Emmeline

“Growth happens through challenges, through getting broken, and through persevering despite the odds.”

— Emmeline Wang

Emmeline loves to be surrounded by nature and venture into unexplored territory, whether its reaching the peak of new landscapes or taking conversation to new depths with those she climbs with. She believes that obstacles and set-backs are a gateway to growth, and that it is crucial to focus on the positive outcomes in difficult situations. Much like in her climbing career, she always pauses to enjoy the view as she journeys onward and upward. Meet Emmeline. This is her story.

K: Please introduce yourself!

E: Hi everyone! My name is Emmeline and I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. I played sports my entire life and was on a full athletic and academic scholarship to run cross country and play softball at the collegiate level too. I now reside in Salt Lake City, surrounded by the beautiful mountains and wilderness landscapes where I love to play, specifically to climb!

It has been a dream of mine to be out here since my early twenties because of how much nature there is to explore; everyday is an adventure out here. Aside from my day job that pays the bills, I am an athlete and ambassador for various companies, representing myself as a climber, but more importantly, as a minority in the outdoor space (Asian American and self-identifying LGBTQIA+ human). I hope to inspire those who may not see others who look like them recreating and thriving in the outdoors.

During my free time, I love volunteering in initiatives I deeply care about with various non-profit organizations in the outdoor and climate change space. If I could say what I live for, it's for advocating for our wild spaces, having deep conversations with friends and family around the campfire during climbing trips, and exploring the vertical world.

K: Describe yourself in your own words.

E: Always psyched to be outside, wilderness lover, meditator, climber, yogi.

K: What is your favorite thing about yourself?

E: I love connecting with others and connecting others together. I'm grateful to have rock solid relationships with my friends and family, and I believe that any stranger is just a friend I haven't met yet.

K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?

E: When I was a junior going into my senior year in high school, my mom got into a severe car crash that put her in the hospital for about 7 months and at that time, my dad was laid off from his job and overseas in Asia. My sister and I had to figure out logistics from how to pay a mortgage to everyday "adulting tasks" while going to school at a young age.

After graduating high school, I took a gap year while seeing most of my friends continue on to college. During that time, I quickly learned that life is not by any means supposed to be easy, and from a financial perspective, I did not want to burden my family to pay for my college tuition, nor did I want to be saddled with massive debt when I finished my higher education. That gap year was a blessing in disguise where I was able to spend time with my mother, get involved in business as an entrepreneur at 18, and learn from mentors who still have a big impact in my life today. That following year, I applied and went to Menlo College on a full athletic and academic scholarship, eventually finishing school with no debt. I've learned from this significant experience that growth happens through challenges, through getting broken, and through persevering despite the odds.

K: What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?

E: Be bold and most importantly, be yourself. The world always needs authenticity, and what you bring to the table is unique. You are enough as you are, you are loved, and you don't have to prove a thing to others to know your worth.

K: What does being a woman mean to you?

E: Being a woman means being fierce, independent, calm, collected, organized, and all around badass! There is so much more that we endure on a daily basis, yet we still manage to continue forging forward. I am proud to identify as a woman! #thefutureisfemale

Photo by Heidi Lister Hevesy, @hushly250

K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?

E: My mom is my role model in life. Simply put, I've seen her raise my sister and me basically as a single mother, and be able to play the role of mom, best friend, confidant, and supporter. I will always tell her "I love you!" and that everything I've achieved and who I am today, I attribute to her. I would not be where I am without her.

Erica

Ally