Cienna Lopushinsky

Cienna Lopushinsky is a multidisciplinary adventure instructor, route setter at Hangar 18 Orange, and a passionate advocate for making the outdoors accessible to all. With a lifelong involvement in outdoor adventure sports and an active member of the local climbing community since 2017, Cienna has dedicated herself to breaking down barriers and creating safe, inclusive spaces for people to explore new challenges.

She is a route setter at a local climbing gym, Hangar 18 Orange, Cienna crafts climbing routes that are not only physically engaging but also mentally stimulating. She designs problems, interactive art installations, that cater to climbers of all abilities, ensuring that everyone—from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts—can find joy and growth in the sport. Her role goes beyond setting routes; she fosters a vibrant climbing culture that encourages collaboration, creativity, and community.

As a former REI Experiences instructor, Cienna spent two years guiding individuals through outdoor activities, from hiking, kayaking, to teaching wilderness skills and leading women-specific climbing clinics. Her work with REI focused on empowering people of all skill levels to connect with nature, build confidence, and overcome mental and physical barriers.

Cienna will share her insights on how she creates environments that help others overcome barriers to entry—whether it’s fear, lack of information, or accessibility challenges. Through her experiences as an instructor, route setter, and outdoor enthusiast, she’ll explore how peeling back these layers can reveal new opportunities for growth, connection, and adventure.

Join us to hear Cienna’s inspiring story and learn how she helps others navigate the layers of fear and uncertainty to discover the joy of trying something new.