After an impactful trip to China, Lani chased the feeling of being connected to people. So, when she was introduced to climbing by a friend, she was immediately hooked. The aspect of using the mind and body to solve a problem was rejuvenating. However, the climbing community lacked diversity. Over time, the climbing scene became more diverse, but Lani recognized there was still much work to do.
Being a part of her local queer and BIPOC climbing groups in SLC renews her aspirations to occupy these spaces by using skills to heighten visibility in climbing for underrepresented communities. After participating in the Open Aperture Photo Clinic, Lani hopes to be a contributor to making a more inclusive climbing community.