EP 13 Crystal Hudelson
Holding Space

01:15:33

Crystal is a second generation Haitian American and of Irish descent. She lives in Seattle WA with her life partner Keith who also adores climbing and traveling.

She currently gives most of her DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice) time in climbing to an affinity group in Washington called Climbers of Color.

Through her work with CoC, she hopes to encourage climbers to become and continue to be leaders in their communities while bringing multiple perspectives into the sport of climbing.

(Photo: Cynthia Wong)

Show Notes:

Crystal’s links & what she recommends:

Episode Intro:

Hello welcome back to the Female Guides Requested Podcast and happy Wednesday. This is your host Ting Ting and I’m back to sunny Las Vegas. Today in Episode 13, our guest is Crystal Hudelson. I have adored Crystal’s work and efforts towards creating space for climbers of color. This past summer, I was excited to work for the organization, Climbers of Color, in which she had put her heart and soul and of course I couldn’t miss the chance to meet her and interview her.

Crystal is a second generation Haitian American and of Irish descent. She lives in Seattle WA with her life partner Keith who also adores climbing and traveling. She currently gives most of her DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice) time in climbing to an affinity group in Washington called Climbers of Color. Crystal and her partner developed the Rock Instruction curriculum and she serves as Director of Rock Instruction, Rock Guide, and in any other capacity the organization requires. Through her work with CoC, she hopes to encourage climbers to become and continue to be leaders in their communities while bringing multiple perspectives into the sport of climbing.

In this episode we talked about why and how she devoted herself to affinity work, where we can find resources to better our cultural competency, her dreams to help climbing instructors to not only provide instruction, but also know how to provide space for participants of different backgrounds. I asked about her proudest moment and what she hoped listeners would take away from this episode. Her answers were thoughtful and beautiful. I can’t wait to share this episode with you all, now please enjoy.

Things We Talked about:

  • How did Crystal and her partner started their journey with Climbers of Color (CoC)
  • Crystal’s anchor job: aircraft mechanic, and why she considered herself lucky to have that
  • CoC had worked with Mountaineers and collaborated with many guide services to get established
  • CoC’s in house training and mentorship programs
  • CoC’s expected future trajectory
  • Additional training for guides to lead POC groups or other affinity groups
  • Conflict resolution – the goal is never division but to work together
  • How to find resources to become more culturally competent?
  • In order to change, we need to “give it a damn.” internal drive is essential
  • Intent & Impact
  • Crystal’s guiding this season
  • Does CoC now have big enough instructor pool?
  • Crystal’s work/life balance. Focus on what’s at the moment.
  • Vision for herself and for the organization CoC.
  • Why we need to care about affinity history?
  • Being a minority, we’re not allowed to be mediocre.
  • Choose your battle as a minority.
  • Proud to be a great teacher to observe the lightbulb moment
  • It’s a process
  • Support you can give to Climbers of Color