57hours, a leading platform connecting adventurers with professional guides, proudly announces the eight exceptional individuals selected as the 2023 scholarship recipients through its pioneering Guide Education Fund. These guides, hailing from diverse backgrounds and specializing in various disciplines, share an unwavering passion for guiding, marking a significant step forward in their careers and the broader outdoor community. Their selection underscores 57hours’ commitment to fostering professional development and enhancing diversity within the demanding field of mountain guiding.
This year, the scholarship recipients—Anju Samuelson, Avery Stolte, Boaz Cesaretti, Carlin Reynolds, Ericka Johnson, Jack Bynum, Julián Lopez, and Nate Pakula—will embark on rigorous coursework through the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) and the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA). These organizations represent the pinnacle of professional guiding standards globally, and their certifications are highly sought after, demanding extensive training, experience, and financial investment. The 57hours Guide Education Fund supports guides at all stages of their professional journey, representing all three core guiding disciplines: Rock, Alpine, and Ski.
The Strategic Imperative: Bridging the Financial Gap in Professional Guiding
The genesis of the 57hours Guide Education Fund stems from a clear recognition of the substantial financial barriers associated with pursuing professional guiding certifications. While the allure of leading expeditions in some of the world’s most breathtaking environments is undeniable, the path to becoming a certified AMGA or IFMGA guide is arduous and costly. Courses and exams can individually range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, and the entire certification process can span many years, requiring significant time away from income-generating work. This financial strain often deters aspiring guides, particularly those without substantial personal resources, from entering or advancing within the profession.
Since its inception, the Guide Education Fund has aimed to alleviate these financial burdens, thereby democratizing access to professional development and career advancement in the guiding industry. The overwhelming response to the 2023 application cycle vividly illustrates the critical need for such support. 57hours received an impressive 55 applications, with a cumulative request for over $100,000 in scholarship funds. This figure not only highlights the widespread demand but also validates 57hours’ strategic decision to invest in the future of guiding.
The selection process was meticulous, involving a thorough review of each applicant’s personal narrative, their guiding experience, and the potential transformative impact a scholarship would have on their careers. Stephanie Kichler, Community Initiatives Manager at 57hours and a driving force behind the fund, remarked, "The stories we heard were incredibly moving—tales of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering dedication to the mountains. It was an incredibly challenging task to narrow down our pool to just eight individuals, but each chosen recipient embodies the spirit and future of guiding we aim to support. Their applications alone demonstrated a profound need for this type of assistance within the guiding community."
Chronology of the Fund and its Impact
The Guide Education Fund was established by 57hours to address systemic challenges within the outdoor guiding industry. While specific inception dates vary for similar initiatives, 57hours launched its fund to specifically tackle the financial hurdles for guides pursuing AMGA/IFMGA certifications. The 2022 cycle saw its first cohort of recipients, including Anthony Leong, whose subsequent insights on diversity in guiding further underscored the fund’s importance. The 2023 selection process, commencing with the opening of applications and culminating in this announcement, represents a crucial annual milestone in 57hours’ ongoing commitment. Recipients are expected to undertake their sponsored courses throughout the 2023 calendar year, with their progress and stories to be shared, creating a continuous narrative of professional growth and community engagement.
The American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) is the sole U.S. organization accredited to certify mountain guides by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA). Attaining IFMGA certification is the highest level of professional recognition for mountain guides worldwide, signifying expertise across rock, alpine, and ski disciplines. This rigorous certification process is designed to ensure the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and environmental stewardship, directly benefiting clients and enhancing the reputation of the guiding profession.
Pioneering Diversity and Inclusion in the Outdoor Realm
Beyond financial assistance, a core objective of the 57hours Guide Education Fund is to actively support historically underrepresented communities and enhance diversity within the outdoor guiding profession. Recognizing that representation is pivotal for inspiring broader participation, half of the Guide Education Funds are specifically allocated to women, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and LGBTQA+ guides.
