Never Stop Exploring

We’re on a mission to make the outdoors a more diverse and inclusive space. Together, Refinery29 and The North Face host Never Stop Exploring, an event that’s part conversation, part climbing session, giving you a chance to learn the ropes from some of the world’s best female athletes and explorers.

Join us for welcome drinks and healthy snacks before an hour-long panel talk hosted by writer and presenter Chanté Joseph. Hear from three inspiring women, climber Caroline Ciavaldini, model and activist Shareefa J and hiker Amira Patel, as they open up about the power of sport at different stages of their lives and careers. They’ll tackle inclusivity in outdoor sports – and how activities like climbing are becoming increasingly accessible to people of all ages, genders, backgrounds and abilities.

You’ll then take to the boulders (if you wish!) with a fun, supervised climbing session, open to all ages and abilities.

You’ll also be treated to an exclusive screening of Baby Steps, the latest short film from The North Face that offers a raw insight into how Caroline balances climbing with motherhood.

Attendees will receive an exclusive goodie bag packed with merch from The North Face and Refinery29.

All ticket sales will be donated to Outward Bound.

On the panel are:

Caroline Ciavaldini, climber

Caroline, 36, is a French pro rock climber, who grew up on the island of Reunion, where she discovered climbing at age 12. At 17, she made her first World Cup podium, followed by a decade of competition experience and numerous first ascents while studying to become a biology teacher. In 2011, she crowned her pro career with the world championship in Chamonix. Today, Caroline is traveling the world with her husband, fellow athlete James Pearson, and their two children, focusing more on exploring the outdoors and adventure climbing, chronicling their travels at @onceuponaclimb. The North Face athlete shows it’s possible to thrive while combining motherhood with high-risk climbing.

Shareefa J, model and mental health advocate

Shareefa, 30, is a British model, adventure runner, fitness lover and activist based in London. After training in musical theatre, she began her international career as a plus-size model in 2012. She lived in Sydney and travelled all over from New Zealand to Germany, unfortunately being subjected to racism and body shaming along the way. These experiences fuelled Shareefa’s quest to promote body awareness and racial diversity in the fashion and advertising world. Today, the passionate runner and lover of the outdoors uses her platform to promote positive body image and acceptance. Her key message? That everyone – whatever their background, shape, or size – deserves to feel happy, healthy and accepted in their body.

Amira Patel, hiker and founder of The Wanderlust Women

Amira, 29, is a passionate hiker from Bolton, Greater Manchester, and founder of The Wanderlust Women, a community for Muslim women hikers aimed at diversifying the outdoors. Amira always loved the outdoors but didn’t always feel welcome after she decided to start wearing the Niqab. Instead of being discouraged by this, she founded The Wanderlust Women. Amira fell in love with nature, adventure and exploration during a solo backpacking trip at 22. It was then that she decided to leave her home in Bolton, move to the Lake District and start hiking.

Hosted by:

Chanté Joseph, writer, journalist and presenter

Chanté is a writer, journalist, digital content producer and host of Channel 4’s How Not To Be Racist and House of Horoscopes. In 2020, she fronted The Face Magazine’s My Public Me podcast. She writes everything from celebrity interviews to cultural commentary for publications including British Vogue, The Guardian, Gal-dem, Complex, The I Paper, Huffington Post and VICE. Chanté is currently writing for her first book, A Quick Ting On: The Black British Power Movement, due out in summer 2022.

FAQs:

How do I get there? The best way to get there is by public transport with Blackhorse Road Overground/Underground (Victoria Line) only 200m away.

What should I wear to the event? Anything you can move freely in – your usual gym clothes will do. We’ve got changing facilities on-site and will sort you out with shoe hire on the day.

Will there be a cloakroom? Yes

Is the event accessible? Yes, Yonder is fully accessible.