2026 Trailblazer Fellowship Kickoff

Four Cohorts. One Community. 

On August 6, the Ann Bancroft Foundation held an inspiring gathering that brought Trailblazers together from all four cohorts for an afternoon in the new ABF office. The day marked the end for cohort 3 and the beginning for cohort 4 Trailblazer Fellows, and welcomed members of former cohorts back for the celebration. 

The afternoon was a unique time for Fellows from multiple cohorts to meet each other, share stories, find commonalities, and share their bold dreams for the future. 

The Afternoon - Curiosity, Community and Courage

The day started with the group getting to know one another and hearing stories of exploration, courage, and dreaming from founder Ann Bancroft. Ann shared heartfelt and personal stories of living in Africa, preparing for her expeditions to the poles, and the vision of the Ann Bancroft Foundation in its early days. 

The afternoon spent together is a reminder that the Trailblazer Fellowship is about building relationships that fuel confidence, connection, and change.

Honoring Cohort 3 - A Celebration of Growth

The afternoon concluded with a closing ceremony and reception for Cohort 3, a moment of reflection and recognition of what they accomplished this year. Fellows took turns sharing their stories from the past year; challenges they faced, lessons they learned, and the growth they experienced. Their reflections were personal and powerful. 

Mercy Ncube shared that she is starting her sophomore year at Howard University in Washington, D.C., majoring in Economics and double minoring in Spanish and Business Administration. She is pursuing her bold dream of starting an anthropology-focused business consulting firm.

Caelynn Petersilie, a rising first-year at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, graduated this spring with their Associate's degree and high school diploma. Caelynn will major in Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Sexuality Studies with minors in American Sign Language and Art. Caelynn reflected on overcoming obstacles this year and shared excitement to begin their four-year degree. 

Ileini Hirt is starting her first year at Wesleyan College and is playing hockey. Ileini recorded the first season of her podcast, Mom and Me: Climbing Mountains Together. Ileini reflected on how the project helped her reflect on her story and use it to make a difference for others.

Lucy Hugunin spent the summer working as a counselor at Camp Widjiwagan, inspiring the next generation to enjoy the outdoors. Lucy is a rising sophomore at the University of Vermont and is studying Environmental Science. 

Ali Barrow is a rising senior in high school. Ali continues to pursue her love of travel and dreams of being an attorney one day. Ali shared a deep gratitude for the doors that have opened and the opportunities she could pursue in the last year with the fellowship. 

Ella Kahn reflected on her experience in the Fellowship and learning from this group of peers. Ella enjoyed the camping trip last summer most of all with memories of canoeing, hiking on the rocks, roasting marshmallows, making friendship bracelets, and playing lots of games. Ella is pursuing her bold dream of studying Chemistry, Physics, and Neuroscience at Whitman College.

Ava Limberg is a rising high school senior continuing to expand her small business selling goat milk-based products, including lotions and soap. Ava continues to work with her young horse, Brother, to train in barrel racing. Ava's dream is to work with animals.

Reymie Keenan is a rising first-year at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York and is on the wrestling team. Reymie will study engineering and become an architect. Reymie reflected on a busy year between earning their Associate's degree before graduating high school, winning the girl's state wrestling meet, and preparing to start college. 

Looking Forward, Together

The day closed with a room full of energizing conversations, hugs, and a meal shared with Fellows, mentors, parents, and supporters. It was a fitting end to a gathering that honored the past, celebrated the present, and welcomed the future. For cohort 3, it marked the conclusion of their Fellowship year - and the beginning of a lifetime connection to the ABF community. For cohort 4, it's the start of a new journey, filled with possibility and support. 

This event highlighted that the Trailblazer Fellowship is growing with each cohort and has lasting impacts on every participant. This group is filled with girls and gender expansive youth who dare to dream boldly, live courageously, and lift one another up along the way.

Learn more about the Trailblazer Fellowship and how you can support bold dreams: annbancroftfoundation.org/programs/trailblazer-fellowship