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The Board of Directors
These individuals constitute the governing Board of Directors for Climb Beyond the Barrier Inc. They adhere to a stringent code of conduct, ensuring the organization's alignment with its mission.
Jason Traylor - President
Jason has been an enthusiastic climber since early 2013, with over a decade of experience in and out of the climbing gym industry. A graduate of the School of Music at Georgia State University, he embarked on community organizing in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, recognizing the necessity for an LGBTQ+ space within the climbing community in Atlanta. This initiative, Unharnessed Pride, was the pioneering program under Climb Beyond the Barrier’s umbrella. Serving as a sanctuary for individuals for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, the club provides a secure and inclusive environment for collective climbing experiences.
Understanding the importance of inclusivity, Jason ensured that the club embraced all individuals, recognizing that building bridges is essential to connecting underrepresented communities with the majority. Through this club, Jason expanded his involvement in other community endeavors, all aimed at enhancing climbing accessibility for marginalized groups and fostering safe and inviting environments for their growth and flourishing.
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Dr. Rachel Harmon - Secretary
Rachel Harmon, a Visiting Assistant Professor in Political Science at Emory University, brings a wealth of experience to her role. With a background in community and nonprofit organizing, she founded and directs the EverWell International Scholarship, supporting survivors of human trafficking academically and financially. Additionally, Harmon contributes to developing programs for autistic students through the Georgia College Transition Partnership and teaches in an educational program for adults who are incarcerated. Her passion for climbing, coupled with her identity as an autistic queer person, has fueled her desire to foster community and inclusivity in the climbing world. Through her involvement with Climb Beyond the Barrier, Harmon aims to expand access to climbing for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
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Shannon Schneider - Treasurer
Founder of Queer Climbing Columbus a 501c3 non profit in Ohio. He has then expanded the Queer Climbing organizations to other cities around the state including Cleveland and Cincinnati. Hosted monthly meetups at local climbing gyms around the state along with opportunities for climbers to meetup and experience local outdoor crags like the Mad River Gorge, Flat Rocks, Hocking Hills, John Bryan, and Whipps Ledges. Last year Shannon also helped organize a weekend affinity event at the Red River Gorge where climbers had the opportunity to participate in guided climbing experiences, and complete a stewardship project to give back to the area. Shannon is truly committed to not only expanding access to climbing by helping remove barriers to entry and fostering a safe and inclusive community, but also encouraging all climbers to be stewards of the areas where we are climbing by giving back and spending their day working at Adopt a Crag events. Along with all of the work Shannon does through the various Queer Climbing groups in Ohio, he also serves as the Membership Director of the Ohio Climbers Coalition. Through his service on the OCC board, Shannon helps advocate for climbing around Ohio, and makes sure that our members are aware of the work we and the Access Fund are doing to protect and promote climbing access.
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Ryan Laganson - Director of Brand and Marketing
Ryan Laganson, who joins us as the Director of Brand and Marketing. With a diverse background in design, Ryan is looking forward to bringing his skillset to CBB. He has been climbing for 7 years, brings a wealth of first hand trad experience and a deep-seated passion for fostering diversity and inclusion within the climbing community.
Ryan's journey in climbing has taken him to some of the most revered crags across the country, including Indian Creek (UT), New River Gorge (WV), and Linville Gorge (NC). Ryan is a staunch advocate for outdoor education, believing wholeheartedly in the transformative power of nature to healing the mind and body.
At "Climb Beyond the Barrier," Ryan will spearhead our efforts to amplify our mission of building a more inclusive climbing community. Through strategic branding and marketing initiatives, he aims to amplify diverse voices and provide equitable opportunities for all individuals to engage with and thrive in the world of climbing.​