Leader Spotlight: Brynne Koscianski

Leader Spotlight is a monthly blog to showcase our incredible volunteer leadership at The Mountaineers. Meet this month's featured leader: Brynne Koscianski. She is a Mountaineers Board Director and prospective Mini Mountaineers volunteer!
Michelle Song Michelle Song
Volunteer Development Manager
January 28, 2022
Leader Spotlight: Brynne Koscianski

For our Leader Spotlight this month we talked to Brynne Koscianski, a volunteer leader with the Seattle Branch who serves on the Finance Committee and as a Director At Large on The Mountaineers Board. 

Name: Brynne Koscianski
Branch: Seattle 
How long have you been a leader? 3 
What activities do you lead? Mountaineering, backcountry skiing, eventually Mini Mountaineers!

Leadership Questions

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO volunteer WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?

 I'm so thankful for how The Mountaineers has helped me increase my skills to get outside in bigger objectives, safely. I have also met AMAZING friends through this organization. It's truly a gift to be able to support this organization in return. Plus, when you are out having fun leading a trip it hardly feels like "work" :)

WHAT IS THE BEST, FAVORITE, OR MOST MEMORABLE experience YOU'VE HAD WITH THE CLUB?

The first time we climbed Eldorado on a Basic climb. I got to lead the trip, and my rope team, along that knifepoint edge at the summit. It was so beautiful, and thrilling. I had never experienced anything like that before. It remains one of my absolute favorite climbs.

How has your leadership style evolved as you've gained experience?

As a student I've been unbelievably appreciative of the volunteers I've learned from. As a volunteer leader I've been surprised by how rewarding that end of the equation is too. It's so fun to support members as part of their learning journey, and time outside with great people is always fun.

What is one thing you do on trips to create positive experience for people of all skills and backgrounds?

As a female leader I try to make sure I'm available as a mentor to female students. Many of the activities I love doing are traditionally male-dominated, so I understand how helpful it can be to both have role models that look like you and the opportunity to learn in environments that feel comfortable. More broadly, I try to pick a pace that work for the group and start with a shared objective of having fun.

IT'S OFTEN SAID: "GOOD JUDGEMENT COMES FROM EXPERIENCE; EXPERIENCE COMES FROM BAD JUDGEMENT." ANY LEARNING EXPERIENCES YOU CAN SHARE TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY BUILD THEIR GOOD JUDGEMENT?

 After my husband and I completed our Basic Mountaineering course we decided to climb Dragontail together. We hadn't done enough research on the route, and were surprised by the technical complexity of a steep snow descent. Navigating the descent without a rope was definitely a heart-pounding event. We safely exited, but we're humbled that we weren't ready for any "Basic" route by ourselves. We also did WAY more route research after that, especially to know the crux of a climb.

What advice do you have for aspiring leaders in The Mountaineers community?

Take the leap! Contact a leader you admire, see if you can mentor under them. You'll have a great time getting outside.

Lightning Round

What's your go-to place for a post-trip meal? Giant burger, fries, and milkshake, ideally on a mountain highway
How about your best trail snack? Original Coca Cola at the summit. Caffeine, sugar, hydration. Can't be beat!
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? Discovery Park trail run
Who is your Mountaineers hero? Gavin Woody. I aim to be more like him in every aspect of my life
What 11th Essential do you bring on most trips? CocaCola for the summit
What's next on your bucket list? Figuring out how to adventure with a kiddo!

is there Someone that you'd like to see in the spotlight?

We are always seeking nominations for an impactful leader of our community to spotlight! Send an email to Michelle Song to make a recommendation for one of our upcoming Leader Spotlights!


Add a comment

Log in to add comments.