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Jill Heinerth (born 1965) is a Canadian cave diver, underwater explorer, writer, photographer, and filmmaker. She has made TV series for PBS, National Geographic Channel, and the BBC, consulted on movies for directors including James Cameron, written several books, and produced documentaries including “We Are Water” and “Ben’s Vortex,” about the disappearance of Ben McDaniel.
Marion Rice Hart (10 October 1891 – July 2, 1990) was an American sportswoman, writer, and trailblazer for women in engineering and exploration. She became the first woman to graduate in chemical engineering from MIT and achieved notable accomplishments in various fields throughout her remarkable life. Marion’s accomplishments in a male-dominated field were groundbreaking, setting the stage for future generations of women in engineering. Her relentless pursuit of her passions, fearless exploration of uncharted territories, and unwavering commitment to breaking barriers have left an indelible mark on history, making her a truly remarkable and enduring figure in women’s history.
Marie Beuzeville Byles was a prominent Australian conservationist, pacifist, mountaineer, and pioneer female solicitor. She was an original member of the Buddhist Society in New South Wales and made significant contributions to the development and spread of Buddhism in the region. With her dedication to preserving the natural world, commitment to social justice, and fearless pursuit of her passions, Byles has left an enduring legacy in Australian society.
Susan R. Eaton, a Canadian geoscientist, journalist, and polar explorer, has defied the traditional stereotype of a polar explorer and has made significant contributions in the field. Throughout her life, she has been dedicated to exploring and investigating the world’s oceans. Eaton’s transformative journey from the Antarctic to the Arctic, exploring the world’s oceans in the snorkel zones, also gave her the opportunity to reflect deeply on the nature of exploration. She established Sedna Epic Expeditions, a female-led and operated venture dedicated to polar exploration, to empower women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Eaton’s work has firmly established her as one of Canada’s greatest modern-day explorers and trailblazers.
Vanessa Audi Rhys O’Brien (born 2 December 1964) is a British and American mountaineer, sub-orbital spaceflight participant, explorer, author, and former business executive. She has achieved numerous groundbreaking feats in her adventurous career, leaving an indelible mark on society and women’s history. On 4 August 2022, O’Brien made history by becoming the first woman to complete the Explorers’ Extreme Trifecta. This remarkable achievement involved pushing the limits on land, sea, and air when she crossed the Kármán line during the Blue Origin NS-22 spaceflight. Her daring journey to the edges of space solidified her position as a true explorer and inspiration to many.
Simone Cousteau (née Melchior; 19 January 1919 – 1 December 1990) was a French explorer and a pioneering figure in the world of underwater exploration. She was the first woman scuba diver and aquanaut, and she played a vital role as the wife and business partner of renowned undersea explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Simone’s contributions to their work were instrumental, despite her absence from the limelight in the Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau series. She acted as a mother, healer, nurse, and psychiatrist to the all-male crew for an incredible span of 40 years, earning her the affectionate nickname “La Bergère,” the Shepherdess. Simone was not merely a supportive partner, but a driving force behind the success of their endeavors.