HB Blog: Follow the journey
Welcome #TeamHB5!
Come and meet our fifth cohort
read more
If… reflections on International Women’s Day: Fabian Dattner
Imagine if we didn’t need an International Women’s Day. Imagine if men and women worked in equal numbers, if men and women were leading our governments, our corporations, our efforts to tackle the myriad of environmental issues our planet faces equally.
read more
Returning from Homeward Bound: Kelsie Clarke
Settling back into my day to day life was a strange experience. I had been through something similar once before, following a secondment into an Aboriginal organisation in Sydney, Australia. It’s almost a feeling of reverse culture-shock coming back to a life you know so well and cherish
read more
Reflections on my (39th) birthday: Stephanie Langerock
Last Saturday was my birthday. I turned 39, the final ‘stop’ before I turn 40, an age often considered a turning point in life. Remember, “Life begins at 40”.
read more
Embracing change with open arms: Steph Gardner
How many of you would feel comfortable with being asked to shut your eyes, spun around a few times, and then submit to trusting your partner to guide you to a new destination? Or even asked to take a step forward without knowing what is ahead? Do you lean into the unknown?
read more
Unfurling layers of transformation with Homeward Bound: Cindy Shellito
“Do you feel totally changed?” A friend asked me after my return home from our Homeward Bound journey to Antarctica. I’ve just participated in a year-long transformational leadership program. If I haven’t ‘transformed’, does that mean it’s all been a waste of time and money?
read more
Another change, another way forward: Fabian Dattner
As #TeamHB3 make their way home from Antarctica after a life-changing experience, we share more photos and reflections from aboard the #MVUshuaia. Stay tuned for more updates as the women return to their homes, families and lives, and apply their leadership lessons....
read more
Reflexion on my voyage from the tropics to Antarctica: Yalimay Jiménez
The first time I come across Homeward Bound Program, an Australian initiative for women in STEMM, was when my current PhD supervisor sent an email congratulating a former PhD student for her achievement.
read more
Practicing Yoga in Antarctica: Kristin Mitchell
As #TeamHB3 make their way home from Antarctica after a life-changing experience, we share more photos and reflections from aboard the #MVUshuaia. Stay tuned for more updates as the women return to their homes, families and lives, and apply their leadership lessons. I...
read more
Life on the Ushuaia (not a luxury cruise!): Fabian Dattner
As #TeamHB3 make their way home from Antarctica after a life-changing experience, we share more photos and reflections from aboard the #MVUshuaia. Stay tuned for more updates as the women return to their homes, families and lives, and apply their leadership lessons....
read more
Balance, poise and trust with #TeamHB3: Tara Shine
As #TeamHB3 make their way home from Antarctica after a life-changing experience, we share more photos and reflections from aboard the #MVUshuaia. Stay tuned for more updates as the women return to their homes, families and lives, and apply their leadership lessons....
read more
Kids care about climate change – Marji Puotinen
As #TeamHB3 make their way home from Antarctica after a life-changing experience, we share more photos and reflections from aboard the #MVUshuaia. Stay tuned for more updates as the women return to their homes, families and lives, and apply their leadership lessons. I...
read more
Transitions home: Hafdis Hanna Aegisdottir
During the Antarctica expedition, the #TeamHB3 participants sewed together a quilt. The outcome is bigger than the quilt piece itself. It taught us that we are truly #strongertogther and by collaborating and being brave to ask for assistance.
read more
Witnessing changes in Antarctica’s ancient forests: Professor Sharon Robinson
Antarctica seems like a long way from anywhere but climate change is affecting the tiny plants and animals that make their home there. In the Peninsula region, that Homeward Bound 3 is visiting, the climate is becoming much warmer and wetter which means that plants can colonise new ice-free areas and grow faster.
read more
Exploring the heart of the MV Ushuaia: Kristen Howard and Nicole Wright
As #TeamHB3 make their way home from Antarctica after a life-changing experience, we share more photos and reflections from aboard the #MVUshuaia. Stay tuned for more updates as the women return to their homes, families and lives, and apply their leadership lessons....
