About me!
Hi again! If you want to put a face to my name, here I am! Alongside my professional headshot, there's a photo of me working at my summer camp as the Wilderness Director and rock-climbing there. I truly love anything having to do with the outdoors - but I don't think I would be where I am today without the encouragement and guidance of mentors and friends in the outdoor community. If you want to get in touch, feel free to email me at merinm@umich.edu.

Why did I write this essay?
By exploring the journeys of two fellow female outdoor leaders at the University of Michigan, I aim to highlight the critical role that safe outdoor spaces and mentorship play in fostering confidence and enthusiasm for the outdoors. It can be hard to get involved in the outdoor community, but it shouldn't be. I hope reading about their experiences brings you joy. And who knows! Maybe it will inspire you to create safe outdoor spaces for others :)

