The wise and wonderful Connie Lightner

Member of the USA Climbing Board of Directors, Connie Lightner is also the mother of elite climber Kai Lightner. Playing an instrumental role in guiding her son’s success domestically and internationally, she possesses a unique understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented to climbing families.

In the second keynote of the Women's Climbing Symposium's tenth anniversary year, Connie discusses the joys and challenges of supporting young climbers and how to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in our sport. Topics include: injury, schoolwork, eating disorders, staying grounded, when to step in, social media, COVID motivation and how she racked up more belaying hours than anyone else, EVER!