LAURIE BAGLEY

In May, Bagley, 45, became the 19th U.S. woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest via the North Col route in Tibet. She also summited Alaska's 20,320-foot Mount McKinley in 2005 and set a women's summit ascent speed record on 14,162-foot Mount Shasta, with a 7,000-foot vertical gain in 133 minutes.

Bagley has also served as a Class III-V rafting guide and has completed more than 50 marathons. She has managed these accomplishments with no commercial sponsors. At the same time, Bagley is the founder of Fit Maternity and Beyond, a leading proponent for the Breast Cancer Fund and has raised thousands of dollars for many benevolent organizations and causes, both in America and in third-world countries where she climbs.

Her Everest presentation, "Journey of Hope," has helped many transform their lives, and she also provides fitness coaching. She is currently climbing 22,841-foot Mount Aconcagua, South America's highest summit.

Memorable quote: "One step at a time."