2022 Fellow Focus: Mckayla Warwick + Collective Climb
Educator, artist, changemaker…2022 Fellow Mckayla Warwick of Collective Climb shares more about her #RuthlessForGood journey.
What propelled you into the entrepreneurial space? And what do you enjoy most about being a founder?
I did not become a co-founder of Collective Climb out of an initial desire to be an entrepreneur. Perhaps like most, I wanted to commit my life to value-aligned work that fueled me creatively, spiritually, and intellectually. Over time, I realized that I experienced all of this when I channeled my energy into building innovative educational and cultural spaces for youth. What started off as an informal practice became something important to the lives of young people and their families in my community. In essence, I entered the entrepreneurial space because it became a necessity to expand these efforts and because I couldn't see myself doing anything else.
What do you enjoy most about being a founder?
I love that I get to navigate life 100% as myself. I don't have to turn myself "down" to show up in spaces that were not created with me in mind. Instead, if I find myself in environments where there is no alignment, I get to say no or set the terms of engagement. As a Black woman, this is so freeing! I only want to live a life where I am free.
What is one piece of advice that has been the most impactful to your journey as an entrepreneur so far?
Community is everything. Work like this cannot be completed alone.
Tell us about an experience you had as an entrepreneur or in starting your company that exemplified one of Camelback's core values: "Belief in Mission + Vision"; "Unafraid of Failure"; "Constant Learner"; "Humble + Hungry"; and "Give First."
I co-founded Collective Climb at 21 years old. At this time, I did not have a multitude of leadership experiences from which to draw. Instead, I had youthful energy and a hopeful vision for the community and world I want to live in. Embracing that I do not (nor could I ever) know everything there is to know, I stepped into the work with an intention of being a constant learner. I have learned the most from conversations with youth and elders and used these ideas to shift every single approach and program. Collective Climb has never shied away from pivoting, and I think there is a beauty in that.
As a social innovator, what legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations?
Let's normalize divesting from what we are supposed to do, and instead live like we exist in the world we hope to create.
What's your favorite book or podcast that you draw entrepreneurial inspiration from?
I admit, I use books to engage in vision-planning/world creating. I glean entrepreneurial inspiration from conversations with those that I hold dearly. Shoutout to a few folks: Dr. Brian Peterson, Grandpa, Dr. Reverend Donna Jones, Dr. Towanna Jones, etc.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
As someone who is already really emotional, I may regret this... but super senses! Without feelings, life grows mundane, cold, and relentless. I love to be emotionally present, even when that means resting in pain. It is my goal for people to be more connected to themselves, and ultimately their communities so we can tap into our collective power.
Anything else you want to share about yourself and/or your Camelback Fellowship journey?
I am delighted to be a Camelback Fellow. [During Welcome Week], I spent a few days getting to know my cohort and I have never felt so immediately understood. At no point did I have to explain myself or posture – I just showed up as me. So many people poured into my spirit, letting me know that they see me as I am and how I will one day be. Needless to say, for a sensitive person like me, there were many tears and ample hugs!
You can learn more about ➡ Mckayla Warwick + Collective Climb.
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