Let us celebrate International Women’s World Day by getting to know world’s well-known explorer Ann Bancroft. These days if we want to go to some new place, the help of modern gadgets and Google maps gives us enough confidence to start the journey with peace of mind. Imagine the year 1986 when google was not born. What will be your reaction if someone asks you to explore the North Pole without the help of GPS and only at the mercy of a sextant, wind and the sun? Most of us will not think twice to say no to this challenging expedition. Ann showed exceptional courage by challenging herself to be part of a North Pole expedition and claimed the title of being the first women to cross the ice to the North Pole. She never looked back. She kept distinguishing herself and making history by becoming the first woman to cross the ice to the South Pole as well as the first woman to ski across Greenland. She and her organization, Ann Bancroft Foundation, ensure girls have as many resources as possible to achieve their full potential and dreams. She has numerous achievement and recognitions including the prestigious “National Women’s Hall of Fame.” Ann’s courageous feats set an example for all women to follow.

You have the distinction of being the first woman to cross both the North and the South poles. Can you tell us more about these expeditions? Which one was more challenging and why?A: I did the North Pole in 1986 with 7 men and 49 male dogs. At that time, there were no GPS devices so we navigated with sextant compass and wind and sun. In 1992/93 I led a team of women to the South Pole and we had a GPS, although quite large. We still used the compass, wind and sun.
They are very different places. Challenging in different ways as a result. North Pole is traveled in early March to early May - spring in Northern Hemisphere. It is still very cold Minus 70 in the beginning. Being on ocean, even frozen there is a humidity which makes it very hard to feel dry even in sub zero temps. Very challenging. Also the currents make the ice a shifting element. It can buckle up into huge mountains or separate with no way to cross.
Antarctica is a continent covered with an icecap. Huge glacier. It is filled with deep crevices often obscured. We also pulled sleds ourselves with all our belongings rather than having dogs pull. The wind is a constant on the continent the size of the US and Mexico combined. We travel from sea level to close to 10,000 feet. This makes for a chilly place regardless of the fact we are traveling in summer. November - Dec.

How many expeditions have you done so far? Do you want to share any challenging moment from an expedition? How do you usually keep yourself fit for the expeditions?A: I have been doing all sorts of expeditions for decades. Too many to count. Crossing Greenland we had a series of mishaps. Bad fuel clogging our little stoves - without stoves you cannot melt ice for water let alone cook your food. We also had a very sick team member half way across. It all made for very stressful days.
Getting ready for an expedition varies a bit depending upon what you are going to be doing and where. In winter in Minnesota, I ski, run and lift weights. In warmer months, run, bike, kayak etc. For Antarctica pulling sleds, I pulled three tires on gravel roads for 4 hours at a time to mimic the sled pulling we would be doing for 8 14 hours a day for 67 to 97 days.

Tell us about your recent expedition “Access Water”? Why did you pick the subject of water? Any favorable moment from Himalayas?A: Access Water is a 7 continent initiative. The Ganges was our first in the series. We picked the Ganges because it is a long river running through 5 states from source to sea. Its a holly river for all Indians no matter what religion and has pressures upon it from industry, farming, recreation and population. Water allows us as teachers to talk about so many issues. Politics, economics, gender, agriculture to name a few. Swimming in the river just after the mountains was a highlight we didn’t expect. Cold and clean and beautiful.

You have received plenty of awards and recognition. Which award is closest to you heart and why?A: National Womens Hall of Fame. I’m in extraordinary company within the Hall. Being a woman in a still male dominated career, all the women inducted, helped me on my journey by breaking down barriers in their own area or work and life. I love that connection that we really do nothing alone.

What inspired you to start the “Ann Bancroft Foundation”? How has this organization evolved overtime?A: I started the Foundation to ensure girls have as many resources as possible to achieving their potential and dreams. I feel very fortunate to have achieved many of mine.

How was your learning experience at school? What would you like to change in our current educational system that will help kids with dyslexia? How was your childhood experience in Kenya?A: I really did not like school much. I wanted to but it was so hard and agonizing. I did however have teachers who really tried to change that reality. I think schools are changing the way in which they teach kids with learning differences. We are experimental learners. I was taken out of art and music to be tutored. Those are places where kids like me can really learn differently. Trying to meet the challenges of each kid to learn as they can. Class size does not help this much.
Kenya was pivital for our whole family. We refer to it all the time. For me, it was watching my parents take a risk in taking us all and not knowing all the answers. Discovering. Also understanding that there is a work outside of our neighborhood and state.

Who is your inspiration?A: My parents. They are curious and engaged in the world.

What are your other hobbies?A: Farming, vegies and chickens and bees. Would like to grow it if only I stayed home more. :) Camping, reading and family.

Any advice to special kids who are interested in exploring new places?A: Do your homework. If you want to explore, know why you want to go there and read and talk to everyone who’s been… learning is a constant. Dreams and things we want to do or go is not magic just because you want them… its always hard work which makes it totally worth it!

Any special message for our community?A: Partnerships - we can’t do good works alone. When we raise up one kid, we lift up the potential of our whole community.