read more
The transformational moments of Homeward Bound: Pollyanna Lenkic
As #TeamHB3 make their way home from Antarctica after a life-changing experience, we share more photos and reflections from aboard the #MVUshuaia. Stay tuned for more updates as the women return to their homes, families and lives, and apply their leadership lessons....
read more
12 metre waves across Drake’s Passage: Natalie Unterstell
Twelve meters tall waves washed the ship. Winds gusted up to 70 knots. Some of us heard false alarms during the night – which were just some sensors going crazy with the inclination of the boat. Others saw chairs flying from the bedrooms to the corridor. And we all exploded in laughter watching a video of the ship going to 32 degrees while we all rolled in our beds.
read more
A picture tells a thousand words…about leadership: Steph Gardner
As #TeamHB3 make their way home from Antarctica after a life-changing experience, we share more photos and reflections from aboard the #MVUshuaia. Stay tuned for more updates as the women return to their homes, families and lives, and apply their leadership lessons....
read more
What lies beyond the mist: Cindy Shellito
Have you ever sat at one of those moments in your life when the clouds hang overhead and you’re not really sure which way is up? You long for a breeze to blow that mist away and give you a new view of that snow-capped mountain. Or, maybe you imagine that you’ll have a...
read more
Sharing a cabin with the woman who changed the world: Fabian Dattner
She finishes washing her smalls. I watch her from my bed as she carefully places them on a towel. I’m an arm’s length away. She rolls the towel up and I reach out a hand. With no words exchanged, she hands me one end. In a timeless manoeuvre, we wring out the...
read more
New Friends: Alicia Collins
Today we did an early morning landing at Hydrurga Rocks on the Gerlache Strait. As we disembarked our zodiacs, we were instructed to move single file in silence past the two Weddell seals sprawled out on either side of our path so as not to disturb their rest. It...
read more
Reflections from Ushuaia: Fabian Dattner
As I write, three to four metre rough swells slide the ship over, then it rights itself. I think it’s akin to being in a washing machine, possibly on the ‘delicates’ cycle. It’s quietly making most of us nauseous or, with the aid of medication, terribly sleepy....
read more
Reflections from Ushuaia: Mary-Ellen Feeney
It has felt like a week of firsts, but in many respects this is a common theme throughout the Homeward Bound Program. As a strategic leadership program for Women in STEMM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics and Medicine)
read more
Reflections from Ushuaia: Fern Hames
Each day I write a #HomewardBound #haiku, trying to capture, in those brief, structured lines, something of the transformative journey we are on. Today is New Year’s Day
read more
Reflections from Ushuaia: Lorna Slater
How does a cause become a movement? In the same way that a trickle becomes a flood or a few pebbles start an avalanche. Homeward Bound is movement in both senses. Over the last week, women have trickled in to Ushuaia, Argentina to join together. We started meeting in...
read more
Reflections from Ushuaia: Anisha Humphreys
When I graduated from my environmental science degree I was the only woman in my cohort. But it was women who came to watch me climb the stage and cheer me on. My grandmother, my mother and my sister. And I would not have been there if it wasn’t for their love and...
read more
Courage and Purpose: Fabian Dattner
Eight days to go before 90 women from around the world converge in Ushuaia, Argentina, to experience the final component of the third program of a STEMM-focussed, women-only global leadership initiative: Homeward Bound - from dream to global initiative in 4.5 years, a...
read more
Christiana Figueres joins #TeamHB3 on-board faculty
Christiana Figueres, who served as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) from 2010 to 2016, has confirmed that she will be joining the next Homeward Bound voyage to Antarctica as a faculty member and facilitator....
read more
Introducing #TeamHB4: our fourth group of women leaders
It started with 76 adventurous women in 2016. That number swelled to 152 with our second cohort in 2017-18 and to 232 with our third (2018-19). And now we are announcing #TeamHB4, the fourth group of women to join our global community. By the time #TeamHB4 finish...
read more
100 Days Later: Kate Clarke
100 Days Later Kate Clarke, Senior Veterinarian with Eureka Veterinary Hospital, takes us back to the point on the ship when she first drafted her 100 Day Plan and how much of that plan has played out since returning from Antarctica 100 DAYS LATER: KATE CLARKE Our...
