Who we are

Cristina Bourassa (she/her) | Co-Founder

Cristina is a strategic leader in environmental justice, social equity, and community-centered engagement, with a unique blend of expertise in science, program development, and meeting facilitation. She has a proven track record in designing and implementing programs that integrate justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) principles across multiple sectors.
Cristina's approach is goal-oriented, adaptable, and attentive, ensuring that diverse perspectives are incorporated and that projects are built on a foundation of respect and shared values. In her current role as the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Advocate for the Bay Area Climbers Coalition, she designs and implements programs that integrate JEDI principles into climbing culture, stewardship, and education. Cristina is deeply involved in the local climbing community, serving as the founder of Chicks with Grit and co-founder of Climbing Through Grief, both of which aim to build inclusive, supportive spaces for climbers.
Her work extends beyond the climbing community into other areas of outdoor education and environmental justice, where she leverages her skills in event coordination, stakeholder engagement, and program management. In her current position at Berkeley Ironworks Climbing & Fitness, Cristina oversees youth programs and leads staff on training and outreach initiatives. She has also contributed to community-based projects like Groundswell Community Project, which uses surf therapy to support women navigating trauma.

Cristina's educational background includes a Master’s of Science in Training for the Integration of Decisions and Ecosystems Sciences from the University of New Hampshire, where she gained expertise in environmental policy and social-ecological problem solving. She also holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Coastal and Marine Policy Studies from the University of Rhode Island, where she developed a passion for marine conservation and public education.

Katie Sugarman (she/her) | Co-Founder

Katie is a photographer, stylist, filmmaker, activist and climber based in the Bay Area. With over 15 years of experience in commercial production, Katie has worked with leading brands while also pursuing her passion for non-profit and documentary storytelling. She works and volunteers with local nonprofits and community organizations and was on the board of directors at Naretoi in Kenya for almost 10 years. She is a member of the Theatrical Wardrobe Union and holds a B.A. in photography from Lewis & Clark College.

In addition to her creative work, Katie is dedicated to mental health advocacy through wilderness therapy and community building. While healing from a life-changing accident and navigating acute grief from the loss of several foundational people in her life she found support and strength through community, rock climbing and being in the greatness of the outdoors. This journey inspired her to co-found Climbing Through Grief, a project that blends climbing, hiking, and community support to help individuals process grief and trauma in a safe, supportive environment.

Katie believes in the power of both storytelling and the outdoors to heal and connect, and she continues to advocate for mental well-being through both her creative and climbing pursuits.