MAJO RODRIGUEZ
sustainability specialist
Zacatecas, México
Spending time in nature
Bernal, Mexico
Finding mental clarity through climbing
Biography
I'm from Zacatecas and have been living in Mexico City for almost 10 years, and climbing for about the same amount of time. I have a degree in Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development Management and I'm passionate about these topics. I'm always looking for ways to incorporate them into my daily life. Currently, I work as a sustainability consultant, and climbing is my way to unwind, connect with myself, conquer my fears, and de-stress from a busy day. I've supported NGOs (like FMV) on socio-environmental projects and environmental conservation, as well as engaging the local and climbing community to build stronger ties around these causes. I love reading, going to instrumental music concerts, climbing, spending time in nature, and constantly learning.
Q&A
Q: How did you discover your passion for climbing?
A: First week of college, my friends and I went looking for a sport we could do together, but we realized we wanted very different things. I discovered that climbing was a formal sport and decided to try it. After a couple of tries without following a defined route, and feeling so calm and flowing, I decided I would stay there. Since that day, climbing has become a safe space for me, a place where I met great and good friends (even mentors), and the space where I feel capable of developing and being myself.
Q: What aspect of climbing do you find most exhilarating or rewarding?
A: Pushing beyond my limits, even when fear and exhaustion threaten to pull me down. Committing to that next move, knowing that in that moment, all that matters is giving it my all.
Q: How do you see the future of climbing evolving, and what role do you hope to play in it?
A: I believe that the trend of climbing is growing rapidly, and there’s a ‘danger’ that customs (that I knew when I started climbing), such as taking care of the areas, healthy coexistence, respect for the communities that develop in the surroundings, among others, may be lost due to misinformation or not going climbing with people who follow these customs. For this reason, I would like to be part of the climbing community that maintains these customs, ideas, and habits day to day to be able to enjoy the spaces for a long time and safely.
Q: What aspect of climbing do you find most exhilarating or rewarding?
A: Making that extra move even when I'm tired, pumped, or full of fear, thinking I want to come down. Making that move convinced that it's now or never, whether I stick it or fall, just giving a little more.
Q: Have you had any memorable experiences testing or providing feedback on ACOPA products during their development process?
A: When they modified the metal ring for the velcro, which now has a coating that no longer allows it to open and the velcro is left useless. It's nice to feel heard when giving my opinion for simple improvements.
