Reana Akthar: Kinship on Mount Baker
Reana, one of our 2024 Summit Scholarship recipients, understands the significance that gender equity carries on and off the mountain. As a Bangladeshi Muslim, societal norms seek to limit Reana’s possibilities, but what these narratives actually do is fuel their personal commitment to dismantle these norms and advocate for gender equity across all facets of life.
Joining the Kinship Climbing Collective in high school was a turning point for Reana’s connection with the outdoors and the transformative power of lifting up young women and genderqueer individuals. Reana recognizes that in these spaces, profound learning and comfort are at the center, which allows for a community that embraces challenges as a collective.
Since then, they’ve cultivated a foundation in endurance and love for the outdoors through hiking, indoor/outdoor rock climbing, and camping—experiences made possible through their membership with the Kinship Climbing Collective. Because of this, Reana shares, “I am eager to learn and acquire new skills, acting on a commitment to pushing physical boundaries and embracing both the beauty and challenges of outdoor exploration.”
We had the opportunity to get to know Reana a little better, and we hope you take a moment to get to know this incredibly driven and strong human. Keep scrolling to read.
Can you describe how you felt when you found out you had won? I read the email on a hectic school day and felt such overwhelming relief and excitement. I've hiked before, but climbing Mount Baker seemed so out of my reach before that moment.
What do you do to fill up your days? I spend a lot of time completing schoolwork or supporting initiatives surrounding education equity. I watch all kinds of shows and go on walks. I rock climb. I love being with my siblings and friends. Sometimes, I write creative short stories.
I'm part of a rock climbing organization called Kinship Climbing Collective, where past Summit Scholarship recipient Rachel Fagiano (Aconcagua) is a mentor.
How did you get started in adventuring? I've always enjoyed being outside, but my family's income and priorities didn't provide many opportunities to hike, ski, or really do much in the outdoors. Joining Kinship Climbing Collective bridged that gap for me.
What barriers have you faced in mountaineering? So much of it is expensive, from the equipment to flying to locations to finding a guide and a community you feel safe in.
Tell us about a time in the outdoors that solidified your love and desire for mountaineering. I hiked Mount Willard at -12°F during an ice climbing festival with folks from KCC and was amazed by what my body could do. I layered properly and listened to my body. I was so impressed with how present I was. This felt huge because the cold weather intimidates me so much.
Tell us about a person that inspires you. My two siblings! They are both so creative and kind.
Tell us about your biggest mountaineering ambition or dream! To climb all Seven Summits with a community!
What do you hope to learn during your experience as a Summit Scholarship recipient? I hope to understand how my body reacts to colder temperatures at high altitudes. And that Mount Baker serves as a good introduction to mountaineering, which demands multi-day trips to complete.
Reana - thank you for sharing your dreams, your drive, and your kinship. We eagerly welcome you to the mountaineering community and we cannot wait to have you join AWExpedition’s team on Mount Baker this summer. To follow along with Carolyn’s journey, head to our expedition partner AWExpedition’s Instagram or Facebook.
