| MAKING WAVES, Feb. 2003 issue: Table of Contents |
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In Mind, Body and Spirit |
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By Michelle Kremer Chris Evans has turned over his column for the Women's issue to Deputy Executive Director Michelle Kremer. -Ed. Surfrider has also benefited from having some of the brightest women in the world of environmentalism working to protect our oceans, waves and beaches. 
Surfrider staffer Karin Moran surfs Rocky Point |
Although the Surfrider Foundation was founded by a handful of men, throughout its existence the organization has been consistently influenced and shaped by a cadre of dedicated women. While not all of these women surf, they are nonetheless bound by a shared love of the beach and a strong commitment to protecting it. These women have functioned variously as board members, staff members and most importantly, as chapter members and activists. Over the past nine years, I have had the pleasure of working with many dedicated women, all of whom have made tremendous contributions to the fulfillment of the Surfrider mission. I think of women such as Rell Sunn, Karen MacKay Griffiths and Jerricho Poppler Bartlow, who not only stood as the original vanguard of modern women's surfing, but who also established an aesthetic of grace and athleticism that still quintessentially defines female watermen today. Other women such as Nancy Gardner, Shelley Merrick, Christie Radican, Teri, Juli and Diana Schulz, Julia Thompson, Debbie Tapis, Nancy Downes, Jan Roberson, Indy Calloway, and Delia Gorey, have come to embody the determination, passion, and soul of the Surfrider Foundation's grassroots activist ethos. These women have worked tirelessly and as is often true of most of our activists, anonymously, implementing programs, coordinating volunteerism, and growing membership. Surfrider has also benefited from having some of the brightest women in world of environmentalism working to protect our oceans, waves and coastline. Women such as Elizabeth Sturcken, Marty Fujita, Kris Balliet, and Kira Stillwell, have all worked to expand the Surfrider Foundation's influence and credibility, both within and outside of the environmental community. Lastly, I would like to give special mention to those women I've had the fortune of working with on staff over the years: Mary Jane, CJ, Joeen, Brandi, Bonnie, Toni, Jill, Lori, Sylvia, Karin, Teresa, Nicki, Kim, Denise, Mel, Sarah, Marcia, Patty, Angi, Eve, Suzanne, Sarah, and Melanie. Working to protect the environment has made my job fulfilling. These women have made it fun. Cumulatively these women, along with hundreds of other women like them, represent the mind, body and spirit of Surfrider. This issue is dedicated to them and women everywhere who work to protect our oceans, waves and beaches. * * * |