Big City Mountaineers Announces Four New Members to Board of Directors
Get access to everything we publish when you sign up for Outside+.
GOLDEN, Colo. (Jan 9, 2017) Big City Mountaineers (BCM), the leading non-profit that instills critical life skills in under-resourced youth through wildness mentoring expeditions, today announced the addition of four new members to its Board of Directors. Darren Josey, Adam Craig, Georgina Miranda, and Kina Walker join the leadership team as BCM looks to extend the reach and impact of its programs.
“As we execute our strategic plan over the next few years, we want to be more well connected to the cities we serve,” said Bryan Martin, Executive Director of BCM. “Darren, Adam, Georgina, and Kina will help us with those connections as well as be great advisors and champions for us.”
Darren Josey is the North American Marketing Manager at Polartec where he is co-producing a global brand marketing strategy in coordination with Polartec’s CEO, North American and European Heads of Sales, and European Marketing Manager. He is a tireless champion for connecting under-represented communities to outdoor experiences. Darren is an avid, climber, surfer, and snowboarder. Not only has he ensured Polartec’s continued support of BCM but has also gotten involved personally as a volunteer mentor on BCM’s New England expeditions.
“One of the biggest challenges for kids everywhere is learning about what opportunities are possible in work and play. I want to get involved with Big City Mountaineers to set an example for them,” said Josey.
Adam Craig is currently Director of US Sales for Columbia Sportwear and has been with the company since 2008. In 2016, Adam was recognized by SGB SportsOneSource as a rising star in the Outdoor Industry through their 40 Under 40 Awards. He first connected with BCM on a Summit for Someone climb in the Wind River Range and has been a supporter ever since.
“Adam has been there for us year after year,” said Martin. “He has personally helped us secure both financial support and Columbia’s fantastic rainwear so our kids have a safe, dry, and engaging experience in the backcountry.”
Georgina Miranda has climbed six of the Seven Summits including Mt. Everest and many other peaks around the world to raise awareness for gender based violence. Based in San Francisco, she is currently in the process of completing the Explorers Grand Slam, a feat that includes the Seven Summits, and reaching the North and South Poles. She will be the 5th American woman and 52nd person in the world to complete the challenge. She is the founder and CEO of Altitude Seven, an adventure lifestyle media platform that helps a global community of women adventurers and travelers discover the best outdoor and adventure travel products, experiences, stories, and inspiration.
Kina Walker is Campaign Coordinator and Alumni Relations Director for the Seattle Academy where she is helping the school complete a $35 million capital campaign. An experienced fundraiser, Kina is managing the Capital Campaign Committee and the major gift strategy for the campaign. Kina is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast, having notched big adventures in her home state of Washington as well as internationally. Kina will be a valueable asset to BCM’s efforts to grow their programming in the Pacific Northwest.
Big City Mountaineers relies on great people, leverages strong partnerships, and visits amazing places to accomplish its mission. BCM has many ways for individuals to get involved, including becoming a volunteer mentor, climbing in its Summit for Someone program or by making a donation.
###
About Big City Mountaineers
Big City Mountaineers (BCM) instills critical life-skills in over 2,000 under-served young people each year by getting them outdoors with volunteer mentors for life-changing wilderness experiences. BCM’s unique model of 1 to 1 mentoring is proven to develop integrity, responsibility, improve communication skills and decision making abilities in youth from risk-filled environments through a nationally recognized developmental analysis tool. Given the opportunity to develop these skills alongside caring volunteer mentors creates positive lasting change in these youth who become more likely to stay in school and avoid drugs, gangs and violence. To learn more, please visit www.bigcitymountaineers.org.
