A Historic Expedition for Global Leadership

Homeward Bound, a global leadership initiative dedicated to supporting women with STEMM backgrounds, is embarking on a landmark journey to Antarctica with 124 women and non-binary leaders. This mission aims to foster collective leadership action in tackling pressing sustainability issues.

Navigating Leadership in Sustainability

On January 28, 2025, the expedition will depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, marking Homeward Bound’s seventh and final Antarctic expedition before expanding to Tanzania’s Serengeti. The voyage is designed to equip participants with the skills, insights, and networks needed to drive change in STEMM fields and sustainability efforts worldwide.

“The world needs more bold women leaders in decision-making roles to drive smart, sustainable solutions,” said Homeward Bound CEO Sarah Derry. “Leaders with STEMM backgrounds are pivotal to tackling the world’s greatest challenges, yet they often lack the support needed to flourish in leadership roles. This expedition allows them to reflect, connect, and take bold action together for a sustainable future.”

A Diverse Cohort of Changemakers

The expedition team, known as HB Transform, is made up of multiple cohorts representing 24 nationalities, including participants from the United States, China, Spain, the UK, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, and more. The group includes professionals such as geochemists, marine biologists, mathematicians, and immunologists, bringing together expertise across various scientific and technological fields.

Engineer Zoe Eather expressed her enthusiasm: “I’m hoping to grow as a leader, share ideas, and create ways to amplify how we can use smart technology and data for good to solve big, wicked problems around the world.”

Audiologist Nad Katten from Saudi Arabia added: “I look forward to learning more about sustainability and environmental stewardship from a diverse perspective, challenging myself as a leader, and collaborating with inspiring women to drive positive change.”

A Science-Backed Approach to Leadership

Homeward Bound’s leadership framework incorporates the Life Styles Inventory™ (LSI), an industry-leading diagnostic tool from Human Synergistics. This tool plays a pivotal role in shaping the participants’ leadership skills, enhancing their ability to influence change and drive sustainability initiatives effectively.

Participants will engage in intensive leadership training during the voyage, reflecting on their personal and professional growth and applying key learnings from the LSI to advance their leadership capabilities.

Corporate and Cultural Collaborations

The expedition is supported by Acciona, a global leader in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, which has been a key sponsor since 2018. To celebrate the journey, Acciona collaborated with the Spanish group Belter Souls to create a special anthem, “Changing,” now available on Spotify.

Sarah Derry expressed gratitude for Acciona’s support: “Together, we’ve inspired a global community of changemakers ready to take action for our planet.”

Expanding Impact Beyond Antarctica

While this marks the final Antarctic expedition for now, Homeward Bound is expanding its experiential offerings. Future leadership programs will take place in Tanzania’s Serengeti, broadening accessibility and impact for women in STEMM worldwide.

Since its founding in 2015, Homeward Bound has supported over 700 participants from 90 nations, fostering a global network of change-makers dedicated to sustainability and leadership. The organization has connected leaders across 100+ STEMM fields, ensuring a lasting legacy of impactful action for the planet.

For more information on Homeward Bound’s programs and applications for its tenth leadership cohort, visit homewardboundprojects.com.au.