Ann Bancroft (1955 - ) http://www.yourexpedition.com Notable Achievements February 2001 — Bancroft and Norwegian polar explorer Liv Arnesen become the first women in history to ski and sail across Antarctica’s landmass—completing a 94-day, 1,717-mile (2,747 km) trek. Occupation/Field of Study: Geographical explorer, Education, Motivational Speaker Exploration Zone: Land: polar, ice, ski, skiing, hiking; Location of Activity: Antarctic: South Pole; Arctic: North Pole; Period of Activity: 2001- current; Biography Ann Bancroft is one of the world's preeminent polar explorers and an internationally recognized leader who is dedicated to inspiring women, girls and audiences around the world to unleash the power of their dreams. Through her various roles as an explorer, educator and sought-after speaker, Bancroft believes that by sharing stories related to her dreams of outdoor adventure, she can help inspire a global audience to pursue their individual dreams. Bancroft's teamwork and leadership skills have undergone severe tests during her polar expeditions and provided her with opportunities to shatter female stereotypes. The tenacity and courage that define her character have earned Bancroft worldwide recognition as one of today's most influential role models for women and girls. She has been named among Glamour magazine's "Women of the Year" (2001); featured in the book Remarkable Women of the Twentieth Century (1998); inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame (1995); named Ms. magazine's "Woman of the Year" (1987); and honored with numerous other awards for her accomplishments. "Born in 1955 in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, Bancroft’s love of the outdoors began early in life. Aside from the two years she spent with her family in Kenya, East Africa (in fifth and sixth grades), Bancroft was a student of Minnesota’s vast wilderness. Her parents often took her on camping and canoe trips in northern Minnesota. At age eight, she began to lead her own mini-expeditions, cajoling her cousins into accompanying her on backyard winter camping trips. Her passion for exploring the natural world is matched by her enthusiasm for teaching. After earning a bachelor of science degree in physical education from the University of Oregon, Bancroft taught physical education and special education in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn. schools and coached various high school sports. An internationally known entity, Bancroft’s expeditions have been followed by BBC, CNN, National Public Radio, NBC Nightly News and NBC’s Today show. She also has been featured in Time, People, USA Today, Ms., McCall’s, Ladies Home Journal, Vogue, Good Housekeeping, Glamour, Health, National Geographic, Outside, Sports Illustrated, O, Oprah Magazine, and Working Mother. Bancroft Noteworthy achievements: - 1993 — Bancroft leads the American Women’s Expedition (AWE) to the South Pole, a 67-day trek of 660 miles (1,060 km) on skis by four women. AWE becomes the first all-women expedition in history to cross the ice to the South Pole. Concurrently, Bancroft earns the distinction of the first woman in history to cross the ice to both the North and South Poles. - 1992 — Bancroft leads the first American women’s east to west crossing of Greenland. - 1986 — Bancroft dogsleds 1,000 miles (1,600 km) from the Northwest Territories in Canada to the North Pole as the only female member of the Steger International Polar Expedition, becoming the first known woman in history to cross the ice to the North Pole. Publications Ann and Liv Cross Antarctica: Dream Come True Zoe Alderfer Ryan (2003) Book: Juvenile, Travel Memoir/Diary/Journal; No Horizon Is So Far: Two Women and Their Historic Journey Across Antarctica Liv Ann Bancroft Cheryl Dahle Arnesen (2004) Book: Travel Memoir/Diary/Journal; Four to the Pole!: The American Women's Expedition to Antarctica, 1992-1993 Ann Nancy Loewen Bancroft (2001) : Juvenile; Ahead of Their Time: A Biographical Dictionary of Risk-Taking Women Joyce Duncan (2002) Book: Biography;