read more
100 Days Later: Helen Corney
100 Days Later Helen Corney, PhD Candidate – Global, Urban and Social Studies, found confirming her values and aligning them to all parts of her 100 Day Plan helped her shape what she really wanted from all parts of her life. 100 DAYS LATER: HELEN CORNEY...
read more
100 Days Later: Gaia Dell’Ariccia
100 Days Later Gaia Dell'Ariccia, Postdoctoral Researcher, reflects on her personal strategy map and how a 'success' mindset can actually hold us back. 100 DAYS LATER: GAIA DELL'ARICCIA I can’t believe 100 days have already passed since we returned from our Antarctic...
read more
100 Days Later: Karen Alexander
It’s been 100 Days since #TeamHB2018 returned from Antarctica. We asked Karen Alexander, Research Fellow at University of Tasmania, to reflect on her last 100 Days, and what leadership means to her. 100 DAYS LATER: KAREN ALEXANDER I am writing this whilst watching...
read more
Make the dream of Homeward Bound possible for #HB3 women
We truly believe we are stronger together. This year’s Homeward Bound cohort is made up of those who are self funded, partly self-funded/work-funded and fully work funded. For those who are self funded, many are raising money for their place. We would love you to look...
read more
#HBSTORIES: SARAH BROUGH
It’s been more than a year since our first Homeward Bound cohort of women in STEMM returned from Antarctica. We asked Sarah Brough, one of our inaugural participants, to tell us about her journey since completing the program in 2016, and the role the network of...
read more
IS IT YOUR TIME? APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR OUR FOURTH PROGRAM!
It’s happening! One of the most exciting times in the Homeward Bound calendar is upon us - applications for our fourth Homeward Bound leadership program are now open! From Wednesday 18 April until Friday 18 May 2018 (10am AEST), we will be accepting applications from...
read more
NEW LEADERSHIP MINDSET: #TEAMHB CORRESPONDENT ISABEL ZHANG ZHANG
During the second Homeward Bound voyage we’re bringing you stories from before and after the voyage of more than 20 of the participants, plus members of the leadership team, in their words and pictures. #TeamHB2018 have been back on dry land for exactly four weeks and...
read more
HOPE BURNS FROM WITHIN: #TEAMHB CORRESPONDENT SUE MAUGER
During the second Homeward Bound voyage we’re bringing you stories from before and after the voyage of more than 20 of the participants, plus members of the leadership team, in their words and pictures. The second Homeward Bound Antarctic voyage has come to an end and...
read more
FINALLY, HOMEWARD BOUND: #TEAMHB CORRESPONDENT FERN WICKSON
During the second Homeward Bound voyage we’re bringing you stories from the ship of more than 20 of the participants, plus members of the leadership team, in their words and pictures. The Homeward Bound Antarctic voyage has come to an end and #TeamHB2018 are now on...
read more
FEMALE SUPERHEROS OF SCIENCE IN ANTARCTICA: #TEAMHB CORRESPONDENT LEE CONSTABLE
During the second Homeward Bound voyage we’re bringing you stories from the ship of more than 20 of the participants, plus members of the leadership team, in their words and pictures. Whilst the voyage to Antarctica is the peak of the Homeward Bound program, the...
read more
CONFLUENCE OF ART AND SCIENCE: #TEAMHB CORRESPONDENT JESSICA BRAINARD
During the second Homeward Bound voyage we’re bringing you stories from the ship of more than 20 of the participants, plus members of the leadership team, in their words and pictures. TeamHB2018 are now officially on their journey home from the Antarctic Peninsula. As...
read more
WHAT MOTHER NATURE TAUGHT ME:#TEAMHB CORRESPONDENT WING CHAN
During the second Homeward Bound voyage we’re bringing you stories from the ship of more than 20 of the participants, plus members of the leadership team, in their words and pictures. TeamHB2018 are now deep into their learning program and into the remote Antarctic...
read more
What I want to take back to Africa from Homeward Bound, by #HBCorrespondent Alice Ruhweza
The second Homeward Bound voyage has been gone for over a week now, carrying the 78 women in STEMM. They've visited research bases, made island landings and seen some incredible landscapes. We’re bringing you the stories of more than 20 of those women, plus members of...
