"Life's a voyage that's homeward bound."

– Herman Melville

In February 2018, I'll join 80 women from around the world on a voyage to Antarctica—but I need your support to get there. Please consider contributing to my journey with Homeward Bound, a global leadership initiative for women in science aimed at promoting gender equity in the face of global environmental change.

Each participant must cover approximately US$20,000 of costs for this year-long leadership program set against the backdrop of Antarctica. Your generous support will help me set sail on a voyage of a lifetime.

Be a part of my journey. Check out my fundraising video and follow me on Facebook. All contributions, large or small, are greatly appreciated.

What's Homeward Bound?

The Homeward Bound program first took flight in 2016. The vision, over the next decade, is to equip a 1000-strong global collaboration of women with a science background to lead, influence and contribute to policy and decision-making as it informs the future of our planet.

This 12-month program develops leadership, communication, visibility and strategic capabilities and culminates in an intensive three-week expedition to Antarctica leaving from Ushuaia, Argentina.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg... You can learn more about the Homeward Bound program content here.

Curator with a Cause

As Curator for the Western Australian Museum's New Museum Project, I bring science to life for diverse audiences. I serve as a bridge between scientists and the public—interpreting environmental messages to move both hearts and minds.

Originally from the United States, I draw on my background in environmental science, science communication and audience research to develop museum exhibitions that celebrate and inspire people to conserve Earth's amazing biodiversity. As an ocean lover, I advocate for the health of marine ecosystems. I'm also passionate about sharing stories that showcase the voices of women in science.

Participating in Homeward Bound will strengthen my leadership voice to speak up on behalf of our changing planet and its most vulnerable inhabitants. Joining this global collaboration of women in science will provide a platform for me to turn my passion into action and to reach a larger audience beyond the walls of a museum.

Women in a Warming World

In building a global network of women in science, Homeward Bound participants aim to raise awareness about two pressing issues: gender equity and climate change. It turns out that the two are closely linked.

Women are disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of our changing climate, including extreme weather events, largely because they are overrepresented among the world's poor. At the same time, women are underrepresented in leadership positions and environmental decision-making worldwide, including the climate science and policy arena.

Given women's recognized ability to collaborate, hold a legacy mindset and care for shared resources, it's crucial to have women at the leadership table in all areas of climate science, policy, mitigation and education. In this critical and decisive time for our planet, now more than ever, Mother Nature needs her daughters.

Why Antarctica?

Awe-inspiring and remote, this wild frontier captures the imagination. Antarctica is also one of the most vulnerable and rapidly warming regions of our planet.

On this journey to the end of the Earth, we'll visit international research stations, learn from the world's leading climate scientists and witness the effects of climate change first hand.

Antarctica is a symbol of the principles of Homeward Bound. A continent governed by international cooperation, coping with the harsh conditions of this extreme environment demands leadership and teamwork. By taking this journey to Antarctica together, we envision our shared experience will create strong bonds, inspire action and lead to extraordinary collaborations.

Fundraising Facts and Figures

The total cost of this year-long leadership program and three-week expedition to Antarctica is over US$31,000 per participant. Of that, approximately US$11,000 is subsidised via in-kind contributions. It's up to individual participants to cover the remaining US$20,000. This significant investment includes air travel from Australia to Argentina, chartering the ship, insurance and equipment. Check here for a breakdown of program costs and in-kind donations.

You can donate by selecting an amount or by choosing one of the perks. This campaign is in US dollars. If you wish to donate in Australian dollars, visit my Join Jessica's Journey page.

I've teamed up with four other amazing women in Perth, Western Australia on local projects and fundraising efforts. To learn more about our collaboration, visit Team WA Homeward Bound 2018. If we exceed our fundraising goal, we'll donate the surplus to the Homeward Bound scholarship fund for future participants from countries most affected by climate change.

Follow My Journey

You can follow my Homeward Bound journey via the links below. Check back here to see how I'm travelling with my campaign.

Social Media

Jessica Brainard - Facebook

Team WA Homeward Bound 2018

In the News

9 News Perth - Team WA Homeward Bound 2018

Fremantle Gazette - Cold Call of Adventure

Homeward Bound Projects - Media

Fundraising for Women in Science

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