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THE JUNIPER FUND
My deepest commitment lives here.
The Juniper Fund supports families and communities impacted by the loss of Himalayan high-altitude workers while improving the safety margin of Nepali climbers through community-based education programs.
Every Everest summit I’ve reached was made possible by the Nepali high-altitude workers who carry loads, fix ropes, and risk their lives so that climbers like me and my clients can reach the top. For too long, when those workers died on the mountain, their families were left without support, without visibility, and without a voice.
In 2012, my co-founder David Morton and I started The Juniper Fund to change that. It was born out of grief, out of love, and out of the conviction that the people who make Himalayan adventure possible deserve to be honored and their families deserve our support.
As the current President I work closely with our Executive Director, Christine Haas, and the full Juniper Fund board to grow our reach, deepen our impact. In 2024 we begun stewardship of the Khumbu Climbing Center—ensuring that the communities and cultures that hold these mountains can thrive for generations through training and education in mountain craft.
The Juniper Fund is not a footnote in my story. It is a central chapter.
THE JUNIPER FUND LEADERSHIP
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Melissa Arnot Reid — Co-Founder/President
Professional mountain guide and six-time Everest summiteer. Committed to the Fund’s mission, strategy, and growth since 2012.
David Morton — Co-Founder/Vice-President Professional mountain guide, photographer, and longtime partner in building The Juniper Fund from the ground up. David brings deep ties to the Himalayan climbing community and a shared vision for lasting impact.
Christine Haas — Executive Director
Christine leads the day-to-day operations of the Fund, driving program delivery, partnerships, and the Fund’s expanding work with the Khumbu Climbing Center. Truly not a single thing would happen without the support of Christine.