In January 2007, a team of ten women met in the heart of East Africa to take on three of Africa's tallest peaks in an effort to assist in the fight against poverty. The team did more than just climb - they struggled for over two years prior to raise money and awareness for three peak issues affecting Africa today; HIV/AIDS, education and the environment.
Outdoor DIVAS had a chance to sit down and ask Laura a few questions about her experience with the team.... Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in the project? I am currently living in Seattle, Washington which has been the perfect location for me to hit the trails, the beaches, and the mountains. After visiting in September ‘07 for a climb up Mt. Rainier, I decided to relocate after falling in love with the area. I have been involved with issues in Africa for over 5 years now, and spent over 2 years living and working in East Africa, primarily Tanzania. I met Chloe Chick, founder of 3 Peaks, while in Tanzania ‘04 and immediately supported her vision to take on the challenge and summit 3 of Africa's highest peaks in less than 3 weeks to support education, the environment, and HIV/AIDS in Africa. I am now working with the Grameen Foundation and intrigued by all of our projects which similarly are focused on aiding in the fight against poverty. How did you first get involved in climbing mountains?
Like many of the girls on the challenge, I admit to being a complete amateur. An overall inspiration for climbing mountains came from summiting Oldoinyo Lengai - an active volcano in the heart of the East African Rift Valley. It is a mixture of incredibly steep friction climbs on old lava flows, endless trekking up narrow passages filled with scree, and tons of excitement and lava bubbling at the top. Not to mention, views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru, the Rift Valley, and Lake Natron, that are indescribable. What was your first summit like vs. the last (of the three)?
The first mountain on the 3 Peaks 3 Weeks Challenge is Mt. Kenya (17,058ft). There was so much energy and anticipation leading up to the challenge that Mt. Kenya came easiest for me. It was no doubt, the most stunning mountain, with pristine blue alpine lakes, massive glaciers, and serenity - we were one of only a few climbing parties on the mountain. It was great getting to know the other girls during that first week - and the success of the first summit only increased the excitement leading up to the next two. It was the best way to celebrate our success - and all the hard work paid off. Had you traveled much before you went to Africa with the 3 weeks, 3 peaks crew?
I've had an urge to travel ever since I was little. I can remember flipping through National Geographic’s and marking every place I wanted to visit. I had done a fair bit of travel prior to 3 Peaks, mostly throughout sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Swaziland, and South Africa. I also had the opportunity to visit Peru a few months before 3 Peaks and used the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu as training. What sports/activities did you grow up doing?
Sports? I wouldn't say I never excelled at any sports. I tried everything my older brother was involved in soccer, baseball, karate and basketball. My favorite growing up was volleyball and in college I played intramural softball. But I never considered myself an athlete. I hated running a mile every morning in gym class and would hide in the bushes from the PE teacher so that I could get out of it. Would you consider yourself an outdoor DIVA? I like the title. Unfortunately at the moment with the lack of daylight hours and sunshine I am a bit of an indoor DIVA, but come Spring I am ready to hit the trails again. There is nothing like sleeping under the stars, staying up by the campfire all night, and being outside. Any really memorable events take place that didn't make the film?
I haven't seen the film yet, so it is hard to say. But I know there were two and half years of hard-pressed fundraising, work, and dedication that went into the event as a whole. It literally started with an idea and over time we were able to make an audience around the world believing in it. But it took endless amounts of stress, tears, and sleepless nights. There are no doubt moments in Africa that were never documented which inspired the event's creation. We were faced with huge and very emotional issues like seeing brilliant children unable to get an education because they couldn't afford a school uniform, or orphans left behind as their parents died from HIV/AIDS. Moments where we realized we were just ten ordinary women and that the struggle to create such an event was far greater than we imagined What is next?
There is always something. And that is the easiest answer I have. My desire to help communities in Africa and the developing world did not end as we descended down the last mountain. What lead you to this experience? Passion.
Do any other stories come to mind or if you have any last words to share with us?
Any woman can take on the 3 Peaks 3 Weeks Challenge. For those interested visit: www.3peaks3weeks.org Part of our goal was to inspire other men and women abroad to take on a challenge for themselves. Whatever that may be - we truly believe, that you too, can accomplish your dreams! 
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