read more
My lightbulb moment as the only man in #TeamHB2018, by Marshall Cowley
The Ushuaia has now reached the Antarctic Peninsula, carrying the 78 women in STEMM who form the second Homeward Bound cohort. We’re bringing you the stories of more than 20 of those women, plus members of the leadership team, in their words and pictures:...
read more
THE DRAKE PASSAGE STRIKES AGAIN: #TEAMHB CORRESPONDENT MARIE CLARK
The Ushuaia is steaming towards Antarctica, carrying the 78 women in STEMM who form the second Homeward Bound cohort. We'll bring you the stories of more than 20 of those women, in their words and pictures: our #TeamHB2018 correspondents. You'll hear from them about...
read more
#TEAMHB CORRESPONDENT SANDRA GUZMAN
The ship has left Ushuaia, Argentina, for Antarctica, carrying the 78 women in STEMM who form the second Homeward Bound cohort. Before, during and after the voyage, we'll bring you the stories of more than 20 of those women, in their words and pictures:...
read more
TODAY IS THE DAY! #TEAMHB CORRESPONDENT SARAH LUCAS
TODAY the ship leaves Ushuaia, Argentina, for Antarctica, carrying the 78 women in STEMM who form the second Homeward Bound cohort. Before, during and after the voyage, we'll bring you the stories of more than 20 of those women, in their words and pictures:...
read more
3 DAYS TO GO: #TEAMHB CORRESPONDENT HANNAH LAEVERENZ SCHLOGELHOFER
Two days until the ship leaves Ushuaia, Argentina, for Antarctica, carrying the 78 women in science who form the second Homeward Bound cohort. Before, during and after the voyage, we'll bring you the stories of more than 20 of those women, in their words and pictures:...
read more
4 DAYS TO GO: #TEAMHB CORRESPONDENT MEGAN OATEN
4 days until the ship leaves Ushuaia, Argentina, for Antarctica, carrying the 78 women in science who form the second Homeward Bound cohort. Before, during and after the voyage, we'll bring you the stories of more than 20 of those women, in their words and pictures:...
read more
5 DAYS TO GO: #TEAMHB CORRESPONDENT NINA EARL
5 days until the ship leaves Ushuaia, Argentina, for Antarctica, carrying the 78 women in science who form the second Homeward Bound cohort. Before, during and after the voyage, we'll bring you the stories of more than 20 of those women, in their words and pictures:...
read more
ONE WEEK TO GO: #TEAMHB CORRESPONDENT ADRIANA HUMANES
It's just one week until the ship leaves Ushuaia, Argentina, for Antarctica, carrying the 78 women in science who form the second Homeward Bound cohort. Before, during and after the voyage, we'll bring you the stories of more than 20 of those women, in their words and...
read more
Follower as leader: the alternative model of leadership for a world in crisis, by Fabian Dattner
As Homeward Bound founder Fabian Dattner departs for Argentina to join the second cohort's Antarctic voyage, she reflects on the milestones and evolution of the project and the critical leadership role of the first follower in building momentum for any initiative. I...
read more
#HBSTORIES: SAM HODDER
It’s been a year since our first Homeward Bound cohort of female scientists departed for Antarctica. Between the anniversary of the first voyage and the departure of the second on 18 February 2018, we’ll be sharing the stories of our inaugural participants and their...
read more
#HBSTORIES: JOANNA YOUNG
It’s been a year since our first Homeward Bound cohort of female scientists departed for Antarctica. Between the anniversary of the first voyage and the departure of the second on 18 February 2018, we’ll be sharing the stories of our inaugural participants and their...
read more
#HBSTORIES: FERN HAMES
It’s been a year since our first Homeward Bound cohort of female scientists departed for Antarctica. Between the anniversary of the first voyage and the departure of the second on 18 February 2018, we’ll be sharing the stories of our inaugural participants and their...
read more
#HBSTORIES: HEIDI STELTZER
It’s been a year since our first Homeward Bound cohort of female scientists departed for Antarctica. Between the anniversary of the first voyage and the departure of the second on 18 February 2018, we’ll be sharing the stories of our inaugural participants and their...
read more
Introducing #TeamHB2019: our third group of women leaders
It started with 76 adventurous women in 2016. That number swelled to 155 with #TeamHB2018, who depart for Antarctica in two weeks. Now, by announcing #TeamHB2019, the third group of women to join our global community, Homeward Bound is proud to have reached two...
