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The Last Degree: 10 Nights on the Ice at the Top of the World
United Way of Morris County’s Liz Warner shares the tale of her trek to the North Pole.
May 1, 2008

In many ways, United Way of Morris County’s Liz Warner is like many women you know – a dedicated mother and wife, and a successful business woman with a proven track record.  But there is more to Liz than meets the eye. 

In April 2005, Liz embarked on a 10 day trek over the Arctic Ocean, where the drifting sea ice is only a few feet thick, in pursuit of the North Pole. While the warm spring sun shone outdoors, nearly 30 men and women gathered at the Deloitte offices in Parsippany on Thursday, May 1 to hear her icy tale.

Setting out on an unsupported trek – without the help of sled dogs or air drops – to the North Pole is no small feat!  Liz spent nine months preparing and undergoing intensive physical training.  She worked up to pulling two tires totaling 88-pounds for two hours at least three times each week, ran until she could go for 10 miles comfortably, and met regularly with her team.  She also took time to visit local schools to talk to children about her upcoming trip, and used the opportunity to raise significant funds for local charities.

With nine months of training under her belt, Liz and her five other team members touched ice on April 10.  For 10 days, the team skied across the ever-changing Arctic Ocean towards the North Pole, encountering open water and towering pressure ridges while at the same time overcoming the mental challenges of 24 hours of sunlight, compromising sleeping arrangements, frigid temperatures, and unexpected blizzards. 

With conditions rapidly deteriorating, the team was evacuated on April 19 just 20 miles from the North Pole.  But with a little help from Russian helicopter pilots, Liz and her teammates were able to touch down at the 90th degree, accomplishing their goal of reaching the North Pole.

Liz’s impressive and inspiring story is a reminder of the importance of trusting yourself and your instincts.  Helen Hallberg, a partner at Deloitte and co-chair of United Way of Morris County’s Women’s Leadership Council, addressed the group adding, “I would challenge you to take the time to reflect on your goals and take action, and I think Liz’s experience will inspire you to do so.”

This special event was hosted by WIN, Deloitte’s Women’s Initiative, and United Way of Morris County’s Women’s Leadership Council. 

The Women’s Leadership Council regularly holds events to bring women leaders together. On June 5, it will hold its annual Spring Into Action Luncheon to raise funds and awareness for the Council’s focus area: United Way of Morris County’s Youth Empowerment Alliance, which works to address serious issues endangering the well-being of middle school children in Morris County.  LeslieAnne Wade, Senior Vice President of Communications at CBS Sports, will be featured.  To register, please email Kate Anthony or phone 973.993.1160, x108.