Mountaineer of the Week: Kiana Ehsani

Meet Kiana, a volunteer with our basic and intermediate climbing programs whose favorite post-trip meal of choice is lots and lots of pizza.
Michelle Song Michelle Song
March 29, 2023
Mountaineer of the Week: Kiana Ehsani

Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members and volunteers. For our volunteer profile this week we talked to...

Name: Kiana Ehsani
Branch: Seattle
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers?  2 years
What activities do you participate in with The Mountaineers? Climbing trips, Intermediate and Basic Alpine Courses, Mountaineer magazine writing, DEI Committee

VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP QUESTIONS

WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?

I discovered my passion for mountaineering in 2011 while studying at a college in Iran, where I joined the mountaineering club and made some of my closest friends. After moving to the United States, I missed the sense of community and belonging that I had found in the mountains. That's why, upon settling in Seattle, I made it a priority to seek out like-minded individuals who shared my love for the outdoors. I first joined The Mountaineers organization to expand my knowledge and learn new skills through the intermediate program.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS A VOLUNTEER?

I had been taking courses with The Mountaineers, but didn't feel qualified to volunteer yet. However, when I reached out to a leader (KD Dase) to ask if I could join one of his trips, he asked if I would be available to help with one of his field trips for a course I had previously taken. He mentioned that he had a female student on the trip and wanted to create a more inclusive environment by having a female instructor present. His thoughtful efforts to make students feel welcome moved me, and I decided to volunteer with the club. I have truly enjoyed every moment of it since then.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?

During the Basic Alpine Climbing graduation ceremony, I was struck by the meaningful and deep connections I had made with all of the SIG students. As we took their graduation photo, I felt grateful for the opportunity to help with the course and introduce more people to the outdoors. It was a special moment for me, and I will always cherish the memories of that experience.

What is one thing you do as a leader to make your participants feel welcome? 

As a leader, it is crucial to acknowledge that each person has their own unique communication and learning preferences. By taking the time to understand and accommodate these preferences, one can create a more inclusive and positive experience for everyone. However, it is also important to prioritize safety and ensure that accommodations do not compromise it. This may involve setting clear boundaries and expectations, and ensuring that all participants feel comfortable and able to fully engage in the activity. From preferred pronouns to preferred learning styles and comfort levels on different terrains, there are many factors to consider in creating a successful and enjoyable experience for all.

WHAT IS ONE SURPRISING THING YOU'VE LEARNED THROUGH VOLUNTEERING WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?

One of the most surprising things I learned while volunteering was the wide range of learning styles among individuals. What works well for some students might not be as effective for others, and it was eye-opening to learn how to adapt my teaching approach to best meet the needs of each person. It was a rewarding experience to be able to help people in their own individual ways, and I came away with a greater appreciation for the diversity of learning styles.
LIGHTNING ROUND

Sunrise or Sunset? Sunrise 
Smile or Game Face? Smile
What 11th Essential do you bring on most trips? Cheese sticks!
Post-trip meal or go-to place of choice?Pizza! A lot of pizza!
What's next on your bucket list? Some big mountains in Kazakhstan

NOMINATE YOURSELF FOR MOUNTAINEER OF THE WEEK

Mountaineers volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, varying widely in age, outdoor experience, and length of time involved in The Mountaineers. Part of what makes our community so unique is the broad diversity of our leadership, and we hope these weekly features highlight how our trip leaders, course instructors, and committee and branch officers support our community. We are always seeking self-nominations for our Mountaineer of the Week, and we invite you to share your story. Trust us, we want to hear from you!

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

If you’re a leader (or want to nominate a leader to spotlight), send an email to Michelle Song to make a recommendation.


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