Born: 1964 (Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan)
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.
Notably, on 12 June 2020, O’Brien became the first woman to conquer both the highest and lowest points on Earth, thereby earning herself a prestigious Guinness World Record. This incredible feat showcased her determination and unwavering spirit in the face of immense challenges.
O’Brien’s pioneering spirit also led her to become the first American woman to successfully climb K2, one of the world’s most treacherous peaks, on 28 July 2017. Additionally, she holds the distinction of being the first British woman to conquer this formidable summit, thanks to her dual nationality. Leading a team of twelve members, O’Brien completed the ascent on her third attempt, a testament to her resilience and mountaineering prowess.
In recognition of her exceptional achievements, O’Brien is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) and an Honorary Advisory Member of The Scientific Exploration Society (SES). Her contributions to the field of exploration have garnered widespread acclaim, earning her the Fearless Girl Award in 2019 and being named Explorer of The Year in 2018 by SES.
O’Brien’s ambition drove her to break barriers and set world records. She established a Guinness World Record for climbing the highest peak on every continent in an astounding 295 days, the fastest time ever achieved by a woman. Her determination to conquer the world’s tallest peaks showcases her unwavering focus and unwavering dedication to her craft.
In the pursuit of her dreams, O’Brien completed the Explorers Grand Slam in only eleven months. This incredible endeavor involved skiing the last 60 nautical miles (111 km) to both the South and North Poles, making her the first woman to achieve this feat in under a calendar year. O’Brien’s achievement solidified her place in the annals of exploration and inspired countless others to push their limits.
Vanessa Audi Rhys O’Brien was born on 2 December 1964 in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. She spent her formative years in this close-knit community before embarking on her remarkable journey of exploration and adventure.
Driven by her thirst for knowledge, O’Brien pursued her education at New York University School of Professional Studies (SPS). She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and went on to earn an Executive MBA in Finance from New York University Stern School of Business. O’Brien’s commitment to her studies and intellectual growth led her to be recognized as one of the Top 10 most famous NYU Stern MBA’s in 2021.
Before devoting herself to the exploration and adventure, O’Brien made significant contributions to the corporate world. She worked as a Director of Finance and Business Development for esteemed financial institutions such as Morgan Stanley, Barclays Bank, and the Bank of America. Her expertise and leadership skills propelled her to senior positions, further cementing her formidable reputation in the business world.
O’Brien’s dedication to the betterment of society and the environment is evident in her role as an Honorary Advisory Board member of the Scientific Exploration Society. She also serves as a Community Ambassador for Arc’Teryx, an outdoor equipment company, and as a Goodwill Ambassador for Pakistan. Her involvement with the American Alpine Club and various board positions, including The Explorers Club and the American Pakistan Foundation, showcases her commitment to fostering collaboration and progress in these organizations.
Beyond her personal achievements, O’Brien has made significant contributions to research and scientific projects. Her involvement in investigating the effects of nocturnal hypoxic exposure on high-altitude has furthered our understanding of the challenges faced by explorers in extreme environments.
Vanessa O’Brien’s remarkable journey as a mountaineer, sub-orbital spaceflight participant, explorer, author, and business executive has left an indelible mark on society. Her groundbreaking achievements have shattered glass ceilings and inspired countless individuals, especially women, to embrace their own adventurous spirit and pursue their dreams fearlessly. As a trailblazer in both exploration and women’s history, O’Brien’s legacy stands as a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and a boundless thirst for discovery and adventure.
Awards:
– Guinness World Record for climbing the highest peak on every continent in 295 days, the fastest time by a woman.
– Fearless Girl Award in 2019.
– Explorer of The Year in 2018 by The Scientific Exploration Society.