Homeward Bound

Nearly seven years ago Hilary McManus, Ph.D., embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. A professor of biological and environmental sciences, McManus was one of 78 female scientists from 18 different countries who spent 21 days at sea and on land exploring what is widely considered to be the iciest, coldest, and windiest place on Earth—Antarctica. McManus did so as part of Homeward Bound (HB), a groundbreaking leadership and science initiative whose aim is to equip 10,000 women with STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) backgrounds to lead, influence, and contribute to policy and decision-making as it informs the future of the planet by 2036. The journey, which also brought McManus in sight of wildlife that included penguins, fur seals, and orca and minke whales, exceeded her expectations “on all fronts.”

As a participant in HB, McManus and her colleagues visited five international research stations, where they met with other scientists and witnessed firsthand some of the ways the planet is changing, including glacial retreat. They also had the opportunity to study water scarcity and health; gender bias in the sciences; climate change and pollution; energy transition; and climate change communication. McManus strongly believes that this initiative is contributing to impactful leadership and action that the world needs. Since her own HB experience in 2017-18, she has directed her career in a way that is purpose-driven, values-led, and strategic. She aims to contribute to and support this type of personal and professional development for other STEMM women.

McManus is now serving as a faculty member for Homeward Bound 9, which is made up of 65 participants from 18 countries and 27 nationalities. It launched in August 2024. Faculty members and participants will meet online biweekly through July 2025. The three-week experiential component of the program is scheduled to occur after the online component, and the location is yet to be announced.

McManus and her HB faculty colleagues bring to this process their unique lived experiences in their respective fields, along with a deep commitment to empowering the next generation of women leaders and change-makers. Having walked their own paths of leadership, they are ready to share their insights, challenges, and successes with a new cohort while fostering growth, collaboration, and impactful leadership.