Climbing for a cause

The trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, is a study in transformation — from humid rainforest at the base to its snowy peaks. The same is true for the Mastercard employees who recently scaled the mountain, evolving from colleagues to climbers to changemakers.

Decked out in Mastercard-branded jackets and backpacks, the most recent group of employees raised more than $30,000 for Youth Challenge International (YCI), a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating youth innovation for good around the world. This includes the HerStart: Innovate the Future initiative in Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda, which supports young women entrepreneurs to launch or scale a social enterprise.

Africa is the world’s youngest continent — 70% of sub-Saharan Africa is under the age of 30 — and it continues to grapple with a lack of quality jobs, which can exacerbate instability. This was the fifth time Mastercard employees, their friends and their families tackled Kilimanjaro since 2020, raising a total of $300,000 so far for YCI’s HerStart Catalyst Fund, every step taken helping advance economic empowerment and fostering a more inclusive future.

“Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro reminded me of the power of being present and taking things one step at a time,” said Olivia Pugh, a senior analyst. “Without my phone, I had the rare chance to fully disconnect and focus on the moment — something that’s easy to lose in our daily lives. I’m incredibly grateful to Mastercard for creating opportunities that challenge us, ground us and help us grow — both personally and professionally.”

The team began its ascent to the summit from Barafu Base Camp shortly before midnight on March 6, setting out in freezing temperatures and complete darkness and using headlamps to navigate the steep, loose terrain. The final ascent was physically and mentally demanding, with high elevations and cold winds making each step difficult, according to Ron Talwalkar, a business development vice president who trained for four months to conquer Kilimanjaro.

Throughout the six-day trek along the infamous Machame Route, the team hiked an average of eight hours per day, gradually adjusting to the elevation and terrain. They passed through four distinct climate zones: rainforest, with dense vegetation and high humidity; moorland, featuring open trails and unique plant life; alpine desert, known for its dry, rocky landscape and extreme temperatures; and finally the arctic zone, near the summit, where ice and wind erased all signs of vegetation.

The climb was a test of endurance, but the sunrise at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 19,340 feet, made the effort worthwhile.

“Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was an unforgettable experience, but the true reward came from knowing our efforts would empower women entrepreneurs across Africa,” Talwalkar said. “This journey was a perfect example of how Mastercard’s commitment to inclusion, resilience and collaboration can drive real, lasting impact.”