Rachael Zimmerman

My backyard was limitless growing up in Colorado; my Great Great Grandfather was one of the first settlers to explore the terrain on his covered wagon. Naturally most of my adventures began in the Rockies before exploring further. While living on Maui, I biked up Haleakala-10,000 vertical feet from sea to summit! My desire to see all the parks has never wavered. There isn't a park I wouldn't be stoked to explore! American Samoa, Gates of the Arctic, & the White Sands are at the top of my list!

There are so many! I'll recall a few: helicopter skiing with my family in British Columbia was incredible! Skiing was a huge part of my childhood, this shared experience was intense (we watched an avalanche)! Exploring ice caves on Iceland was dreamy- the bluest blue & being awestruck of the fragility of the glacier, reminding me that change is the only constant. Photographing the world's best surfers at Pe'ahi (Jaws) & the adrenaline of watching my friends! Photographing for adventure brands!

I lost my condo on Maui in the deadliest wildfire in modern history.My life changed drastically as I navigated losing my belongings, professional photography equipment & had nowhere to live. Now a year later, I'm living between Maui & Colorado, staying with friends & family. The $10,000 would help me pay for my mortgage; I'm still responsible to pay even though there's nothing there! While also help me rebuild my photography business, life, & get outside to care for my mental health after this!