The groundbreaking multimedia project WOMEN IN WYOMING: PORTRAITS & INTERVIEWS OF WOMEN WHO SHAPE THE WEST features Climb Wyoming for its Chapter III: Power, capturing the words and images of several graduates and staff.

The museum exhibition and accompanying podcast has now been transformed into a coffee-table book. Women Shaping the West, a portrait collection by photographer, author, and fifth-generation Wyomingite Lindsay Linton Buk, illuminates the women defining the modern West through leadership, creativity, stewardship, and resilience.

 

“These stories challenge outdated stereotypes and offer a fuller picture of the West as a place shaped not just by rugged individualism—but by relationship, responsibility, and vision,” says Linton Buk. “Women Shaping the West speaks to readers interested in women’s history, cultural identity, photography, and the deeper stories behind America’s most iconic landscapes. It is also a timely counterpoint to the West’s current popularity as a travel destination, offering meaning and history alongside beauty.”

See behind the scenes as the Climb Wyoming crew tapped into their inner power in front of the camera.

For Climb’s feature in the project, graduates and staff joined in the photo shoot.

Photographer Lindsay Linton Buk with Dr. Ray Fleming Dinneen, Climb Wyoming’s founder.

“To me, power can be unlimited things. It’s being strong, being independent. It’s being the person that you know you can be, with all that’s within you. ” — Artesia, Climb Graduate

“I drive a concrete mixer. I love my job, and I’m able to buy my kids what they need and not struggle. You can do anything you put your mind to. Put the effort in. It’s going to pay off.” — Sarah, Climb Graduate

“Power means to me what you have to reach down in yourself and find. You may be at a point in your life where you feel like nobody cares about you, you don’t have anywhere to go, and you want to give up. You can reach down deep inside of yourself, grab power and get yourself together. Be where you’re supposed to be. Once you hit that point, you have to share it with the world.” — Irene, Climb Graduate

For Chapter III highlighting “Power,” Lindsay Linton Buk says she “explores truth, voice and authenticity in action, as well as the power of potential.”

Capturing a special moment between Climb grad Irene and her son. Lindsay Linton Buk says kids were important to feature because Climb’s outcomes have so much impact on the next generation.

“Throughout Wyoming’s history,” says Lindsay Linton Buk, “its women have been brave, strong, and impactful.”