Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at 13 and trekking to Everest Base Camp at 15 were unforgettable experiences, but the people who stayed with me long after the mountains were the porters. Watching them carry extraordinary loads day after day made me wonder what lasting impact that work had on their health and what simple changes could make a difference.

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That question led me to start PeakPower, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting mountain porter communities through better equipment and educational opportunities. Working alongside local partners, we've distributed more than 100 ergonomic back harnesses, created a Swahili pain survey to better understand their needs, and raised funds to support porter education. PeakPower continues to grow as we look for practical, sustainable ways to improve the lives of the people who make these incredible expeditions possible.