This commitment is underscored by stark statistics within the industry. As of recent data, among the approximately 170 certified IFMGA Mountain Guides in the U.S., a mere 16 are women, and only one of these women is a person of color, Norie Kizaki. These numbers highlight a significant disparity that 57hours is actively working to address. The prevailing philosophy, "it’s hard to be what you can’t see," drives this initiative. When aspiring adventurers see guides who reflect their own identities, it fosters a sense of belonging and encourages greater engagement with outdoor spaces. A female client seeing a woman lead a climb, a person of color witnessing a guide from their community navigate complex terrain, or an LGBTQA+ individual being guided by a peer, can be a profoundly empowering experience, signaling that these spaces are truly open and welcoming to all.
The response from these underrepresented and marginalized communities to the Guide Education Fund has been robust and inspiring. Of the 55 applications received for 2023, 45% were from women, 15% from BIPOC guides, and 20% from the LGBTQA+ community. These figures not only demonstrate the urgent need for targeted support but also the immense talent and dedication within these communities, eager to contribute to the guiding profession. Previous scholarship recipient, Anthony Leong, powerfully articulated the importance of diversity in his article, "Let the Teaching Be the Guide," emphasizing how varied perspectives enrich the guiding experience and make the outdoors more accessible and inclusive.
The 2023 Scholarship Recipients: Leading the Way
The eight 2023 scholarship recipients embody the diverse aspirations and profound dedication that the Guide Education Fund seeks to champion. Each brings a unique narrative and a compelling vision for their future in guiding.
Anju Samuelson, hailing from the urban landscape of Berlin, Germany, found her strength and confidence in the mountains. Shaped by early experiences that taught her the value of community, Anju is now on the path to becoming a fully certified IFMGA Mountain Guide. Her commitment extends beyond personal achievement; she founded the Montana Women’s Climbing Festival and actively works to empower women, genderqueer individuals, and minorities in the climbing community. In 2023, Anju will undertake her AMGA Rock Guide Exam, a crucial step in her journey. Her journey can be followed at @anjuuuusa.
Avery Stolte discovered her passion for mountaineering and climbing in the majestic Ecuadorian Andes. A firm believer in the therapeutic power of the outdoors, Avery is driven to share these experiences, especially with those who might feel marginalized or unwelcomed in traditional outdoor settings. As she embarks on her first AMGA Alpine Skills Course this year, Avery aims to dismantle stereotypes, demonstrating that outdoor pursuits are for everyone, regardless of personality or lifestyle. Connect with Avery at @aveeystolte.
Boaz Cesaretti, a queer and gender-nonconforming individual, champions increased representation and accessibility in the outdoors. Having found resilience through queer communities, Boaz initially encountered a void in supportive queer spaces within the outdoor world, a situation that has thankfully begun to change. Their participation in the All In Ice Fest in 2022, which focuses on elevating marginalized communities, and a groundbreaking AMGA affinity course for guides from marginalized backgrounds, have been profoundly uplifting. Boaz is committed to becoming a fully certified IFMGA Mountain Guide, demonstrating this resolve in 2023 by completing an AMGA Ski Guide and Ice Instructor Course. Follow Boaz’s journey at @namaspliff.
Carlin Reynolds is on a dual mission: to become the first publicly nonbinary AMGA Certified Rock Guide and to forge a sustainable guiding career. Past experiences, including being asked to conceal their gender by an employer, fueled a long-standing battle with impostor syndrome. A pivotal moment came at a Climb OUT Campout in Joshua Tree, where Carlin finally found a community that embraced their identity without reservation. Today, Carlin serves as the Technical Director for OUT in the Wild, an organization dedicated to creating inclusive outdoor experiences. In 2023, Carlin will advance their skills through the AMGA Advanced Rock Guide Course. Find Carlin at @carlin.trustme.
