Kimber Cross, an adaptive climber, shares her journey of growing up on a farm, choosing not to use prosthetics, and adapting and modifying to excel in sports. She discusses the impact of representation and the power of social media in finding role models. Kimber also talks about teaching children about the outdoors and inspiring the next generation. She shares her experiences in mountaineering and climbing, including using a prosthetic for climbing. Kimber discusses her participation in the North Face Athlete Development Program and her goals in skiing off summits. She offers advice on how to engage with adaptive climbers. Kimber Cross discusses the power of exposure and inclusion, the interconnectedness of her identities, the importance of discipline and teachability, breaking stereotypes, the mantra 'If you don't quit, you win', the shift in representation in mountaineering, the scaffolding for success, the transformational power of mountaineering, the camaraderie and learning in challenging environments, and provoking and inspiring others.
Exposure and inclusion lead to greater acceptance and understanding of different cultures and perspectives.
Interconnected identities shape who we are and should be valued equally.
Discipline and teachability are essential qualities for achieving success in any field.
Breaking stereotypes is an ongoing process that requires representation and exposure to diverse experiences.
Persistence and resilience are key to overcoming challenges and achieving success.
The representation of diverse voices and experiences in mountaineering is increasing, leading to a more inclusive community.
Supportive communities and opportunities for growth are crucial for personal and professional development.
Mountaineering fosters personal growth, empathy, and understanding through shared experiences and challenges.
Camaraderie and learning in challenging environments provide unique opportunities for personal growth and connection.
Provoking and inspiring others can lead to deeper personal and societal change.
Follow Kimber Cross on Instagram, TikTok, and her website for inspiration and to support her work with kids in the mountains and in the classroom.(0:00) Introduction and Background
(02:23) Growing Up on a Farm
(03:46) Choosing Not to Use Prosthetics
(06:06) Adapting and Modifying to Excel in Sports
(08:55) The Impact of Representation
(10:22) Overcoming Embarrassment and Shame
(11:51) Teasing and Self-Image
(14:07) Finding Representation and Role Models
(16:29) The Power of Social Media
(17:54) Teaching Children about the Outdoors
(19:47) Inspiring the Next Generation
(23:03) The Impact of Education
(26:55) Combining Teaching and Climbing
(27:24) Getting into Mountaineering and Climbing
(30:37) Using a Prosthetic for Climbing
(35:15) Joining the North Face Athlete Development Program
(38:32) Skiing Off Summits and Goals
(45:49) Engaging with Adaptive Climbers
(50:42) The Power of Exposure and Inclusion
(51:08) Interconnected Identities
(52:07) Discipline and Teachability
(53:05) Breaking Stereotypes
(54:02) If You Don't Quit, You Win
(54:58) The Shift in Representation
(55:52) Scaffolding for Success
(56:48) The Transformational Power of Mountaineering
(57:44) Camaraderie and Learning in Challenging Environments
(58:08) Provoking and Inspiring Others
(59:06) Where to Follow Kimber Cross
to learn more about Kimber, visit: www.kimberbelle.com
to learn more about us, visit: www.welikeitontop.com
