Hello! My name is Jessica Burden, and I’ve been a lifelong Hoosier. Growing up in Southern Indiana, I’ve been climbing on trees, rocks, and my parent’s house as long as I can remember. Around eight years ago I started climbing at Climb Nulu and bouldering has become my passion ever since.
Throughout the years, my love for climbing as a whole has grown, and I’ve had the opportunity to travel to new crags, participate in competitions, and perform trail work. I now have a new opportunity with my involvement with the ICC.

I first became aware of the ICC during Rock the Park 2022. Later that year I read “Rock Climbing in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge” by James N. Maples, which recounted the history of the Red. The local climbing organization was a key component of the development of the Red, and I knew I wanted to get involved here in Indiana in a similar fashion.

In addition to being a board member, I am also involved on the Land Management Committee and the OEI committee. As a queer person and one of the board’s youngest members, I hope to bring a new perspective and fresh ideas to Indiana climbing. I look forward to working towards developing more crags, and a more equitable climbing scene for all in our state!