Dubai: Fatima Deryan never forgot the view from her plane window years ago. She was 14 years old, flying over the Himalayas on a family trip to Nepal, when she looked out and saw Mount Everest for the first time. The sight of the world's tallest mountain towering above the rest of the Himalayas sparked something inside her.

According to Anadolu Agency, Deryan expressed, "I came off that plane and told my family, 'One day I'm going to come back and climb that mountain.'" More than a decade later, she fulfilled that promise, becoming the first Lebanese woman to summit Everest. Her path to Everest's peak and the world of mountaineering was unconventional. Born in Kuwait and raised in Lebanon and Dubai, Deryan's pursuit began with a dream and grew into a mission: to conquer the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each continent. She has now climbed more than 25 high-altitude mountains.

Her journey into the largely male-dominated world of mountaineering was shaped by both physical and societal challenges. Growing up in Dubai, a city far removed from any rugged mountain terrain, she said, "I was not aware of the mountains." Despite lacking experience, she compensated with determination. Winning over her family and society proved even harder than learning how to climb. The struggle pushed her to adopt a growth mindset, one that embraces learning and resilience in the face of obstacles.

As a woman entering extreme sports, Deryan often found herself in unfamiliar territory. She faced skepticism and had to constantly prove her capability. "There's always a doubt," she said. Her achievements were eventually recognized with a UAE Golden Visa, honoring her trailblazing accomplishments. Today, she sees more women entering the field, a shift she welcomes, although barriers still exist.

Reaching the summit of Everest brought an unexpected realization for Deryan. Her success had become symbolic, carrying a responsibility for the next generation of women and young girls to continue breaking barriers. In 2023, she became the first Lebanese woman to ski to the South Pole, adding to her growing legacy. Her next goal is to reach the North Pole once it reopens to explorers, as part of her larger purpose.

Now, as a mother, Deryan's sense of purpose has only deepened. She remains determined to chase her dreams, wanting her daughter to know that her own dreams should come first too.