Ann Bancroft Foundation inspires big dreams for girls

Ann Bancroft was the first woman to reach the North Pole on foot with dog sleds in 1986. A few years later she skied across the ice to the South Pole with a group of three other women, inspiring students across the country with updates along the journey. 

But polar expeditions aren’t her only legacy. Bancroft started a foundation 25 years ago that has awarded grants totaling more than $2 million to thousands of Minnesotan girls who have big dreams and need a boost. 

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Bancroft and the new executive director of the Ann Bancroft Foundation about encouraging and uplifting girls.

Guests: 

• Ann Bancroft is an adventurer, author and teacher. She was the first woman to reach the North Pole on foot and sled and to complete a number of other expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. She’s the founder of the Ann Bancroft Foundation. 

• Ethelind B. Kaba is executive director of the Ann Bancroft Foundation. 

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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