Big City Mountaineers (BCM), a non-profit that instills critical life skills in under-resourced youth through wilderness mentoring expeditions, added 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, BCM. “Darren, Adam, Georgina and Kina will help us with those connections as well as be great advisors and champions for us.”
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. Josey 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.
Craig is currently director of U.S. sales for Columbia Sportswear and has been with the company since 2008. In 2016, he was recognized by SGB as a rising star in the Outdoor Industry through its 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.”
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 fifth 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.
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, she is managing the Capital Campaign Committee and the major gift strategy for the campaign. She is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast, having notched big adventures in her home state of Washington as well as internationally. Kina will be a valuable asset to BCM’s efforts to grow their programming in the Pacific Northwest.
Photo courtesy Big City Mountaineers
