Adventure and Impact
As an athlete and activist, Georgina is on a mission to ignite collective inspired-action to end violence against women and to promote the safekeeping of our planet—the two are very much interconnected. Completed by less than 20 women worldwide—The Explorers Grand Slam is an adventurer’s challenge to reach the North Pole, the South Pole, and all of the Seven Summits (highest peak on each continent).
One woman on a mission igniting action for women and planet.
Why
“There is a need and connection to protect Mother Earth and the divine feminine. Both are a life force and the keys to our future.”
—Georgina
A case for change.
“Violence against women and girls (VAWG) and climate change are two of the most pressing global emergencies and sustainable development challenges of our time.” — UN Women
35% of women have experienced gender-based violence worldwide. 1 in 3 women will experience gender-based violence in their lifetime. This is a statistic that has not improved in over 16 years of activism. To create a more equal future and one where women and girls can thrive, global collective action is needed, and violence against women must not be tolerated.
We can also no longer ignore the effects of Climate Change and the alarming rates of deterioration of our planet. When you spend time in some of the most beautiful and fragile landscapes on earth, you feel in your soul a responsibility to take action to protect them.
This project shares the voices of women and places at risk and ignites collective action.
IGNITING ACTION FOR WOMEN + PLANET
How it Started
Since 2008, Georgina has climbed 6 of the 7 Summits, including Mt. Everest twice, reaching the summit once, after surviving a hypoxia crisis at 8400m on her first attempt. All this despite suffering from severe asthma and not being able to run a mile or ski when she set off on this endeavor. 3 expeditions remain that require financial sponsorship.
Georgina’s motto is the extraordinary is always possible, never limit yourself or life’s potential. This challenge has put that motto to the test on every level—mentally, physically, and spiritually.
She was moved to start climbing and exploring as an activist in 2007 by V’s (formerly Eve Ensler) words in an article in GLAMOUR MAGAZINE DETAILING HER FIRST TRIP TO DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO .
Georgina has continued to climb and explore many more mountains beyond this project, making it a way of life. By connecting deeply with the natural world, she embraces a state of inter-being, recognizing that separation from one another and nature is the modern-day illusion.
This project has been in support of VDAY and INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS, particularly in Democratic Republic of Congo, once deemed the rape capital of the world. The work of these organizations transforms lives of survivors in some of the worst gender-based violence locations globally.
Women of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
In August 2007, a seemingly ordinary night with Glamour Magazine turned extraordinary. While searching for haircut ideas, I stumbled upon Eve Ensler's harrowing account of women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Learning that 420,000 women are raped each year – about 48 per hour – was a wake-up call that shook me to my core. The resilience and strength of these women ignited a fire in me to act. I launched an initiative, vowing to summit the highest peak on each continent to raise awareness and funds for survivors of this unimaginable violence.
Visiting the Uganda/DRC border in 2009 and meeting these incredible women solidified my mission. Their stories of endurance and hope became my driving force. Witnessing the harsh inequalities they face, I felt ignorant of the state of women in the world.
This journey led me to expand my challenge to the Explorer Grand Slam, a feat I'm close to completing with three expeditions remaining.
Along this path, I've witnessed the stark realities of climate change in some of the world's most fragile environments. My expeditions to the North and South Poles underscore the urgent need to protect our planet and highlight our interconnectedness.
Through this journey, I aim to inspire others to recognize our shared humanity and the power of individual and collective action. Together, we can make a difference, no matter the odds.
Awareness drives change.
HOW ONE ARTICLE CHANGED MY LIFE
16 YEARS OF ADVENTURES ACROSS 7 CONTINENTS.
49 COUNTRIES. MULIT-SPORT.Adventure Portfolio
Georgina has climbed countless mountains, completed multiple marathons, ultra hikes, advanced PADI dives, and cycled many miles above 3000m—all despite severe asthma and starting off unable to run a mile.
She has survived hypoxia at 8400m on Mt. Everest, near-fatal mountaineering falls, a serious bike crash in Amsterdam, and has battled endometriosis and depression. These adventures have transformed her life as she continues to overcome multiple personal challenges and unites with the healing powers of nature.
Nature is not something to conquer but the ultimate classroom for personal growth and a sacred space. Spending time in wild, resilient environments has strengthened her own resilience, revealing our deep interconnection with the natural world.
While the human body is incredible, more so is the mind when tamed and the heart when unleashed. The mountains Georgina has climbed, both literally and figuratively, inspire the work she does today and how she chooses to serve in this world.
Georgina is an unlikely mountaineer and athlete, yet she proceeds in a way that is true and authentic to her and her purpose.
Along this path, I've witnessed the stark realities of climate change in some of the world's most fragile environments.
GEORGINA’S EXPEDITIONS
Explorer Grand Slam
COMPLETED BY LESS THAN 20 WOMEN WORLDWIDE
COMPLETED
Mt. Elbrus, Europe
Mount Kosciuszko, Australia
Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa (2x)
Aconcagua, South America
Denali, North America
Mt. Everest, Asia (2x)
UPCOMING
Mt. Vinson/South Pole, Antarctica
North Pole, Sea ice in the Arctic
Carstensz Pyramid, Oceania.
Solo Adventure Highlights
Carretera Austral. Patagonia, Chile—Puerto Varas to Villa O Higgins—1.240 km. Bike with aid of bus and hitchhike transfers at times.
Slovenian Mountain Trail. Slovenia—24 Days— 320/600 KM—54/80 Checkpoints—15 official peaks, + 10 along the route.
Sections of Alta Via 1, 2, 3. Dolomites, Italy— 18 Days, 8 peaks and thru-hike/climb.
RIM 2 RIM 2 RIM. Grand Canyon 19 Hours Ultra Hike—50 +/- MI + 21,000 FT of elevation change.
Wildwood Trail. Portland, OR
12 Hours Trail Run/Hike— 40 MI
Solo Travel + Adventures.
16 years across the globe. 7 continents multi-sport—cycle, climb, ski, scuba, hike, raft. 49 countries.
Partnerships/
Ambassador
Kathmandu + 25zero.
KILIMANJARO CLIMATE AWARENESS.
Expedition with Tim Jarvis.
Big City Mountaineers
PICO DE ORIZABA WOMENS EXPEDITION.
LaSportiva, Nemo, Mountain Professionals, Deuter.
REI OUTESSA
FORCE OF NATURE INITIATIVE.
Speaker @ CA + OR events and influencer on social media.
CLIF Bar
12 HOURS OF ADVENTURE IN NYC
Intel
SHE OWNS IT