Past & Current Funding Partners
dZi Ambassadors
Jake Norton

Jake Norton is a world-renowned climber, photographer, filmmaker, philanthropist, and inspirational speaker. Based in Evergreen, Colorado, Jake’s worldwide adventures have taken him to the summit of Mt. Everest (three times) and on expeditions to all seven continents.

His photography has appeared in publications such as Vanity Fair, National Geographic, Forbes, and Oprah, while his film footage has been used in documentaries and television series.

Jake is an ambassador – along with Reinhold Messner – for the United Nations’ Mountain Partnership, and in this role advocates on behalf on mountains, mountain environments, and mountain peoples.

Mark Udall

A Colorado resident and native westerner, Mark Udall represented the people of Colorado in the US Senate from 2009 to 2015 and the 2nd Congressional District from 1999 to 2009. During his time in office, Senator Udall successfully championed bipartisan legislation to balance the nation’s budget, fight climate change, protect our public lands, and establish tough but smart national security policies.

Prior to serving in Congress, Mark served as a field instructor and later as Executive Director for the Colorado Outward Bound School. Mark is an avid mountaineer and has climbed or attempted some of the world’s most challenging peaks, including Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga, Nanga Parbat, Denali, and Aconcagua.

Mark and his wife, Maggie Fox, live in Eldorado Springs, Colorado.

Emily Polar

Originally from the flat lands of the Midwest, Emily has journeyed far from an idea of home, connecting with cultures and perspectives around the world. As a National Geographic Travel photographer, Emily views photography as a vehicle to explore how we relate to this human experience through examining the seen and unseen conditions that shape our world.

Currently, Emily splits her time between Nepal and California, collaborating with like-minded organizations while exploring personal projects.

Erik Weihenmayer

Erik Weihenmayer is one of the most celebrated and accomplished athletes in the world. In 2001, he became the only blind person in history to climb Mount Everest. When he stood on the top of Carstensz Pyramid in 2008, he completed his quest to climb all of the Seven Summits – the tallest peak on each of the seven continents. Erik is the author of the best-selling memoir, Touch the Top of the World, which was made into a feature film, as well as The Adversity Advantage, which shows readers how to turn everyday struggles into everyday greatness. He is an internationally recognized speaker and brings his message of living a No Barriers Life to audiences worldwide. Erik continually seeks out new adventures, focusing his efforts on empowering people traditionally swept to the sidelines of life. He founded an organization called No Barriers, which helps people with challenges tap into the human spirit, break through barriers, and contribute to the world.

Kenton Cool

With 16 Everest summits and a list of global mountaineering achievements, Kenton has built a reputation as one of the world’s most sought-after mountain guides. Being one of the global elite IFMGA guides, Kenton provides a guiding service that is second to none. Kenton has always retained a love for the places around him and the many people he’s met along the road. The friendships he’s formed with Sherpas and clients have lasted decades; he considers many now his closest friends. On Everest, a mountain so completely steeped in the history of such a singleminded pursuit, the summit, Kenton has tried above all else to gaze wider and find his place amongst the great valleys and amongst the mountain people – to stretch out and connect with a world so immutably linked to the peak he loves.

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dZi is proud to partner with visionary organizations that are committed to supporting community-led solutions to achieving prosperity. Please contact Ben Malmborg-Wild, Strategic Partnerships Manager, if you would like to learn more about partnering with dZi.