Women Thriving in the Wilds: Climbing Mt. Denali for Dr. Jennifer Konopka
Welcome to our first post of our latest series at Musa Masala. We are calling this one, Women Thriving in the Wilds. We are going to tell significant and amazing stories of personal adventure, struggle, and growth while mixing in education and important tips for travel, trekking, climbing and an assortment of outdoor activities. Where challenges seem to be a mountain too high, our authors went up and over. We want to inspire and motivate while helping with practical advice for anyone, but we want to be specific on some of the unique challenges women face for equal and enjoyable participation. (If you have a story to share or an idea, contact us!)
Let’s start with our announcement of a climb of Mt. Denali in memory of one exceptional human, Dr. Jennifer Konopka. Jen was a fire that lit Musa Masala from the beginning. She left this world at age 60. As we keep saying, humanity can’t afford to loose people like her. This post is a tribute to her.
Now here is our friend Teresa Dalsager, who is traveling with the Denali team but will not be climbing. She is coordinating with us and the team so we are looking forward to her dispatches. Teresa is a rescue leader with Portland Mountain Rescue, an avid climber and she took our cover photo.
We wish the team a fun climb, good weather, and many wonderful days on that amazing mountain. Jam Jam!!
Dr. Jennifer Knopka
Women Thriving in the Wilds: Dr. Jen and Mt. Denali
By Teresa Dalsager
Sometimes a single piece of gear represents a world of possibilities. In this case, it's an ice axe. And that's where our story begins.
Last year, Musa Masala friend and supporter Rich Konopka, husband of our beloved late Dr. Jennifer Konopka, had an idea. Rich is a member of Portland Mountain Rescue and Dr. Jen was also an active member. Rich hatched a plan to help sponsor a team of all-female mountain rescuers from Portland Mountain Rescue and The Crag Rats in Oregon on an expedition to climb Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet (6,190 meters).
His request was simple but deeply meaningful: carry Dr. Jen's ice axe to the summit.
The symbolism extends far beyond the climb itself. It’s a powerful way to keep Dr. Jen's work and legacy alive, while creating an opportunity for a multigenerational team of women to share an experience that demands commitment, stamina, strength, teamwork, and grit.
And so, it begins.
The Denali team with Dr. Jen’s ice axe
On June 6, a team of four women will begin their journey to Denali with Dr. Jen's ice axe in hand: Lisa Rust and her daughter, Bergen Rust, of The Crag Rats, and Paige Baugher and Petra LeBaron-Botts of Portland Mountain Rescue.
Petra shared: "For me, this climb is the manifestation of the proverb, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ I think about how far women have come in high-altitude and expedition mountaineering, and how far I've come in my own climbing journey. This is a chance to go further together with a group of strong, dedicated, and adventurous co-rescuers and friends from the mountain rescue community.
"We’re also climbing in memory of a woman whose life embodied generosity and service, and it is an honor to carry her legacy with us. This climb is not just a physical and mental challenge, but a reflection of partnership and the enduring impact of showing up for others."
Musa Masala will be cheering for the team and wishing them safe travels as they climb.
Stay tuned for more of their story as the expedition unfolds.
