Oral history interview of Jessica Powell, conducted by Tallie Casucci (audio and transcript)

Jessica Powell (b. 1988) grew up outside of Boise, Idaho. Her family spent weekends camping, riding dirt bikes, and snowmobiling. Jess moved to Salt Lake City to Utah county and got a job at a gear store and eventually progressed to a management role. In 2013 Jess started working at Black Diamond Equipment in Salt Lake City in sales and eventually became the Event and Partnership Manager. In this role, Jess discusses several initiatives that she's excited about, including creating Beladies, a women's climbing group and event series, and creating opportunities for marginalized communities to diversify the outdoor recreation industry. After George Floyd's murder in summer 2020, Black Diamond Equipment set aside $250,000 to diversify the outdoors, by creating programs and providing sponsorships for AMGA certification for people from marginalized communities. Jess also discusses her roles at the Salt Lake Climbers Alliance and goals as the new Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Jess sees mentorship as a huge need for the industry and climbing community.