“One of my life goals is to live an adventurous life. It’s been a dream of mine to go to Antarctica,” said Morris, Americas Marketing Strategy and Environmental Advocate at Hewlett-Packard in Boise. I landed a spot on the 2041 Group’s annual expedition. “It was surreal and life-changing.” Since reading the book, “Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage,” by Alfred Lansing 10 years ago, Morris was hooked on the idea of experiencing Antarctica in its majesty, and as part of an expedition. Last year, she was able to experience the full international adventure with a group of 65 people from more than 20 nations. The International Antarctica Expedition included a diverse group of environmental experts, corporate leaders, educators, students, a United Nations (UNFCCC) delegate and entrepreneurs. The expedition was led by Robert Swan. An Officer of the British Empire, he also is a renowned polar explorer, environmental leader, founder of the 2041 Group and the first person ever to have walked to the North and South poles.
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Morris was selected through a competitive application and member challenge process sponsored by an environmental organization, the Corporate Eco Forum, headquartered in New York. The organization is comprised of more than 80 global member companies, including Hewlett-Packard. Members represent 18 industries and have combined revenues exceeding $3 trillion. “In Idaho and at HP, I feel very fortunate to have been influenced by many talented people over the years. I sought out their expertise to complete the challenge application and there are many ‘fingerprints’ that contributed to my being selected. I’m very grateful,” Morris said. Across a field of more than 100 applicants – from over 80 global companies, 12 countries and 6 continents – she was selected the winner in January 2011 and joined the three-week expedition experience in March 2011. The expedition encompassed leadership development, environmental education, communication skills, team building and survival training. Guest experts on the environment, climate change, sustainable development,