Ericka Johnson is a burgeoning guide with ambitious goals. A transformative all-women’s climb in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca ignited her desire to broaden and share such empowering experiences with other women. Growing up in Tennessee, she navigated societal expectations that often limited women’s pursuits. It was later in life that Ericka discovered the profound challenges and rewards of wilderness exploration. Having spent the last five years professionally engaged with the outdoors, Ericka is poised to make significant strides in 2023 by commencing her coursework as an aspiring AMGA Alpine Guide. Follow Ericka’s adventures at @ericka.enroute.
Jack Bynum is dedicated to refining his mountain craft, seeking life balance, renewing spiritual energy, and sharing wild places widely. The wilderness has served as Jack’s profound classroom, offering spaces to explore fear, spirituality, and trauma. His guiding business, Indigo Alpine Guides, reflects his passion for taking people climbing, but more deeply, for helping them reconnect with their inner spirituality, childlike wonder, and a newfound sense of power in nature. Jack’s 2023 agenda includes coursework toward both his AMGA Rock and Ski Guide certifications. Discover Jack’s work at @indigo_alpine.
Julián Lopez’s lifelong devotion to the outdoors began in Argentina at the age of eight, encompassing hiking, climbing, skiing, and mountaineering. His guiding career commenced in 2010, progressing through five years as a trekking guide and six years as a UIMLA (Union of International Mountain Leader Associations) Mountain Guide. Driven to reach the pinnacle of his profession, Julián embarked on his IFMGA coursework two years ago. Supported by his network, he is now just one examination away from full certification. The financial demands of these courses, particularly for a guide based in Argentina, highlight the immense dedication required. This year, Julián will launch Patagonia Mountain Guides and plans to complete his IFMGA coursework, officially becoming an IFMGA Mountain Guide. Connect with Julián at @julianbariloche.
Nate Pakula is a seasoned outdoor educator and a certified AMGA Rock Guide. His extensive teaching background is evident in his exceptional ability to understand client needs and deliver unforgettable climbing experiences. Through his guiding business, High Desert Guiding, Nate is committed to introducing more young people to the wonders of Joshua Tree National Park, opening doors to new experiences and opportunities. In 2023, Nate will expand his expertise by continuing his coursework toward becoming an AMGA Alpine Guide. Learn more about Nate’s work at @highdesertguiding.
Broader Impact: Professionalization and a More Inclusive Future
The 57hours Guide Education Fund represents more than just financial aid; it is a strategic investment in the future of the outdoor guiding industry. By directly addressing the high cost of professional certification, the fund ensures that talent and passion, rather than economic privilege, determine who can achieve the highest standards in guiding. This not only elevates the quality and safety of guided experiences but also contributes to the overall professionalization of an industry vital to outdoor recreation and tourism.
Furthermore, the explicit focus on diversity and inclusion carries significant long-term implications. A more representative guiding force will inevitably lead to a more inclusive outdoor community. As more women, BIPOC individuals, and LGBTQA+ guides become visible and accessible role models, the perception of outdoor activities will broaden, attracting a wider demographic of participants. This ripple effect promises to foster greater engagement with nature, enhance environmental stewardship, and create a richer, more vibrant outdoor culture for generations to come.
The initiative also underscores the growing trend of corporate responsibility within the outdoor industry. Companies like 57hours are recognizing their role not just as service providers but as stewards of the community and profession. Their commitment sets a precedent for other organizations to invest in foundational needs, ensuring the health and vitality of the guiding profession and the broader outdoor ecosystem.
Follow Along on Their Journeys
As these eight exceptional guides embark on their 2023 training and certification journeys, 57hours invites the public to follow their progress. Throughout the year, the 57hours Magazine will feature in-depth stories on each scholarship recipient, offering insights into their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. In the interim, readers are encouraged to connect with the guides through their individual social media channels and stay informed about all things 57hours by joining their community online.
This cohort of 2023 scholarship recipients is not just pursuing personal career goals; they are actively shaping the future of mountain guiding, making it more skilled, more professional, and crucially, more inclusive for everyone.
(Cover photo courtesy of Jack Bynum)
