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How Full Circle Expedition Was Built
- Phil formed Full Circle after recognizing the lack of Black representation in the outdoors and meeting other Black climbers at a Colorado clinic.
- He recruited teammates (Adina, Eddie, Fred, Manoa) through chance encounters and long relationships built over decades in the outdoor community.
Pandemic Delay Became Team Building
- The team did a January 2020 shakedown in Highlight Canyon, then COVID hit and delayed Everest plans for two seasons.
- They used frequent Zoom meetings during the pandemic as unexpected team-building to maintain momentum and resolve logistics.
Funding Everest With Community Support
- Fundraising was critical and uncertain; Full Circle launched a GoFundMe and eventually raised about $180,000 to cover expedition costs.
- The team juggled logistics, sponsorships, and the unpredictability of international travel reopening.