Liv Arnesen, 2008 Women of Discovery Courage Award

"When you feel your heart beating hard or your blood running fast, you have found something that is important to you. Create room for it." — Liv Arnesen

Former high school teacher, now lecturer, educator and explorer

Born: 1953-01-01

Hometown: Bekkestua, Norway

Education: Master of Management, Master of Arts

Achievements

Discoveries: Learning to read--I fell in love with books and all they could teach me.

Expeditions: Crossing the Greenland Icecap; First woman solo and unsupported to the South Pole; Attempt to climb Mt. Everest; Kayaking in Antarctica; Kayaking the Great Lakes; Traversing the "Shackleton Route" in South Georgia; Two attempts to cross the Arctic Ocean.

Biography

Arnesen's rich life experiences have made her an internationally recognized leader and role model.  Through her diverse roles as polar explorer, educator and motivational leader, Arnesen ignites passion in others to reach beyond their normal boundaries and achieve their dreams by sharing her own stories about exploring some of the most remote places on earth.

Liv Arnesen is a highly sought-after motivational speaker for corporations, schools and non-profit organizations. She has been named among Glamour magazine's "Women of the Year" (2001); selected for the Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame's "Trailblazer" award (2001); presented with the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce "Achievement Award" (2001); and recognized by the Russian Geographic Society with a "Diploma of Honor" (1999). Born and raised in Norway, she competed in orienteering and cross-country skiing and coached high school students in advanced level cross-country. She has taught and coached high school and college students for more than 20 years, and is involved in the rehabilitation of drug abusers. She holds degrees in Norwegian language and literature, history, sports and counseling.

In 1994, Liv Arnesen founded "White Horizons", a company that provides motivational lectures and team-building programs for children and adults. In 2001, Arnesen and Ann Bancroft become the first women in history to sail and ski across the Antarctic landmass, completing a 94 day, 1,717-mile (2,747 km) trek.  In 1996 she climbed the north side of Mount Everest and arrived to within 6,200 ft (1,900 m) of the summit before altitude sickness forced her to descend. In 1994, Arnesen was the first woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole, a 50 day expedition of 745 miles (1,200 km), and in 1992 led the first unsupported women's crossing of the Greenland Ice Cap.

Fun Facts

Favorite Item to have in the field: My toothbrush and journal.

Heroes: Marie Curie, Fridtjof Nansen, Thor Heyerdahl and Ernest Shackleton.

Awards and Recognition

First woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole - a 50-day expedition of 745 miles (1,200 km). Glamour magazine's "Women of the Year" (2001Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame's "Trailblazer" award (2001); Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce "Achievement Award"(2001); Russian Geographic Society "Diploma of Honor" (1999)