Mike and Lilliana Libecki’s Fireside Chat

Last week, we were joined around the campfire by adventurer philanthropists Mike and Lilliana Libecki. While enjoying burritos and tea, we chatted about mountains and life. Freshly back from a trip to Antarctica, the Libeckis were full of stories of their numerous expeditions to some of the most remote places on the planet. At the age of only fourteen, Lilliana has already traveled to 21 countries, and is the youngest girl to backcountry ski in Antarctica. Just recently, The Joyineering Fund, the organization started by Lilliana, has been given official non-profit status. So the dynamic father-daughter duo has turned much of their attention towards giving back to the global community.

In recent months, they took an expedition to Nepal, in which they hiked 154 miles on foot as well as installed 6,000 pounds of solar energy equipment. According to Libecki, the same focused mindset required for mountaineering transfers directly to non-profit work, so it was an easy transition to make. Although, their expeditions begin with an idea for a first ascent to climb or to visit an incredible landscape, they try to find a way to give back in every area they visit. According to Lilliana, the motto of the Joyineering fund is: “in a world where you can be and do anything, be kind and do good”. One of their goals is to make doing work to give back to the global community a social norm. In June, the Libeckis are headed to Peru to climb Machu Picchu and to help to build a community center with solar capabilities.

We want to give a big Thank You to Mike and Lilliana Libecki for taking the time to come chat with us. They offered great lessons in living life to the fullest, and not “rationing passion”. You can find out more information or get involved with the Joyineering Fund at Joyfund.org. Be sure to keep an ear out for the full recording of this fireside chat on our next podcast episode.