrum.

I have been an avid backpacker and backcountry enthusiast for many years now, and I struggle to find people like me in that specific niche of interest. My biggest motivation is to find community. I want to feel safe, seen, and meet others like me.

I want to meet transgender and queer individuals who also share a passion for backpacking and backcountry pursuits. This trip would be an invaluable opportunity to be immersed in an activity I love with the camaraderie of people with whom I do not need to hide my transgender and queer identity, just one trip where I do not need to be stealthy.”

Leo (he/they) will trek in New England this summer with The Venture Out Project.

Luna Turner, 17

“This opportunity will transcend being just a fun activity for me. It holds immense significance as it aligns with two things that are deeply important to my heart: my passion for the great outdoors, specifically mountains, and my unwavering commitment to women's rights.

As a woman myself, I firmly believe that opportunities like this provide women with a space to challenge societal norms and surpass the limitations that have been imposed on us for far too long. In a world where gender disparities still persist, endeavors like this empower women to rise above the predefined standards and expectations thrust upon us. It enables us to break free from the constraints and prove that we are capable of achieving greatness in traditionally male-dominated landscapes.

By participating in this opportunity, I would not only be indulging in my passion for the mountains but also contributing to the ongoing journey of women's empowerment.”

Luna (she/her) will participate in AWExpeditions Mount Baker—Glacier School 1, which is a course and climb designed specifically for youth ages 14 to 21.

Mercy Zoe Wanjiru, 43

“I grew up only focusing on what I could not do. There were barriers everywhere – You are a woman, and you cannot go hiking. It’s a man’s sport. You are a woman. You cannot do a marathon. It’s a man’s sport.

But I started hiking during my teen years, and my eyes were opened to mass opportunities. I realized that most of what we were told we couldn’t do were just imaginary barriers created by society. To me, the mountains are a symbol of going beyond barriers and conquering summits you never dreamt you could.

Today, I organize walks and hikes in my community for fellow women. When we go out for hikes, we talk and encourage each other, which helps bring mental clarity and growth. Through this, I have seen women in my circle break boardroom barriers in offices and other leadership positions. No mountain is high or unclimbable for any woman. We grew up thinking only men can withstand the harsh terrains of the mountains and in life, but now that barrier has been brought down by us."

Mercy (she/her) will trek Rim-to-Rim with AWExpeditions in the Grand Cayon National Park.

Reana Akthar, 19

“As a Bangladeshi Muslim, I’ve constantly confronted societal norms that dictate that outdoor spaces are for cisgender white men. This narrative not only limited possibilities for people like me but fueled a personal commitment to dismantle these norms and advocate for gender equity across all facets of life.

By actively engaging in conversations, forging communities, and claiming space, I strive to be the representation lacking in my own journey.

With this experience, I hope to facilitate connections between individuals and outdoor opportunities available for folks who do not yet believe that the outdoors is for someone like them.”

Reana (they/she) will participate in AWExpeditions Mount Baker—Glacier School 1, which is a course and climb designed specifically for youth ages 14 to 21.

Samar Khan, 38

“In most of the expeditions I have done so far, I was the only woman on the team, and I was looked down upon every time. My trekking pace, my height, and my gender were considered too weak for the mountains.

That’s why I decided long ago that I would make my own tribe of mountain women so that no other woman faces what I have faced in the mountains. That’s where gender equity comes in: to make the mountains safer for women so that they grow and learn with freedom, not with fears, and where they are celebrated.

Climbing Aconcagua will be the greatest opportunity for a Pakistani woman to learn from other mountain women and cherish the bond of resilience on one of the biggest mountains in the world.”

Samar (she/her) will climb with AWExpeditions on Aconcagua via the 360 Route.

Tash Orellanos, 23

“I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia since the age of 18, which can limit my bodily movements (walking, standing upright, or carrying a heavy load) at times when my body is under stress. Since my diagnosis in 2018, I have worked to spread awareness to encourage others with chronic illnesses to say a big "fu*k you" and follow their passions.

I've never backpacked, but I'm currently reading Trail of the Lost by Andrea Langford, and all I can think about these days is training to become a thru-hiker and complete the PCT and the AT before the age of 30. It means even more to me that I will be with a gender-diverse team because I have a feeling I'll be surrounded (and protected) by trustworthy, like-minded people.”

Tash (they/them) will trek in New England this summer with The Venture Out Project.

Introducing the Summit Scholarship Class of 2024