Central Virginia chapter

Connect:

Email: centralvirginachapter@americanalpineclub.org or richmondchapter@americanalpineclub.org

Stay updated on our events and happenings on our Facebook!

Meet Your Chapter Leader

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Ben Garza -

Chapter Chair

Even as a kid growing up in Florida, Ben knew the mountains were calling. One day he decided to answer the call, so he took a mountaineering course in NH and has been hooked ever since. After moving to the DC area, he joined the AAC and PATC-MS and started to get involved with the Mid-Atlantic climbing community.

Ben is an obsessed ice climber in the winter, climbing in the Rockies, Northeast, and whatever few days of ice the Mid-Atlantic will deliver. When winter ends, Ben still hunts for ice on routes like Rainier's Liberty Ridge and the North Ridge of Baker. He rock climbs at Seneca and local crags the rest of the year.

Ben is also a filmmaker who is passionate about sharing his love for climbing with the world.

Jenna - Co-Chair

I am an Ohio transplant and moved to Virginia in 2018. Shortly after, I started my climbing journey here in Richmond in 2019. I am passionate about the climbing community and fostering a positive environment for everyone to enjoy this sport which has changed my life dramatically over the past few years. I am a leader with the Boulder Babes Coalition (BBC) as well as the Ladies Climbing Coalition (LCC),both of which focus on fostering community and breaking down barriers to access for folks of marginalized genders. I host monthly meet-ups through both the BBC and LCC out of my home gym located in Richmond, VA as well as hosting outdoor meet-ups and volunteer opportunities. I enjoy all disciplines of rock climbing, but you will mainly find me with my crash pad and chalk bucket at a local bouldering crag! Recently, I have been frequently visiting local crags on the blue ridge parkway orin the James River Park System here in Richmond, and hope to continue promoting the development of these areas. I also frequent the New River Gorge and volunteer with the New River Alliance of Climbers Outreach Committee. When I am not climbing, you can find me enjoying the beautiful trails and park systems that this area has to offer! I enjoy hiking, paddle boarding, and running. I am also a certified yoga teacher through the Yoga Alliance and love to use my practice and teaching as a way to enhance the mind/body as it relates to climbing.