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
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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
Sponsor Websites and Codes
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Music is by Liam McNally.
Music is also by Lee Rosevere using a Creative Commons Attribution license |