Today marks the ten-year anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a global celebration to promote the full and equal access and participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. On this occasion, we are proud to highlight several of our Sailors for the Sea Skipper volunteers who are not only accomplished female sailors but also have science backgrounds.
Their direct connection to our waterways through sailing and careers in scientific fields have led them to be strong advocates for our oceans.
Chris Wolfe
“I am a lifelong environmentalist and sailor. Preserving the specialness of places like the Salish Sea is incredibly important to me – it belongs to all living things, living now and in the future.”
Chris currently sails and explores the Salish Sea in the Pacific Northwest from her home port on Orcas Island, Washington. Over the last several years, she has competed in several grueling offshore competitions including the Fastnet, the Rolex Middle Sea Race, and the Cap-Martinique. Last year, Chris received the prestigious 2023 Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year award for her impressive achievements.
Chris also has an extensive scientific background with various roles that involve air quality, environmental studies, toxicological assessments, natural resource management, and renewable energy. Early in her career, she even monitored species listed under the federal Endangered Species Act along the California coast.
Cortney Kingsley
“I see our relationship with Earth as a symbiotic one. In order for our relationship with Earth to continue, we need to find a balance between ecosystems. When you enjoy Earth as a space for tranquility, you do everything you can to keep it tranquil for all.”
Sailing has always been a part of Cortney’s life, as she started sailing on inland lakes at the age of 6. Before becoming the Education Program Manager at Sail Newport, the largest community sailing center in New England, she was a Middle School Science teacher. Her goal is to teach students the importance of science through empathy and outreach education with hands-on learning, to create lifelong learners and advocates for the health of our planet.
Emma Janson
“I am passionate about ocean conservation because for me, the ocean has always been a place full of inspiration and empowerment, learning and wonder, of freedom, and of beauty. I aim to protect and conserve the oceans so that everyone has a chance to experience everything marine ecosystems have to offer.”
Emma grew up sailing dinghies on Long Island Sound and continued sailing for the University of Vermont where she graduated with a degree in Fisheries Biology. Emma spent summers as a youth sailing coach, working with a variety of yacht clubs and community sailing organizations. To combine her love of sailing and passion for ocean conservation and science, she recently completed a Master’s degree in Marine Affairs at the University of Rhode Island.
Maya Hoffman
“As sailors, we owe our continued ability to compete in this sport to the health of our oceans.”
Maya grew up sailing in a National Marine Sanctuary in Monterey, California, which sparked a lifelong passion and love for the marine environment. In addition to being a national level inshore racer in the Shields and Lightning classes, Maya is also an offshore sailor dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion in competitive sailing, developing the next generation of offshore racers, and improving environmental sustainability in the sport. She recently received her Master’s degree in International Environmental Policy, specializing in Ocean and Coastal Resource Management from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.
Megan Grapengeter-Rudnick
“If it’s up to us to reverse climate change, it’s up to sailors to contribute by managing the health of our oceans.”
Megan started sailing before she could walk, and since then has competed in a few World Championships and earned four All American titles while sailing at Brown University. After a career in supporting communications around corporate sustainability initiatives for the fashion and food and beverage industries, Megan wanted to become a true sustainability professional. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Environmental Sustainability at the University of Pennsylvania. She believes that healthy oceans are key to mitigating climate change and that sailors have a unique responsibility to protect their second home.
These female leaders in both sailing and science are showing the diversity of pathways and opportunities into competitive racing and STEM-related careers. They are role models for girls and women who want to pursue and explore science.
