About Nancy

Nancy Anne Svendsen grew up in small towns in Iowa. Since childhood she has been passionate about bringing people together to tell stories. Nancy earned a B.A. in English, Spanish and American Studies from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and an M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota. She spent over two decades focusing her energy in leadership positions in various facets of the healthcare industry. Now Nancy has come back to her storytelling roots as an independent filmmaker based in Northern California. Nancy now combines her business acumen and experience running large organizations with her passion for women’s rights, the creative arts and storytelling. Nancy started Follow Your Dream Foundation Inc., a 501(c)3 organization, as a place to incubate and launch powerful stories that can influence people’s lives. In her film, PASANG: In the Shadow of Everest, Nancy shares the story of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa – the first Nepali woman to summit Mt. Everest. Nancy believes the inspiration born of reaching for the impossible is transformational; sharing our respective journeys is our opportunity to touch the lives of those who may not yet know they need to hear the stories we tell. Nancy is an active musician and lives in Marin County with her husband and their two children.

SPEAKING

Nancy Svendsen is an accomplished filmmaker, storyteller, and founder of the Follow Your Dream Foundation, dedicated to amplifying stories of resilience, courage, and human connection.

Her work on PASANG: In the Shadow of Everest has taken her around the world, sharing the extraordinary journey of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa—the first Nepali woman to summit Everest—and the universal lessons of perseverance, trailblazing leadership, and breaking barriers. Through these engagements, Nancy has inspired audiences ranging from corporate leaders and educators to nonprofit organizations and adventure enthusiasts, sparking conversations about courage in the face of adversity.

Now, through the Follow Your Dream Foundation, Nancy continues to champion stories that uplift and transform. She is currently available for speaking engagements on a range of impactful topics, including:

  • The Power of Storytelling to Create Change – How films like PASANG and the foundation’s new projects (1 in 3, The Kindness Project) drive social impact and inspire action.
  • Changing Careers & Reinventing Yourself – Nancy’s own path from a corporate career to filmmaking and nonprofit leadership offers invaluable lessons for those seeking purpose and new beginnings at any stage of life.
  • Women Breaking Barriers – Lessons from Pasang and other trailblazers on pushing boundaries, taking risks, and advocating for yourself in any field.

Nancy brings warmth, authenticity, and depth to every event, whether it’s a keynote, panel discussion, corporate retreat, or university lecture. Her talks leave audiences not just informed but deeply moved and motivated to take action in their own lives.

To inquire about booking Nancy Svendsen for a speaking engagement, please contact Nancy at: [email protected] | 415.233.3200.