Introducing the Summit Scholarship Class of 2025
Announcing the recipients of the Summit Scholarship is always a bittersweet moment. On one hand, we are ecstatic to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary women who will be joining the Summit Scholarship Family as the Class of 2025. On the other hand, this moment also carries the weight of knowing that we had to turn down hundreds of other passionate, driven, and deserving applicants, each with their own powerful story and compelling reasons to embark on an adventure.
That’s why, yesterday, we shared these words with many of our applicants:
"This isn’t about whether or not you’re 'deserving'. You are. You, and every single other applicant who showed up, who shared their dreams, and who put themselves out there—you all deserve to step into adventure. (…) Whether or not you received a scholarship, you belong in this community; keep telling your story."
Every application we reviewed was a testament to the power of adventure and the resilience of those who seek it. While we wish we could support every applicant, this year, there were nine outstanding individuals who received not an email with the above words, but instead an unexpected good-news phone call.
The 2025 applicant pool was exceptionally diverse. And though our final group of recipients is overwhelmingly U.S.-based (8 out of 9, a striking contrast to last year’s class, which included women from Kenya, South Africa, and Pakistan), their backgrounds, stories, and ambitions represent a beautiful cross-section of the global adventure community.
As in past years, the Summit Scholarship Program is made possible by the steadfast generosity of our partners and supporters—Nite Ize, Fjällräven, Jeannette McGill, LOWA, The Cairn Project, AWExpeditions, and many others—who believe in the power of adventure to change lives.
And now, it’s time to meet the Class of 2025.
Raihana Ahmady, 26
‘Every ascent is a rebellion against women’s oppression, the silent cries of millions of Afghan girls I have left back home. It stands as a testament to their resilience and a promise that their voices will rise.
Growing up in a male-dominated country like Afghanistan, gender equity has always been a deeply personal issue for me. From a young age, I was taught that women had limited career paths and were expected to follow strict societal roles. When I moved to the U.S., one of the first things I noticed was the difference in mindset regarding gender equality. At first, I was hesitant to do things that had been forbidden for women in Afghanistan. I felt a deep sense of fear and uncertainty as if I was breaking unspoken rules. But over time, I realized that here, women are encouraged to challenge themselves, pursue their passions, and step into spaces that were once closed off to them. As a woman climber, this realization has been life-changing. Climbing is more than just a sport for me—it is a symbol of freedom and resilience. It has taught me that I am strong, capable, and deserving of the same opportunities as anyone else.
Raihana (@raihana_ahmady, she/her) will participate in a She Moves Mountains Climbing Retreat in the Red River Gorge this October.
Alli Finn, 34
‘Through hiking, rock climbing, and backpacking, I learned to live in and trust my body again, not just manage it—and subsequently to live more fully as myself, including as a queer person. Gender justice has long been core to my work and life. I’ve spent 15 years working against gendered violence—counseling sexual assault survivors, running deportation defense at a women migrant domestic workers’ center, fighting for queer/trans liberation, and advocating against ICE policing and surveillance. This indoor and outdoor gender equity work is intrinsically connected—shifting our communities to be in right relationship with each other and the earth. As an AFAB, queer, and invisibly disabled person, outdoor spaces were not welcoming to me growing up. When I started hiking in my 20s, through friends who shared skills and community, the world opened. I experienced how much we need values-driven, women-led and gender-diverse spaces to develop self-worth, strength, and creativity, on and off the mountain.’
Alli (@alli.fnn, they/them) will join AWExpeditions on a high altitude mountaineering adventure in Peru this July.
Nana Nana, 35
‘My mother gave me away to a stranger when I was 3 years old. I was raised in a children’s home with over a thousand children crammed into a space meant for a maximum of three hundred. From this young age, I developed resilience due to my circumstances.
Being part of an all-women team signifies a shift in perspective and a powerful statement that women are equally capable of excelling in endurance sports and mountaineering. This journey would challenge and dismantle deeply rooted stereotypes, including those in my own village, where my grandmother still believes a woman’s place is in the kitchen or taking care of the family. This expedition is not just an opportunity for me to contribute to gender equity in outdoor adventures but also a chance to represent my country on a global stage. I aim to inspire the women in Kenya, especially those who have been conditioned to believe that hiking and climbing are solely for men.’
Nana (@nanalicias, she/her) will join AWExpeditions on a high altitude mountaineering adventure in Peru this July.
Brittain Noel, 33
‘As a kid I was obsessed with the outdoors. From the age of four my dad had me hiking, skiing, rafting, camping, climbing, and diving. Then I picked up a camera at the age of eight and didn’t put it down until I went into foster care six years later. After entering the system, I wouldn’t come back to the outdoors or to my camera for over a decade. Most of my work now is an ode to my dad and our early explorations. In the same way that he shared adventure with me, I want to share it with others.
Writing, especially summaries, have never been my strong suit. But I will say this: I’m for sure not the most qualified or deserving applicant, and applying almost feels ridiculous. But I’m here because I know this is where I’m meant to be. The intersection of storytelling and the outdoors have shaped me, from what I leaned on as a kid to what drives me today. It doesn’t feel like a calling as much as it does a homecoming.‘
Brittain (@britttnoel, she/her) is a visual storyteller who will join AWExpeditions on a high altitude mountaineering adventure in Peru this July.
