Mia Axon’s journey is anything but ordinary: varsity gymnast, professional harpist, two-time national climbing champion, World Cup finalist, and one of the first women in the world to climb 5.14a. Alongside her accomplishments on rock, she built a successful career in fundraising, served on Access Fund’s board, and continues to support the climbing community through advocacy and philanthropy. When she created her estate plan, Mia included a legacy gift to Access Fund to help ensure that the crags, communities, and advocacy she loves will continue to thrive for generations to come. We sat down with Axon to learn why supporting Access Fund is meaningful to her.

A Conversation With Mia Axon:

Axon climbs Planet Earth (5.14a) in the Virgin River Gorge.

How did you get started as a climber?
I grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan—before climbing gyms were around. My introduction to climbing came during family vacations to mountain regions across the U.S. and Europe. My parents loved the hills, and on those trips my father taught my brothers and me how to rock climb. In fourth grade, I began both gymnastics and harp, and those two passions carried me through college at the University of Michigan. One summer, while in Aspen on a music fellowship, I took my first climbing lesson with Molly Higgins. When I returned for a second lesson, she said, “You don’t need more lessons—you just need to climb.” So I did. By the time I returned to finish my degree, I identified as a climber. After several years working as a professional harpist, I transitioned into a career in fundraising—just as my climbing began to take off. I won the Tour de Pump series from 1992 to 1995, became a two-time national champion, made the World Cup finals twice, and in 1996 became the fourth woman in the world to climb 5.14a.

What first motivated you to become involved with Access Fund?
I joined the Access Fund board in 1995, at the height of my competition climbing career. At the time, I was working full-time as a fundraiser—an invaluable skill for any nonprofit board. I was already volunteering in other ways, including helping to launch the Action Committee for Eldorado, so supporting Access Fund felt like a natural next step. Climbing has given me so much— friends, community, adventure—and serving on the Access Fund board allowed me to give back to the sport even as I focused on my own climbing. Now, as a fundraising consultant, I continue to focus on helping organizations that reflect my values and passions.

Who in climbing advocacy inspires you?

My time on the Access Fund board deepened my understanding of advocacy and the many dimensions of protecting climbing access. I have immense respect for the individuals who’ve dedicated their work to this cause. Armando Menocal, Access Fund’s founder, was a good friend, and I deeply admire his early efforts to address climbing access head-on.

I’m also grateful for the work of Erik Murdock—leading the effort to get the EXPLORE Act passed. Others who have inspired me include former Access Fund executive directors Chris Winter, Brady Robinson, Sally Moser, and John “JJ” Juraschek. There are so many others who have carried the mission forward. I have special appreciation for unsung heroes like Kevin Powell, who has spent decades replacing bolts in Joshua Tree.

What’s does leaving a climbing legacy mean to you?
As a fundraiser, I understand the power of planned giving. A bequest—a revocable gift in your will or trust—offers donors flexibility while giving organizations the ability to plan for the future. These gifts can feel like small miracles: they may not be realized for years, but when they are, they sustain an organization’s work. For me, legacy giving is about both giving back and providing peace of mind to my family. Having an estate plan ensures that your loved ones know your intentions and that your values live on. I encourage every climber to consider it. I hope my story inspires others to put their plans in writing—so the climbing community and landscapes we love will be protected for generations to come. Learn more about planned giving here.