
Breaking boundaries at the bottom of the world
Donation protected
My Antarctic expedition for climate justice, ocean science & women’s leadership
Hi, I’m Catherine, a strategic communicator working at the intersection of policy, people, and the planet. I’m a climate advocate and a women’s rights champion with a long-standing dedication to amplifying voices for a more inclusive and sustainable world. I’m also a future polar explorer.
I’m honoured and thrilled to have been selected for the Breaking Boundaries expedition to Antarctica, a 24-day journey with Sea Women Expeditions. I’ll be part of a global team of 25 women experienced in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Together, we’ll dive into the icy waters, participate in pioneering ocean research, and take part in a unique leadership programme that blends science, storytelling, and advocacy.
Having previously sailed to Antarctica, I carry with me a deep respect for this fragile, awe-inspiring ecosystem, and a commitment to share its stories far beyond the ice.
About the expedition
The Breaking Boundaries expedition is a transformative 24-day journey taking place from 14 February to 10 March 2026, organised by Sea Women Expeditions. Our team consists of women from across the globe who will travel to the Southern Ocean and Weddell Sea, regions on the frontline of climate change, where warming waters and shifting ice are reshaping marine ecosystems.
Through immersive fieldwork (including snorkelling and diving in icy waters to collect samples), we’ll observe first-hand the impacts of climate change on polar environments. A key part of the expedition is a leadership programme that merges science with the arts, equipping us with tools to influence climate action and bring ocean stories to new audiences.
This expedition isn’t just about going to Antarctica. It’s about helping shift the course of climate justice, from the poles to the policy table.
Why this matters
The Arctic and Antarctica are among the most vulnerable ecosystems on earth. As they continue to melt, they trigger global consequences from rising sea levels to disrupted weather patterns. Women’s leadership plays an important role in addressing these challenges, especially when paired with Indigenous knowledge, scientific research, and policy influence.
Through this expedition, we aim to:
- raise awareness about the importance of ocean conservation
- create pathways for women to excel in exploration, science, and leadership
- document the impacts of climate change on polar regions
- translate this learning into stories, strategies, and policies that protect people and the planet
As an Antarctic Ambassador, I take seriously the responsibility to protect Antarctica as a place of peace, science, and global cooperation. I’m committed to sharing what I learn (through writing, public speaking, and advocacy) with people and policymakers who may never see the ice themselves, but whose choices shape its fate.
How you can help
This expedition is self-funded, and I need your support to cover:
- travel costs, expedition fees, and safety training
- scientific equipment for ocean observation and data collection
- communication tools to share the experience with you and wider audiences
My goal is to raise 15,000 € to make this journey possible and help turn polar insights into public impact. Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to that goal.
All funds will go directly toward the costs of participation in the expedition, the leadership and arts programme, and the gear needed for polar exploration and storytelling.
Thank you
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Whether through donating, sharing, or cheering from afar, you’re helping make a real difference in the fight for climate justice and women’s leadership.
Thank you for reading. For caring. For believing that science, story, and heart-led leadership can help shape a better future. I’m so grateful to be able to take this leap, into the cold, into the unknown, and into deeper purpose.
Together, we’re breaking boundaries, towards a more sustainable and just world.
Organizer

Catherine Callens
Organizer
Antwerp, VLG