Amina Hasan, 20
‘As a woman of color, I’ve often found myself in spaces where I am one of the few women, and even fewer who share my background. This has made it harder to find community and connection with others who understand the specific challenges I face. But joining an all-women mountaineering expedition is an opportunity to not only challenge myself physically and mentally but also to be part of a team that uplifts and empowers one another in high-stakes environments. I believe that when women come together in challenging environments like the mountains, we bring out the best in each other. I want to be part of a community where women can lead, inspire, and create a positive impact on one another, especially in high-stakes, high-pressure environments. I’m excited about this scholarship because it will help me grow as both a person in terms of my outdoor skills and also as a future medical professional in the outdoors who will be educated on how to properly navigate these environments.’
Amina (@aminaxhasan, she/her) will join AWExpeditions on Mount Baker as part of the Rope Team Rising Youth Mountaineering Course.
Rushita Thota, 18
‘Gender equity has always been important to me because of my upbringing. My family originates from the interiors of Southern India, where my grandfather sustained our family through areca nut farming. Women were expected to stay at home and care for the farm and family without a choice. As a result, women in my family don’t pursue higher education as they don't have anyone to look up to as an example. Leaving generations of women in my family stuck in unhealthy marriages due to financial dependency. Learning that this is a common cycle for Rayalaseema agricultural families, I (…) began teaching coding to young girls in Rayalaseema who didn’t have access to computer science classes. Since then I’ve taught 70+ students who are now more motivated than ever to break social norms and prioritize their education over marriage. Gender equity is extremely important because it levels the playing field in a world disadvantaged towards women and allows us to both question and aspire to achieve beyond traditional expectations. Being part of the Rope team Rising Expedition with girls my age, I will be more inspired to bring that courageous and unapologetically confident energy back into my own life.’
Rushita (@rushii.ta23, she/her) will join AWExpeditions on Mount Baker as part of the Rope Team Rising Youth Mountaineering Course.
Rose Jamarillo, 20
‘I am a pre-med neuroscience major at Texas-A&M-University, so it leaves very little room to embrace the great outdoors at the degree I long to. Medicine fascinates me, but the great outdoors is what brings me life. Walking among God's creation reminds me of the beauty found in life itself. I am eager to join this expedition because it offers a unique opportunity to experience the outdoors alongside other women who share my love for the outdoors.
Off the mountain, gender equity is crucial in education, the workplace, and society at large. As a first-generation college student, I understand the importance of representation within my field of study. Even after leaving my small town and entering one of the largest universities in the state of Texas, I was one of only 2 Hispanic women in my neuroscience lectures, the gap persisted. It's important to inspire future generations to climb their own mountains, both literal and metaphorical, with the confidence that their gender will not dictate their limits.’
Rose (@rrose.lizzyy, she/her) will join AWExpeditions on Mount Baker as part of the Rope Team Rising Youth Mountaineering Course.
Tia Smith, 30
‘I was adopted into a family where I became the oldest sibling to my hispanic little sister and my two autistic brothers. My father became sick and I watched as my mother struggled to support our family making only 73 cents for every dollar a man made.
At 21 I became a desert backcountry backpacking guide. Not only did the men in my field who trained with me get promoted months before I did, when we were working the same Head Instructor position my male co-worker was making $12.50 an hour while I was making $8 an hour. Soon after, the director of the company said he would raise my salary for a kiss.
I have extensive knowledge and experience when it comes to desert backpacking, Mountaineering however would be a completely new, eye opening, soul filling experience for me. I would love nothing more than to learn from women, for women. If I can be a person that even one woman, of any age, can look up to for change, for hope, for safety, both on and off the mountain, my heart will be full.’
Tia (@tsmitia, she/her) will join AWExpeditions on Mount Baker in July.
Marjana Tafader, 26
‘As a Bangladeshi Muslim American woman I didn’t grow up seeing many Muslim women out there pursuing outdoor sports. I heard the same old narrative that women aren’t strong enough or brave enough or that they aren’t built to do hardcore things like climbing or mountaineering. Being rebellious and standing against the cultural expectations and norms is only half the battle and the other half is overcoming financial burdens, finding appropriate mentorship, a safe space and right resources that prevents us from being on the mountain.
Gender equity on the mountain would empower a woman like me to dream big and pursue the mountains wholeheartedly knowing that we belong and we can take up space just as much as men do. I want to join the Mount Baker expedition as part of an all-women expedition team because it’s an unique opportunity to meet women from all walks of life who share the passion for the mountain and learn from them. It will be an empowering experience to be supported and uplifted by female guides/mentors who would help me push my boundaries and achieve the seemingly impossible.’
Marjana (@marjana_tafader, she/her) will join AWExpeditions on Mount Baker in July.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Thank you for trusting us with your story. Thank you for showing up, for dreaming, for being part of this.
If you’re inspired as you’re reading this and want to stay involved with this movement, consider becoming a Trailblazer. The Summit Scholarship started as a dream to break down barriers, and it has grown because of the power of this community. The Trailblazers are ambassadors for our sister organization The Cairn Project, who turn their adventures into a force for good and, in the process, help fundraise for the Summit Scholarship Program. By becoming a Trailblazer, you join a community of amazing women, get all sorts of tangible perks (a platform! storytelling coaching from an amazing outdoor industry coach and Summit Scholarship board member! steep outdoor gear discounts!) and you help pay it forward.
Learn more about the Trailblazer Program here.
