Ann Bancroft is the first known woman in history to cross the ice to the North and South Poles, is an educator and leads the Ann Bancroft Foundation, which is dedicated to maximizing the potential of women and girls everywhere.

Bancroft, who was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, has been a spokesperson for such organizations as the Learning Disabilities Association, M.S. Society, United Way, United Cerebral Palsy and more. 

Bancroft's polar exploits are nothing short of epic. In 1986, Bancroft dogsledded from Canada's Northwest Territories to the North Pole, a distance of 1,000 miles, as the lone female on the Steger International Polar Expedition. Bancroft then turned her sights to the South Pole and in 1993, she led the four woman strong American Women's Expedition on a grueling 67-day, 660-mile expedition on skis.

Ann's passion for polar adventures is only equaled by her enthusiasm for teaching children. Bancroft earned her Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from the University of Oregon and taught physical and special education in Minneapolis schools. She also served as a coach for softball, basketball, volleyball, tennis and track and field. 

Known at home in the United States and abroad, Bancroft has been featured in magazines like "Time," "People," "Vogue," "USA Today," "Good Housekeeping," "National Geographic," "Sports Illustrated for Kids" and more.

Bancroft's polar expeditions came with severe tests of teamwork and leadership, as well as opportunities to shatter female stereotypes. Reasons like these have made Bancroft a sought-after speaker among corporations, schools and non-profit organizations across the globe.