She Explores

When Your Path Finds You: Sam Ortiz

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Sam Ortiz has gone from a beginner to a hiker to a climber to a mountaineer to a plus-size outdoor model in under five years. Her progression has happened in part due to curiosity, timely mentors, and the best kind of fear: the kind you move up and over and end up a little bit changed on the other side.

Woman featured in this episode: Sam Ortiz

Hosted by Gale Straub

Sponsored by Merrell

Continue the conversation and join us in our She Explores Podcast Facebook Group!

In this episode, you'll hear:

  • How Sam didn't necessarily feel like the outdoors and climbing were for her growing up, but how she found herself drawn to them anyway
  • How an outdoor mentor helped Sam navigate new activities when she worked for Americorps in Alaska
  • Why climbing Mount Juneau in Alaska taught her she could "do hard things" and opened the door to learning new outdoor activities like climbing and mountaineering
  • How fear has been a positive (for the most part) driver in Sam's life
  • That Sam lacked role models growing up as a plus-size, Latinx woman and why she's determined to change that for others
  • How finding her voice as a climber and mountaineer has created many unexpected opportunities, including being an outdoor model for brands like REI and Eddie Bauer
  • Why being closer to outdoor brands has made her want to speak out for more and better plus size apparel and equipment
  • What it's like being an INFJ when you're connecting with so many people
  • Why Sam loves seeing other plus size women on the trail
  • Who have been Sam's role models in her advocacy work

    • Resources

    • Sam Ortiz: Instagram & Portfolio
    • Jenny Bruso & Unlikely Hikers - Her episode is called 'Fat & Outdoorsy'
    • Mirna Valerio - Her episode is called: "How to be a Role Model"
    • Fat Girls Hiking: Instagram and Website
    • PNW Outdoor Women

      • Sponsor Websites and Codes

      • Merrell: Learn more by visiting to Merrell.com!

        • Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us.

        Music is by Liam McNally.

        Music is also by Lee Rosevere using a Creative Commons Attribution license

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