Ann Bancroft
Ann Bancroft is a pioneering polar explorer and motivational speaker inspiring audiences with stories of courage, teamwork, and perseverance.
Why you should book Ann Bancroft for your next event
- Learn from Ann Bancroft’s record-breaking expeditions that redefine what’s possible through grit and teamwork.
- Be inspired by Ann’s mission to empower women and youth to pursue their dreams without limits.
- Gain insights on leadership, courage, and pushing boundaries from a pioneering polar explorer and educator.
Non-binding request for Ann Bancroft
First woman to cross both the North and South Poles – a true trailblazer in exploration & empowerment
Ann Bancroft is one of the most inspiring explorers and keynote speakers of our time. As the first woman to cross the ice to both the North and South Poles, she has proven that perseverance, teamwork, and vision can conquer even the harshest environments. Her adventures go beyond physical endurance—they are lessons in courage, leadership, and self-belief. Through her foundation and speaking engagements, Ann motivates audiences to face challenges with determination and to embrace their own potential, no matter how impossible their goals may seem.
Breaking Barriers in Polar Exploration
Ann Bancroft’s name is synonymous with courage and discovery. As the first woman in history to cross the ice to both the North and South Poles, she redefined what was possible for explorers and for women around the world. Her journey began in 1986, when she joined the Steger International Polar Expedition, dogsledding over 1,000 miles from the Northwest Territories to the North Pole as the only female team member. Seven years later, she led the American Women’s Expedition to the South Pole, a 67-day, 660-mile trek on skis with three other women. In 2001, she and Norwegian explorer Liv Arnesen made history again as the first all-female team to ski across Antarctica.
From Childhood Curiosity to Global Recognition
Born in 1955 in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, Ann’s fascination with the outdoors began early. Encouraged by her father, she spent her youth exploring Minnesota’s wilderness and organizing backyard expeditions with her cousins. Her adventurous spirit grew stronger after spending two years in Kenya during her childhood. These formative experiences shaped her determination and sense of purpose, qualities that would later define her polar achievements.
Teacher, Mentor, & Role Model
Before becoming a world-renowned explorer, Ann was a dedicated educator. After earning a degree in physical education from the University of Oregon, she taught in Minneapolis schools, inspiring students through physical and special education. She also coached various sports and worked with Wilderness Inquiry, an organization dedicated to helping people of all abilities experience the natural world. Ann’s ability to connect with others, foster teamwork, and encourage resilience remains a hallmark of her leadership on and off the ice.
Empowering the Next Generation
Through the Ann Bancroft Foundation, she continues to empower women and girls to achieve their full potential. The foundation celebrates ambition, courage, and discovery, values that mirror Ann’s own journey. She has received numerous awards, including induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and recognition as Ms. magazine’s Woman of the Year. Despite being diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, Ann’s achievements prove that determination and belief in oneself can overcome any obstacle.
Global Influence & Inspiration
Ann Bancroft’s story resonates far beyond the polar regions. She has been featured in major publications such as Time, People, National Geographic, and USA Today, and appeared on BBC, CNN, and NPR. Her collaboration with Liv Arnesen on the 2012 “Access Water” expedition united women from six continents to raise global awareness about water challenges, a mission blending adventure with purpose.
Book Ann Bancroft for Your Event
Ann Bancroft’s keynote speeches inspire audiences to pursue their goals fearlessly and to lead with empathy, strength, and persistence. Her talks blend captivating stories from her expeditions with valuable insights on teamwork, leadership, and overcoming adversity. Whether addressing corporate teams, educators, or youth organizations, Ann’s presence leaves a lasting impact, encouraging everyone to explore the unknown and turn dreams into reality.
Keynotes
Keynote by Ann Bancroft:
Breaking Barriers on Ice
Ann Bancroft is an American polar explorer, educator, and motivational speaker who delivers keynotes on topics such as adventure, perseverance, leadership, and shattering gender stereotypes.
Her talks often draw on her experiences crossing the ice to both the North and South Poles, sharing stories of teamwork, endurance, and inspiring audiences to pursue their own dreams. Her presentations are also tailored for various audiences, including corporate groups and students of all ages.
Keynote topics and themes:
- Polar exploration: Her most famous adventures, such as skiing and sailing across Antarctica, pulling heavy sleds, and her dogsled journey to the North Pole.
- Perseverance and endurance: Highlighting her mental and physical strength and how she overcame challenges in extreme environments.
- Leadership and teamwork: Sharing lessons learned from leading expeditions and the importance of working together to achieve goals.
- Motivational and inspirational themes: Inspiring audiences to pursue their own dreams by sharing stories of risk-taking and courage.
- Shattering stereotypes: Discussing how she broke barriers as a woman in male-dominated fields.
- Education and empowerment: Focusing on educating others and empowering women and girls to pursue their goals.
