Future Leaders, Innovators, and Change Makers: Ann Bancroft Foundation Announces 2025-2026 Trailblazer Fellows

ST. PAUL, MN (March 13, 2025) – From aspiring historians to future veterinarians, mental health advocates, entrepreneurs, and environmental scientists, 10 extraordinary Minnesota high school girl-identifying youth are forging their paths with the support of the Ann Bancroft Foundation (ABF). Today, ABF announces the 2025-2026 cohort of Trailblazer Fellows—young women who are pushing boundaries and shaping the future.

Through the Trailblazer Fellowship, these remarkable students—who have previously received ABF grants—are awarded up to $2,500 each to fund experiences that help propel them toward college, careers, and personal growth. In addition to financial support, the Fellowship offers a year-long cohort experience, providing mentorship, leadership development, and networking opportunities.

“This year’s Trailblazer Fellows are bold and ambitious young women who are setting new standards for what’s possible in their communities and beyond,” said Ethelind Kaba, Executive Director, Ann Bancroft Foundation. “They are not only dreaming big—they are taking actionable steps to create lasting change. Whether through international travel, scientific research, social advocacy, or competitive sports, these young women are an inspiration to us all.”

Meet the 2025 Trailblazer Fellows

Alianna Barrow (Eagan, 10th grade): A passionate historian in the making, Alianna dreams of learning multiple languages and exploring the past to better understand the present. She will use her grant to travel to Japan with her school, immersing herself in the culture and language she has long admired. An active athlete and creative spirit, Alianna thrives in soccer, volleyball, alpine skiing, and costume design while engaging with her school's Black Student Union and Japanese Club. “I’ve realized that history is not just a subject—it’s my future.”

Ava Limberg (Hill City, 10th grade): Growing up on a family farm in Grand Rapids, Ava has set her sights on becoming a large-animal veterinarian. With her Trailblazer Fellowship, she will train her young horse for barrel racing, taking her first steps toward a future in equine care. Active in 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and Saddle Club, Ava first used an ABF grant to start a goat milk business. Her advice? “Never give up on your dreams—there is always a way if you work hard enough.”

Caelynn Petersilie (Kasson, 11th grade): A future advocate for those without a voice, Caelynn is determined to fight for justice and equality. Their Trailblazer Fellowship will fund summer courses at Rochester Community Technical College, helping them complete a Liberal Arts and Sciences degree before high school graduation. A passionate dancer and artist, Caelynn envisions a future in Gender Studies, Art History, and Native American Studies. “This grant makes my future clearer and gets me one step closer to AmeriCorps and beyond.”

Gabriella Kahn (Eagan, 12th grade): Ella dreams of building a nonprofit that teaches children about neurodiversity and pairs them with neurodivergent mentors. She will use her grant to publish a children’s book on the subject, furthering her work as a neurodiversity advocate. After attending a Stanford program through a previous ABF grant, she co-created Pos-Ability, a video game educating kids about neurodiversity. Her motto? “It’s okay to dream big. Thoughtfully, but not obediently.”

Ileini Hirt (Duluth, 11th grade): A passionate mental health advocate, Ileini will use her grant to launch a podcast focused on awareness, support, and advocacy. A dedicated athlete and Youth Advocate for the U.S. Center for Mental Health and Sport, Ileini is committed to making sure no one feels alone in their struggles. Her advice to others? “Embrace your differences, and never let anyone stop you from fighting for what you believe in.”

Lourdes Inamagua (Minneapolis, 11th grade): With dreams of becoming a medical professional, Lourdes is set to explore history and culture firsthand with a grant-funded academic trip to Italy. A first-generation traveler in her family, Lourdes previously visited Brazil with an ABF grant and found the experience life-changing. “Opportunities to see the world shape who we become. Never be afraid to explore new places and ideas.”

Lucy Hugunin (Minneapolis, 12th grade): An aspiring environmental scientist, Lucy will use her ABF grant to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and minor in Political Science at the University of Vermont. A dedicated advocate for nature, she previously backpacked through Jasper National Park with an ABF grant. President of Link Crew and a track athlete, Lucy believes that “forging a bond with nature makes environmental issues personal.”

Mercy Ncube (Blaine, 12th grade): Mercy dreams of blending business and anthropology to create a career of her own. She will use her Trailblazer Fellowship to attend the DECA Nationals Competition in 2025, further honing her entrepreneurial skills. Previously, an ABF grant helped her place 5th in a national FCCLA competition with her business plan. “The impact I hope to make on others is my motivation.”

Reymie Keenan (Minneapolis, 11th grade): A force in the male-dominated fields of architecture, engineering, and wrestling, Reymie is determined to break barriers. They will use their grant to complete their associate’s degree while still in high school. A 2025 state high school champion wrestler and passionate student, Reymie said, “Little me needed the person I am today. Now, I show kids like me that being yourself is powerful.”

Sienna Dhariwal (Edina, 12th grade): A changemaker, entrepreneur, and upcoming recipient of the Ann Bancroft Foundation 2025 Rising DreamMaker Award, Sienna has spent years advocating for sustainability, gender equality, and racial equity. She launched her own sustainable swimwear line, Bikini Blend, in 8th grade and has since expanded her brand nationally. With her grant, she will continue her work in business and activism, proving that young women can be both business leaders and social impact drivers. “Change doesn’t happen fast enough, so I create it myself.”

The first step to apply for the Ann Bancroft Foundation Trailblazer Fellowship is to receive the Ann Bancroft Foundation Grant. The Spring 2025 grant cycle is accepting applications until April 1, 2025. The Ann Bancroft Foundation Grant helps girl-identifying youth in Minnesota pursue their dreams through an activity or experience. Applicants can apply for up to $1,000 to pursue a wide range of activities including cultural, arts, STEAM, leadership, outdoors, sports, and much more. 

In Other News: 2025 Annual Celebration, April 24, 2025

Join us on April 24, 2025, for Be Unapologetically You, our annual event to celebrate and honor girls and women who use their voices, talents, gifts, and creativity every day to transform our world for the better. The evening will include stories of courage and resilience, engaging entertainment, and meaningful connections that highlight the transformative power of investing in girls. We’ll also honor this year’s award recipients: the 2025 DreamMaker Award to Coach Cheryl Reeve, Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations for the Minnesota Lynx; and the 2025 Rising DreamMaker Award to Sienna Dhariwal, ABF grantee and 2025-2026 Trailblazer Fellow. 

To attend the celebration and/or request an interview(s), contact Lauren Skar at 612-361-8195 or laurens@annbancroftfoundation.org.

About the Ann Bancroft Foundation

The Ann Bancroft Foundation (ABF) empowers young women to dream big and pursue their passions. Through grants, mentorship, and ongoing development opportunities, ABF provides the support girls need to step confidently into their futures. More at www.annbancroftfoundation.org.

About Ann Bancroft

Ann Bancroft is a pioneer, a record-breaking polar explorer, and an advocate for bold dreams. The first woman to reach both the North and South Poles across the ice, she led the first all-female expedition to Antarctica and, in 2001, became one of the first women in history to cross Antarctica’s landmass. An educator, author, and champion for women and girls, she founded the Ann Bancroft Foundation to inspire young women to defy limits and carve their own paths. Through adventure and storytelling, she continues to empower the next generation to embrace exploration—of both the world and of themselves. More on Ann’s explorations at https://bancroftarnesen.eco/.