Power Lunch: Access Mammoth Rebrand

Some of our local businesses and organizations have expressed interest in learning more about what a rebranding process really looks like — from the “why” behind it to the logistics of making it happen. This month’s Power Lunch offers the perfect example.

Access Mammoth (formerly Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra) recently completed a thoughtful and community-driven rebrand that reflects both their growth and the evolution of language in the adaptive recreation world. During this Power Lunch, the Access Mammoth team will walk through their journey — from the initial decision-making process to stakeholder involvement, timelines, and lessons learned along the way.

Discussion Topics

• Why and when to consider a rebrand
• Different approaches for getting it done
• Stakeholder engagement and decision-making
• The “to-do” list that makes it all happen

Whether you’re thinking about rebranding your business, refreshing your image, or simply curious about how an organization successfully navigates such a transformation, this Power Lunch will spark your curiosity.



About Access Mammoth
On October 1, 2025, Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra officially became Access Mammoth. After more than two decades of providing adaptive recreation opportunities, the nonprofit embraced a new name that better reflects its purpose and inclusivity — new name, same heart.

Founded in 2003 by Kathy Copeland to establish an adaptive ski program at Mammoth Mountain, the organization has grown into a year-round leader in adaptive sports, offering skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, paddling, climbing, and more for people of all ages and abilities.

Originally known as the Mammoth Adaptive Sports Foundation, it became Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra in 2005 after joining the national Disabled Sports USA network. Now, after 20 years of success as DSES, the organization’s new name reflects the evolving language of adaptive recreation and its ongoing mission to break down barriers to participation.

Executive Director Marisa Gierlich explains:
“As language and word usage evolve through time, the perception of words can change. While ‘disability’ is certainly not a bad word, many of our participants see themselves as a ‘person with a disability’ rather than a ‘disabled person.’ We’ve come to see ourselves as leaders offering access to adaptive sports versus disabled sports.”

The year-long rebranding process began in spring 2024, led by long-time supporters Barbara and Ken Kubarych, and included deep engagement with staff, board members, volunteers, participants, and families. Out of that collaboration came a name that says it all: Access Mammoth — a simple, powerful reflection of the organization’s purpose and place.

Access Mammoth continues to provide year-round programs in the Eastern Sierra, grounded in the belief that everyone deserves the chance to experience outdoor adventure.