read more
#HBStories: Merryn McKinnon
It’s been a year since our first Homeward Bound cohort of female scientists departed for Antarctica. Between the anniversary of the first voyage and the departure of the second on 18 February 2018, we’ll be sharing the stories of our inaugural participants and their...
read more
#HBStories: Raeanne Miller
It’s been a year since our first Homeward Bound cohort of female scientists departed for Antarctica. Between the anniversary of the first voyage and the departure of the second on 18 February 2018, we'll be sharing the stories of our inaugural participants and their...
read more
#HBStories: Shelley Ball
It’s been a year since our first Homeward Bound cohort of female scientists departed for Antarctica. Between the anniversary of the first voyage and the departure of the second on 18 February 2018, we'll be sharing the stories of our inaugural participants and their...
read more
Make HB possible for #TeamHB18
We truly believe we are stronger together. This year's Homeward Bound cohort is made up of those who are self funded, partly self-funded/work-funded and fully work funded. For those who are self funded, many are raising money for their place. We would love you to look...
read more
Are you next? New program applications now open!
It's official! Applications for the next Homeward Bound leadership program are open! From Friday 18 August until Friday 25 September 2017, we will be accepting applications from women in science (STEMM) for Homeward Bound #3, a 2018/19 year-long leadership program,...
read more
Meet #TeamHB2018 – our second cohort of women in STEMM!
The hunt is over. We had enough applications to fill multiple ships to Antarctica...but we had to choose just 70 women for Homeward Bound’s next leadership program. With applications from some of the most impressive, intelligent, wise, interesting, courageous women in...
read more
Greg Mortimer OAM to lead next Homeward Bound Antarctic expedition
Homeward Bound co-founder Fabian Dattner shares her excitement about Greg Mortimer signing up for another Homeward Bound Antarctic voyage as Expedition Leader. It is hard to fathom the impact of this extraordinary man on Homeward Bound 2016, but suffice to say many...
read more
Antarctica, we love you
Participant Monica Araya writes an ode to Antarctica as she reflects on the end of Homeward Bound's maiden voyage and looks to what's next By the time you read this we will be in Ushuaia so I want to record the sentiment that has invaded the ship in the last hours. I...
read more
Facing transition: we really are “Homeward Bound” now
Heading into the last leg of the inaugural voyage, strategy faculty member Kit Jackson explains how personal strategy maps support the integration of what has been learned and the transition process back into life post-Homeward Bound We are crossing Drake Passage on...
read more
Scientists meet scientists: kindred spirits at Palmer station (and famous brownies recipe)
On day 16's visit to the U.S. base, Palmer Station, participant Carol Devine shares the fascinating science, a shared mission for the Earth and Palmer's "world famous" brownies recipe It's a beautiful clear morning out there with a pod of lovely unique-shaped pale...
read more
Final Antarctic landing: Port Lockroy
Chronicling the final Antarctic landing of the voyage, participant Samantha Grover shares the jolting juxtaposition of civilisation and the Antarctic at Port Lockroy Our last Antarctic landing, Port Lockroy, was a bittersweet morning. As elsewhere, I was enchanted by...
read more
How I regained my inner voice: Raeanne Miller
In a beautiful and raw reflective blog, participant Raeanne Miller gives a candid insight into some of her leadership learnings from Homeward Bound and the events of days 14 and 15 of the voyage Mother Nature spoke to me yesterday. I was sitting on my rucksack,...
read more
Minkes to moss: the Homeward Bound science program at sea
Onboard science faculty, Justine Shaw and Mary-Anne Lea, pull back the curtain on the vast knowledge-sharing and collaboration taking place as part of Homeward Bound's science program and the Symposium at Sea Ever since leaving Ushuaia and our first Minke whale...
read more
What Homeward Bound women talk about: day 14
So what do Homeward Bound women talk about when resting on rocks overlooking a glacier as the clouds come in? Heidi Steltzer shares the chats, glaciers, iceberg galaxies, ambition and optimism of day 14 We parked in Andvord Bay today, still waiting for ice in the...
