Women of Sender One: Part 1 - Sender One Climbing

We are incredibly fortunate to work with a solid group of women who not only align with our core values but are mentors and leaders. To the women of Sender One, the managers, gym staff, and yoga instructors, we are inspired by you -- a unique bunch where some are moms, sisters, artists, runners, aerialists, and even an ex-stunt double. Thank you for your passion, kindness, teamwork, and authenticity!

In this two-part blog series and in light of Women’s History Month, we asked a few questions to some of the women at Sender One. Find out who they look up to, discover recommendations for women-focused books/films/podcasts, and take in some thoughtful advice.

Check out Women of Sender One: Part 2 here.

Now, here are some of our wonderful ladies from Sender One SNA and LAX!

Jordan Terry

LAX Gym Manager
w/ Sender One since 2016

Women who inspire you:
There are some spectacular well-known women who inspire me (RBG, AOC, Georgia O'Keefe, Frida) but honestly, I draw most of my inspiration from the amazing women I spend my day-to-day with. Since I started at Sender One I've been truly uplifted by the women in leadership at this company. It would be a dream if someone told me I was a little bit like Alice, a little bit like Nicole, Morgan, Crystal, Michelle & so on. The woman I want to be is one that draws from the strengths (& weaknesses) of these truly incredible women I have the honor to work with. They are the best teachers & partners I could have ever asked for. Also, my daughter is my reason for everything.
Favorite women-focused recommendations

Books:
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
Anything Barbara Kingsolver or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Music:
Beyonce, Jessie Ware & Lianne La Havas when you need a musical boost

Advice for women & young girls
It's okay to be your totally weird authentic self. It's what makes you special (even when it also makes you cringe). Own who you are, keep your heart open to growing, value yourself highly, and advocate for yourself always. You are perfect!

Morgan Sander

SNA Gym Manager
w/ Sender One since 2015

Women who inspire you:
I am surrounded by amazing women who exemplify what it means to follow your passions through your career - in particular, my mom and my sister, my students, and the team of incredible women I get to work with daily. As leaders in education, sports, and the outdoor and climbing industry, their drive, compassion, and grit lead them to accomplish whatever they set out for.
Favorite women-focused recommendations
The Artist Athlete Podcast
Advice for women & young girls
If you try to follow someone else's path through life, it's like trying to force a puzzle piece into space where it doesn't quite fit. Step off someone's else path and embrace what makes you, YOU. Your path is yours.

Michelle Mitchell

LAX Programs Manager
w/ Sender One since 2017

Women who inspire you:
I'm inspired by all female athletes, whether they're weekend warriors or professionals. Here are a few of the women that I constantly look up to Mia Hamm and pretty much the entire US women’s soccer team. Serena Williams. Courtney Dauwalter. Allyson Felix. Alexi Pappas. Beth Rodden. All of these women continue to demonstrate leadership, grace, humility, and commitment in and out of their sport. They inspire me daily to carry myself in a similar manner in hopes of passing these values on to the next generation of athletes.
Favorite women-focused recommendations

Books:
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
Bravey by Alexi Pappas

Advice for women & young girls
You are capable of more than you think. You can be on the field, court, wall, and track; you can be in the research lab and on the leadership team. You can do it. Don't let others set limitations for you. You’re not too small. You’re not too weak. You’re not unladylike. Dream big, work hard, be nice to people. Make it count.

Laurel Melton

SNA Youth Program
Coordinator
w/ Sender One since 2019

Women who inspire you:

I'm inspired by all the incredible young women that I coach. I get to see them show up to practice every day and work hard to achieve their goals and break through their physical and mental barriers. I am so proud of the supportive and encouraging team environment that they help create.

Favorite women-focused recommendations

Books:
Climbing Free by Lynn Hill
What Kind of Woman by Kate Baer

Podcast:
Masterbeta Ladies Podcast

Advice for women & young girls

Never let anyone tell you that you don't belong in this sport. Appreciate your body and recognize its strengths; your climbing style will likely be different than that of your male peers, but that is not a bad thing! Use those differences to your advantage and develop the more technical side of your climbing--I think you'll be surprised by what you can accomplish.

Alisha Vasquez

SNA Youth Coach, Yoga & Climbing Instructor
w/ Sender One since 2015

Women who inspire you:
I'm inspired by all the super-strong female crushers in our sport who are continuously proving that women can climb as hard as men. I'm also inspired by female athletes of every sport who challenge the stereotypes, expectations, and limitations placed on women.
Favorite women-focused recommendations

Book:
Climbing Free by Lynn Hill

Song:
Free Woman by Lady Gaga

Film:
Pretty Strong

Advice for women & young girls
It takes hard work to overcome the stories that have been ingrained in us about how women should look, think, and act. It's an ongoing process to unlearn all the "shoulds," but it's important work because becoming your authentic self is invaluable.

Anni Nguyen

SNA CX Specialist, Youth Coach, Community Coord.
w/ Sender One since 2015

Women who inspire you:
I am so fortunate to be surrounded by strong, inspiring, and loving women. They include my mother, my sister, my coworkers, and my friends. They have inspired me to show up in life, for myself and for others. I have been given such love and support throughout many changing phases of my life. They show up and I am so blessed to be loved by them. There are too many awesome women to count that have touched me. You know who you are and I'm grateful for you.
Favorite women-focused recommendations

Books:
Untamed by Glennon Doyle and Girl
Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis

Song:
I Choose You by Alessia Clare
Sorry, Not Sorry by Demi Lovato

Films:
Penelope with Christina Ricci
Amelie with Audrey Tautou

Advice for women & young girls
Be you and show up.
Plan your work and work your plan.
Don't "should" all over yourself.
Love greatly and always be kind.

Devan Roper

SNA CX Specialist, Youth Coach
w/ Sender One since 2019

Women who inspire you:
I am inspired by my Mom who fought through stage three colon cancer a couple of years ago. She has had multiple surgeries that changed her body a lot but she has stayed grateful and loving through it all. I hope to be that strong someday.
Favorite women-focused recommendations

Film:
Pretty Strong

Podcast:
TrainingBeta

Advice for women & young girls

My advice would be to slow down and appreciate what you have in the present. There is always a little bit of good to be found, when I am feeling really beat up from the world I try to take a step back and just look at what I have and say "this is enough."

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