My name is Rache Mureau-Haines. I grew up speaking English at home, but learned Spanish as an adult to the delight of my abuela from Mexico. Now I have a daughter who speaks Spanish and we are a bilingual and bicultural home. As a Skagit county native I grew up watching the Ski to Sea, and have previously competed in the downhill and cross country ski legs. I am fortunate that I had mentors, training, and community support that helped me develop my love of all things outdoors - rock climbing, ski mountaineering, trail running, and cycling. Being able to climb, ski, and explore has helped me build confidence in myself and my leadership abilities. Unfortunately there is a huge lack of access to this type of support for latine youth, especially for women and girls. That is why I am so excited to be the cross country skier for the Vamos Ski to Sea team! I am thrilled to support their mission of equity in outdoor access for latine, migrant, multilingual, and newcomer youth. 

Athlete. Artist. Sommelier. Walter is none of these things, but being recruited last-minute to the Vamos Ski-To-Sea team, he feels strongly that he was destined to do the snowboard leg of this historic race. Born in Mexico and raised in Texas, Walter feels blessed to have found a home in Bellingham and Vamos Outdoors Project where he can work, play, and live in a way that feels true to his spirit.

My name is Bea Avalos, I am a first generation mexican-salvadorian, who is excited to participate in Ski to Sea for the first time! I help run Vamos’ biking program, which gives local youth the chance to explore on two wheels—often for the very first time. I’m racing not just for the fun (and the challenge), but to help raise funds for all the amazing outdoor programs Vamos offers. As someone who benefited from free outdoor education growing up, it's really meaningful to now be part of making those same opportunities happen for the next generation.

My name is Enrique Cibrian Espinoza, I was born in Mexico and moved to the US in 2011 to be with my wife Celeste. I have a 12 year old son and 9 year old daughter. As a bicultural family, we know how important it is for kids of all backgrounds to be active and enjoy the outdoors. We're very lucky in Bellingham to have such a wide range of activities nearby - hiking, biking, running, and just exploring. For this reason, I'm joining the Vamos Ski to Sea team this year. They're a great organization that helps kids stay active and more. I'm really grateful for this opportunity.

My name is Julian Medina-Schroeder. I grew up in Mexico and had the privilege of moving to the US when I was 14 to live my other culture. Being biracial I’m no stranger to the feeling of not-belonging, and that’s always been something I’ve liked to challenge in all aspects of my life–including outdoor activities. I’m excited to be a part of this Vamos Ski to Sea team both as a Vamos staff member and as a member of the Bellingham Latine community. A la orden p’al desorden AUUUU!

May 25th will be Meriel’s first Ski to Sea race! She recently canoeed for the first time in March and is excited to experience the race alongside team members committed to justice, joy, and mutual support. Meriel was raised with her two sisters in a multicultural home to parents of Honduran and Eastern European descent. Even though her parent’s ethnic and cultural backgrounds differ, the common value of family, no matter physical distance, motivates Meriel to emit the humanity and love she has received. She trusts the guidance of her abuelita and grandpa. 

Athlete. Artist. Sommelier. Walter is none of these things, but being recruited last-minute to the Vamos Ski-To-Sea team, he feels strongly that he was destined to do the Cyclocross leg of this historic race. Born in Mexico and raised in Texas, Walter feels blessed to have found a home in Bellingham and Vamos Outdoors Project where he can work, play, and live in a way that feels true to his spirit.

Born in Santiago, Chile to Argentine parents, I grew up in New York City at the crossroads of Argentinian culture, Jewish traditions, and the city's vibrant energy. Family travels across Latin America sparked my passion for social and environmental justice. Since moving to Bellingham in 2019, I’ve found my heart’s work at Vamos, where I combine my love for language justice, outdoor access, and building inclusive community. Whether snowboarding at Mount Baker, surfing the Olympic coast, or gardening at home, I find joy in creating spaces where everyone feels welcome in the outdoors—and where access and nature go hand in hand.