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Zanna Ekeroth

Penticton, BC

Zanna (she/her) was born and raised in Sweden and moved to Canada 4 years ago. She lives, works and climbs on traditional Syilx territory (Okanagan, BC). Zanna sees herself as a community builder looking to create meaningful connections wherever she goes. Being a climate action advocate and a rock-climbing enthusiast, those are two communities she allocates much of her time and care towards. Her professional life is split between early childhood education at the local playschool and remote work helping to advance Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in co-operative organizations in BC.

Babes in the Bluffs - Climbing Mentorship Program

Babes in the Bluffs is a mentorship program for women and gender diverse climbers in the Skaha Bluffs. Through community-building, peer-to-peer learning and skills workshops, we want to provide a place for people who face gender-based barriers in the sport of rock climbing. Our hope is to grow confidence and build a safe and empowering community in which people can show up as their full, genuine selves. Rock climbing is for everyone!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/10Ixfb0UxR5TtDNnbO_M_LPMObRR50YVEA2XIBM8tlSk/edit?usp=sharing

About this Project

Communities Served

My project will involve and/or impact the following communities:

  • LGBTQ2+ Community members
  • Multi-barrier populations
  • Refugees & newcomers
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Racial or visible minorities
  • Vulnerable individuals (e.g. those experiencing addiction, abuse)

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

When it comes to community impact projects, the UN has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.

  • SDG 3: Good health and Well-being
  • SDG 5: Gender equality
  • SDG 10: Reduced inequalities

How the project works

Through Babes in the Bluffs, we created mentorship opportunities by pairing more experienced and less experienced rock climbers (women and nonbinary people. We also held a kick-off event, community-building social events, and end-of season celebrations. Throughout the year we held guided courses to improve confidence, skillset, and safety when climbing outdoors. We also created an online community to share recommendations and celebrations, have Q&A, plan get togethers, and provide a sense of community online (especially when we had to cancel/postpone events due to wild fires.)

Project Impact

We held a feedback survey that was completed by 50% of our participants. Here are some key highlights from the survey: Number of events and/or climbing meetups attended by the participants: 25% of participants: 10+ events/climbing outings 50% of participants: 2-3 climbing events/outings 16% of participants: 4-6 events/climbing outings 10% of participants: 1 event/climbing outing How would you describe this community in one or a couple of words? What words come to mind? - Fun. Inclusive. Relaxed but safety conscious. Egos checked at the door. Teaching & Learning Environment. Lifting. Protective. Supportive. Encouraging. Opportunities for new learning. Avenue to new experiences. Step out of personal comfort zone within a safe & supportive community (ok, that last one was more than couple of words ;) - Soul filling - Inclusive, awesome - Openness - Fun, welcoming, growth - Respectful, energizing, rad - Supporting - Authentic. Inspire. Self Empower. - Just that- a community! Inclusive, non judgemental, empowering - Necessary, Vibrant, Celebratory Some charts from the survey results here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QZIF_1gpkVj5h2bHb83JBBtE0pqyKZPzbQPgO7UnxsQ/edit

Project Mission

A mentorship program for people of equity-deserving genders where mentees and mentors are matched to work towards mutual goals, learn new skills, build community and grow confidence in the sport of rock climbing.

Project Team

We are two women passionate about rock climbing and community building in the outdoors!

  • Zanna Ekeroth
  • Robyn Solland