read more
Finding patience and opportunity in uncertainty: day 12
On a day of uncertainties, Homeward Bound participant Heidi Steltzer finds learnings and opportunities in the unknown Change can be unsettling. We wake each day and shift out of slumber. We transition from home to work, from work to dinner, from dinner to preparations...
read more
Fabian Dattner: Progress in Antarctica
Drawing parallels between two historic female expeditions, co-founder Fabian Dattner shares a glimpse of the magic of Homeward Bound In 1969, Sylvia Earle was part of the Tektite Project, an alliance between an entrepreneur and General Electric. She led a team of...
read more
Unexpectedness: as voyage hits half-way mark
At the half-way point of the voyage, participant Fern Hames lets us in on the rich sensory experience of being in the Antarctic and the unexpected wonders that present at this very moment in time If you could choose one word to describe today, it might be...
read more
A day in Paradise: Day 10
Homeward Bound participant Fern Hames provides a window into the paradise that was day 10 of the voyage Today we literally went to Paradise – well, Paradise Bay, which is completely aptly named. A stunning, snowy, mountainous landscape, reflected in the deep blue sea...
read more
Magic at Portal Point: Day 9
HB Participant Fern Hames shares her reflections on day 9 of the Antarctic voyage How many kinds of Antarctic magic can there be? We thought we’d seen the most amazing, magical place at Barrientos Island, and then ”Oh what about Half Moon Island?”, and then “Oh my...
read more
Voyage update: Molly Christensen on Day 6
On day 6 of the voyage, participant Molly Christensen gives us a day in the life of a Homeward Bounder Overnight we gently made our way through Antarctic Sound to wake up to spectacular scenery, mass amounts of sea ice and icebergs emerging from the Weddell Sea. Many...
read more
Live from Antarctica: We’ve never needed to listen as we need to listen now
Fabian Dattner, co-founder of Homeward Bound, reports on the fifth day of the voyage, from Carlini station Sometimes I have to pinch myself and say, "This is real, this is happening." Today we visited the Argentinian base, Carlini Station - which consists of 40 men,...
read more
The importance of staying home (and cheering loudly)
Homeward Bound co-founder Jess Melbourne-Thomas shares the implications of the lack of women in science leadership and reflects on her own decision to not be onboard the first voyage to Antarctica I’m sitting at my desk and thinking about 84 women and a few blokes on...
read more
Live from the ship: Fabian Dattner on this miracle of common intention
Fabian Dattner, co-founder of Homeward Bound, lets us in on the unfolding of the inaugural voyage It's hard to explain what is happening on the MV Ushuaia, on a ship in the Southern Ocean, surrounded by icebergs and the vast, white, compelling scope of an Antarctic...
read more
Why the world needs women leaders
Anticipating departure, Homeward Bound co-founder Fabian Dattner captures a moment in time that speaks to the spirit of what this project is all about 76 women with a science background? Off to Antarctica? What the hell are we doing? It's 9.45pm, Sunday night, 9...
read more
When a dream becomes reality
As co-founder Fabian Dattner sets off for Argentina to depart for the inaugural Homeward Bound Antarctic voyage, she shares her thoughts on the journey up to this point, watching a dream become a reality. Who would have thought that my life, and the lives of many...
read more
An incredible send off in Tasmania
Fabian Dattner reflects on the official launch of the 2016 Homeward Bound voyage in Tasmania: Government House, Her Excellency, the science faculty and the who's who of Antarctic Science based in Hobart We arrived at Government House, driving up the graceful drive,...
read more
Capturing the world’s attention
Recent media features include Forbes, Marie Claire, Upworthy, New York Times...
read more
A question
What if balancing gender at the leadership table was one of the most effective ways to influence environmental sustainability and reduce human impact on the environment? Read more from the Homeward Bound...
read more
Homeward Bound as metaphor
Homeward Bound is a metaphor for the planet, and our responsibility for our ‘home’. It is also a link to the care women bring to living spaces, a sense that 'home' includes the whole planet, and at its most fragile, the remote and wild Southern Ocean; Antarctica is...
read more
Homeward Bound
The start of a global collaboration of women able to influence policy and decisions towards a sustainable future? Read more from the Homeward Bound Blog
read more