When Your Path Finds You: Sam Ortiz

Sam Ortiz has gone from a beginner to a hiker to a climber to a mountaineer to a plus-size outdoor model in under five years. Her progression has happened in part due to curiosity, timely mentors, and the best kind of fear: the kind you move up and over and end up a little bit changed on the other side.

Woman featured in this episode: Sam Ortiz

Hosted by Gale Straub

Sponsored by Merrell

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In this episode, you'll hear:

How Sam didn't necessarily feel like the outdoors and climbing were for her growing up, but how she found herself drawn to them anyway
How an outdoor mentor helped Sam navigate new activities when she worked for Americorps in Alaska
Why climbing Mount Juneau in Alaska taught her she could "do hard things" and opened the door to learning new outdoor activities like climbing and mountaineering
How fear has been a positive (for the most part) driver in Sam's life
That Sam lacked role models growing up as a plus-size, Latinx woman and why she's determined to change that for others
How finding her voice as a climber and mountaineer has created many unexpected opportunities, including being an outdoor model for brands like REI and Eddie Bauer
Why being closer to outdoor brands has made her want to speak out for more and better plus size apparel and equipment
What it's like being an INFJ when you're connecting with so many people
Why Sam loves seeing other plus size women on the trail
Who have been Sam's role models in her advocacy work

Resources

Sam Ortiz: Instagram & Portfolio
Jenny Bruso & Unlikely Hikers - Her episode is called 'Fat & Outdoorsy'
Mirna Valerio - Her episode is called: "How to be a Role Model"
Fat Girls Hiking: Instagram and Website
PNW Outdoor Women

Sponsor Websites and Codes

Merrell: Learn more by visiting to Merrell.com!

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Music is by Liam McNally.

Music is also by Lee Rosevere using a Creative Commons Attribution license