Menesha Mannapperuma

Hi, I’m Menesha Mannapperuma! I’m from California but have been living in Denver, Colorado, for the past five years. I work as a product manager in tech. I’m an avid boulderer and love the easy access to boulders in Colorado. I like pushing myself physically and mentally, and climbing provides a great outlet for that. My climbing goals for the year include finishing up some projects in the Colorado alpine and taking a few trips to try some climbs that have been on my list. (Also, I love lists.) My favorite climbing areas are Yosemite (where I learned to climb and trust my feet), Hueco (where I’m a guide), Joe’s Valley, and Albarracin. 

I’m also passionate about expanding access to climbing. One of the ways I do this is by organizing a group called Cruxing in Color based in Denver. We work to connect and provide resources to climbers of color. We provide gear, facilitate indoor and outdoor meetups and clinics, and work with local gyms to provide scholarships to climbers in need of them, among other initiatives. I’m excited to help climbing diversify. I believe representation matters and that seeing other people who look like you doing the things you do or want to do is important. 

My favorite Flashed product is the Sumi Brush!