With nearly seven years at Petzl America, where he works as a Vendor Compliance Specialist, Fernando brings deep technical expertise in climbing equipment, safety standards, and outdoor program logistics. His professional insights into equipment performance and risk management directly inform the quality and safety of our community programs at LOCO POR LA AVENTURA.

As a volunteer, Fernando supports the design of inclusive, skill-building climbing experiences that are culturally relevant and accessible to Latino participants. He uses his industry knowledge to help ensure that our events are not only safe and educational—but also empowering, community-driven, and grounded in equity.

My name is Erika Eileen Prats.
My favorite sport is mountaineering, climbing high peaks.
My challenge this summer will be Baker, Sulphide Glacier to Shuksan, and Rainier.
I met Anibal and Mate in the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEPS) with the Mazamas.

My name is Brian Corral.
My favorite activity is rock climbing.
I would like to climb Life in Space in Squamish.
I know them through the Mazamas and the Latino BCEP course.

Hi, I’m Sabrina, and I started venturing into the outdoors in 2011 when I summited Mount St. Helens with a group of friends from work. I had so much fun that I knew I wanted more. I took the Mazamas Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) in 2012. Through Mazamas, I’ve made lifelong friends, including my current partner Jason and our dear friend Aníbal.

Loco Por La Aventura has been an incredible opportunity to share my love for the outdoors and help others discover what they’re truly capable of—we are all so much stronger than we think! People say, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone,” and I believe that’s true. So let’s get out there and start living!

My name is Victor García.

Favorite Outdoor Activity: Rock climbing.
Next Challenge: This year, my personal goal is to climb V7 boulders and, if possible, V8+.

How I Met “Loco por la Aventura”: I met María Teresa and Aníbal in Portland. María and I were classmates in English classes. While we were talking, she mentioned that Aníbal was a mountaineer and climber. Soon after, we went to a climbing gym for a bit, and it wasn’t until last summer that they invited me to activities like cycling, climbing, rafting, and mountain biking, exploring different areas around Oregon. I might even join the dance classes… maybe.

My name is Ann Marie Pyper.

Favorite Activity: Rafting (even though I’ve only done it once with Loco por la Aventura). I took the leap and loved it—so much that I’m already looking forward to summer to do it again!

Next Challenge: Indoor climbing. I’d like to give it a try and overcome my fear of heights.

I met Mate and Aníbal eight years ago. I’m not sure if Loco por la Aventura already existed back then, but I’ve seen how it has evolved. It’s been amazing to see how they’ve grown and added activities that motivate everyone—regardless of experience level, age, or gender.

My name is Erick Bustos.

Favorite Outdoor Activity: Mountain biking.
Next Challenge: Climbing Mt. Hood.

How I Met Loco por la Aventura: I met Mate and Aníbal in an English course. They were the first Venezuelans (just like my wife and me) we met in Portland, six months after we arrived. From that moment, we became very close friends. So, we’ve had the chance to see Loco por la Aventura be born and grow 👏

My name is Rotciv García Lozada.

Favorite Activities: Rafting & hiking.

Next Goal: To try a new sport with Loco por la Aventura.

My husband first met Aníbal on a hike, and later he introduced me to him and María Teresa—and we became friends

My name is Frederick Jesús Cruz Hurtado.

Next Challenge: Mt. Rainier.

Gretta told me I should join Loco por la Aventura because there’s a guy named Aníbal who I would probably get along with—and she was right.

Full Name: Ali Marie Koch (she/her)

Favorite Outdoor Activity: scuba diving, rock climbing, splitboard mountaineering

Next Challenge You Want to Tackle: I’ve been training hard for my first ice climbing trip in the Canadian Rockies next month. I’ll be spending 10 days in the Ghost Wilderness climbing frozen waterfalls and single and multipitch ice routes

How Did You Learn About Loco por la Aventura?

I got to meet Anibal on a 2-day Mazamas climb in the Tatoosh range near Mt. Rainier in July of 2023. He co-led a summit experience for some of our Recovery BCEP (Basic Climb Education Program) mountaineering program grads. I was immediately inspired by the amazing work being done by Loco Por La Aventura to create more equity and representation in outdoor spaces. I identify as a person in long-term recovery and serve as Founder and Director of Recovery Outsiders, an organization that supports trauma survivors and people in mental health, substance use, and eating recovery in building strength, resilience, and community through outdoor adventure-based activities. Our program shares Loco Por La Aventura’s mission to cultivate safe, trauma-informed, accessible opportunities for people to build community while connecting with nature. I’ve since had the privilege of volunteering as an instructor in Loco Por La Aventura’s rock climbing program, and I’ve also had the opportunity to support the organization as a guest speaker at their bi-annual “All Welcome Summit” which is sponsored in partnership with Arc’teryx.

My name is Victor Colominas.

Favorite Outdoor Activities: Trail running & rock climbing.

Next Challenge: I hope to climb Mt. Rainier in 2025. I’m learning rock and snow climbing skills to achieve that goal.

How I Met Loco por la Aventura: Through the Mazamas Basic Climbing Education Program. I learned about the work Loco por la Aventura does, and I felt very inspired to help.

My name is Paola Leon.

Favorite Outdoor Activities: Rock climbing and swimming in lakes and rivers 💙

Next Challenge: To work as a cook on a Sea Shepherd ship. On Instagram: @seashepherd. They are an activist group that travels across the ocean to different places, raising awareness about the environment and marine conservation.

How I Met Loco por la Aventura: Through El Salto and Movement Climbing Gym. While doing pop-ups selling food, I did one at Movement, and that night Loco por la Aventura was there too. That’s how we met and connected.

My name is Manuel Gonzalez

Favorite Activity: It would be hard to pick just one thing I enjoy the most. Throughout my life in Cuba, I played all kinds of sports, and coming to Oregon really broadened my horizons, giving me many new opportunities and experiences. But without a doubt, rock climbing stands out—though I’m always looking for new challenges.

How Did You Meet Loco por la Aventura? I heard about Loco por la Aventura through some friends, and ever since then, I’ve been hooked on the group.

My name is Kathleen Marcano

Favorite Activities:Rafting, dance therapy, and snowshoeing.
Next Challenge:Skiing! 🎿
How I Met Them:I found out about them through the Venezuelans in Portland group.

My name is Gabriela Sisco

My Favorite Outdoor Activity: Hiking. I love getting out into nature and enjoying the flowers, landscapes, and the peace and tranquility it offers.

How I Met Aníbal: I met Aníbal while taking a mountaineering class at Mazamas—he was co-leading the group formed for Latinos.

My name is Victor Bencomo

My favorite activity is hiking.

⁠Supporting my dear friends and founders of Loco por la Aventura.