Ryan Suen grew up mostly in Texas, before moving to San Jose, California, at about 11 years old. Ryan recounts the stark differences between Texas and California, importance of education to his family, and the impact on the 2008 recession on his extracurricular activities. While attending the University of California at Irvine, Ryan was introduced to climbing and spent time in Joshua Tree. After graduation, Ryan focused on work and traveling for the finance industry. In 2019, Ryan moved to Salt Lake City and eventually became involved with both Color the Wasatch (co-leader) and Salt Lake Climbers Alliance (treasurer and Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee member).

View Ryan Suen's Oral History in the Marriott Digital Library