About Jeannette McGill
Spearheading gender diversity through either her extensive industrial technology career or mountaineering exploits, Jeannette believes that everyone can do hard things. Through her support of the Summit Foundation scholarship she has ensured that aspiring mountaineers from underrepresented Africa gain an opportunity to follow in Jeannette’s own mountaineering footsteps in Peru where she began her own high altitude mountaineering career from distant South Africa. Now with 8x 8000m expeditions under her down-suit Jeannette loves leading and inspiring others on their own outdoor adventure journeys and it’s time to involve more community in supporting African female mountaineers!
To Empower Aspiring Female African Mountaineers
First – a massive thank you to everyone who contributed to the first part of this campaign – over the April/May season while I was climbing Everest. I’m so appreciative!!
Now – I’m back in Nepal – soon I will leading a 3 Passes Trek for AWExpeditions. And also asking for more contributions so that we can have a 2026 scholarship for someone from Africa!
2026 Applications open soon for the Summit Scholarship Foundation. We need your help to be able to fund year-5 of this amazing opportunity for one aspiring mountaineer from Africa.
Female mountaineers from Africa are among the least represented globally.
Barriers to entry are high and authentic, caring role models in short supply.
From my own mountaineering beginnings in South Africa, my first expedition was to the Cordillera Blanca in Peru. Over the years I’ve been able to undertake, and lead, many mountain adventures. I know first hand the transformative effect that cold tents and starry summits can provide.
Through my support, the Summit Scholarship Foundation has for 4 years provided a scholarship specifically for an African passport holder to experience mountaineering in Peru – just like I did so many years ago.
Now is the time to call on community so that this life-changing opportunity can be extended into 2026.
The Cairn Project is an initiative of the GEA Alliance, which connects women, girls, and gender-diverse adventurers with transformative outdoor opportunities, advancing gender equity on and off the mountain.
Through scholarships, fundraising adventures, and storytelling, the GEA Alliance works to break down barriers and ensure everyone has access to the power of the outdoors.
The process is fast, easy and secure. Thanks so much for your support… and don’t forget to send this page to any friends you think might be interested in donating!
