I'm grateful to work with so many inspiring colleagues at Audubon California. In celebration of Women's History Month, I sat down with some of them to discuss their favorite birds, the work they’re excited about, their most influential mentors, and the advice they have for women interested in conservation. 

Shana Risby, Senior Outreach Coordinator, Conservation Ranching (Sacramento, CA):

What's one of your favorite birds and why? My favorite bird is the American Robin. I grew up in Detroit, MI, and the American Robin was practically the bird celebrity of my childhood. Its burnt orange underbelly was like a beacon of joy, making it so easy to spot amidst the city landscape. 

What conservation project are you most excited about right now? Right now, I am most excited about being able to foster connections among consumers to champion their local bird-friendly ranchers and farmers who are making a positive difference for the land we all love. When it comes to conservation two important aspects can often go overlooked: outreach and communications. With these elements, the public can make informed decisions to help change their local food systems and continue to play a hand in preserving our natural world. 

Any advice for women looking to pursue a career in conservation? For women pursuing conservation careers, embracing diversity and inclusion is vital. Recognize the role and the unique perspectives that you have in making significant impacts in a male-dominated industry like conservation. Keep in mind the goal is to protect the planet’s natural resources and biodiversity. Also, have fun on your journey, and take care of yourself! 

Emily Ohman, Senior Coordinator Community Science (Richardson Bay, CA):

What's one of your favorite birds and why? I love Barn Owls, and owls in general! I am always amazed by how perfectly adapted they are to catching rodents, but they’re also quirky and cute. I find them very endearing.

What conservation project are you most excited about right now? One thing that excites me about the future of Richardson Bay is that our Center is becoming a certified California Naturalist partner! The course, which we’ll be offering to the public in the future, has a stewardship project as a requirement. I can’t wait to see what kinds of conservation projects our participants come up with.

Who has been your most influential woman mentor? Phoebe Parker-Shames, who is now the Wildlife Ecologist at the Presidio in San Francisco, has been my most influential mentor in this field. I worked as a researcher in her lab during undergrad, and she showed me that conservation—and more importantly, conservationists—can be so diverse. There’s room for humanity, even in science.

Any advice for women looking to pursue a career in conservation? Don’t let people tell you that you don’t belong in a space, field, or career path. Even just existing where some people think you shouldn’t be is a powerful act of resistance.

Ashley Seufzer, Senior Coordinator, Working Lands (Davis, CA):

What's one of your favorite birds and why? I'm always excited to see the American Kestrel. They are a tiny powerhouse of a bird with beautiful coloring. If I'm lucky I'll see them hovering (kiting) while they search for prey. Whenever I see that, I know they're planning something and I can't help but watch with anticipation waiting to see them dive down.

Who has been your most influential woman mentor? That would have to be my Mom. She has always encouraged me to explore and ask questions about the natural world. If I had questions, she would roll up her sleeves to dig into the books or the mud, to find the answer. She fostered a sense of wonder and appreciation for ecosystems—whether it's noticing the differing shades of brown leaves in late fall, or trying to identify any new creature we came across.

Any advice for women looking to pursue a career in conservation? Don't hesitate to reach out to people in careers that interest you. Talking to folks in conservation is a great way to learn and build connections. We've been where you are and are happy to help you along the way. A career path in conservation doesn't need to be a direct path, there can be lots of twists and turns as you find what best aligns with your interests—but no experience is wasted, you pick up new skills along the way whether that's technical skills or core skills like problem-solving and effective communication skills.

Keilani Bonis-Ericksen (Santa Cruz, CA):

What's one of your favorite birds and why? I love seeing the Kōlea, or Pacific Golden-Plover, in my home state of Hawaii during the winter (they migrate from Alaska/Siberia).

What conservation project are you most excited about right now? As a part of the geospatial science team, I am lucky enough to work with, learn about, and support many of the Audubon conservation programs in California, including the Conservation Ranching, Working Lands, and Salton Sea programs. Some of my current work includes mapping and monitoring newly emerging wetlands surrounding the Salton Sea to inform and prioritize state Salton Sea conservation efforts. I am also beginning a project to re-map and assess our California marine Important Bird Areas to inform and mitigate for potential impacts of offshore wind development. It excites me to be a part of projects that have direct on-the-ground conservation impacts.

Who has been your most influential woman mentor? My supervisor in my first job after college, Andrea, has been my most influential woman mentor. She is an amazing scientist, mom, and athlete and exudes endless positivity! Seeing her navigate her work and motherhood with such enthusiasm and positivity was an inspiration- I aspire to approach work, my relationships, and just life in general as she does.

Any advice for women looking to pursue a career in conservation? I would encourage developing relationships and building mentorships with other women further along in their careers who will support you, advocate for you, and provide advice and perspective during your career journey within conservation.

Andrea Jones, Director of Conservation (Ventura, CA):

What's one of your favorite birds and why? I have so many that it is a hard question to answer, and it changes all the time, but right now because of the season, it has to be Grasshopper Sparrow—they are just arriving at their breeding sites and their song to me is not only nostalgic but it also signals the beginning of spring.  It’s also challenging to find them so that adds to the excitement.  

What conservation project are you most excited about right now? Because of my role, I’d honestly have to say all of them at Audubon California. Our conservation programs across California are soaring right now (pun intended) with an influx of state funding and other new and consistent funding sources and an amazing group of dedicated program directors and their staff.  Our programs are strong and are really making a difference on the ground to protect and restore habitat, save birds, and strive to make California a healthy place for birds and people.

Who has been your most influential woman mentor? Brigid McCormack, one of our previous state directors.  She taught me to be strong, trust myself and my knowledge, and have confidence in speaking up and being heard.

Any advice for women looking to pursue a career in conservation? Seek out women who can be mentors, observe those around you in leadership positions and what qualities you admire, gain as much of a variety of experiences as you can, and negotiate when you are offered a position!