All We Can Save: Wine, Whales, & Women in Science

All We Can Save: Wine, Whales, & Women in Science

There is a renaissance blooming in the climate movement: leadership that is more characteristically feminine and more faithfully feminist, rooted in compassion, connection, creativity, and collaboration. While it's clear that women and girls are vital voices and agents of change for this planet, they are too often missing from the proverbial table. More than a problem of bias, it's a dynamic that sets us up for failure. To change everything, we need everyone. - Excerpt from All We Can Save by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, one of Lauren's favorite books and a big inspiration for her journey.

Join UC Santa Cruz PhD student and whale ecologist Lauren Fritz, local winemaker John Bargetto, and renowned whale scientist Dr. Ari Friedlaender (UCSC Ocean Sciences Professor and cofounder of the California Ocean Alliance) for an evening of inspiration, empowerment, and wine tasting at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. This fundraising event celebrates the conservation work of women in science and hope for the future of our planet's whale populations.

There is no cost to attend, but donations will be accepted to support Lauren with her participation in Homeward Bound, a groundbreaking leadership initiative for women in STEM. You can follow this link to donate now if you wish. Please specify that you are supporting Lauren's journey with Homeward Bound when completing the form.

Note: Please do "purchase" a ticket for each member of your party here before attending so we know how many people to expect for catering and seating purposes.

Throughout the evening, Lauren will discuss the challenges of being a woman in STEM, her dreams of lowering women's barriers to entering and remaining in marine science, and her unconventional journey from studying chemical engineering in Indiana to flying scientific drones over whales in the Antarctic. Sip on local wine generously provided by Regan Vineyards Winery, listen to Lauren's stories about researching whales in the Antarctic and operating drones in the snow and be inspired by fellow attendees who share your love for the ocean and its inhabitants. Dr. Ari Friedlaender, representing the local non-profit California Ocean Alliance, will be present to share a few words about his work and role as Lauren's advisor. Light appetizers will be provided.

There will also be a few items up for silent auction, including a private Monterey Bay whale watch tour for four with Lauren and Ari in Spring 2025 (date to be arranged with the winner) onboard their research vessel, the MV Linda Kay. Stay tuned to hear about more sponsors and donors.

The goal for the evening is, yes, to raise the funds required by Lauren for her participation in the Homeward Bound program, but more importantly? We hope you will leave with a refreshed mindset about how many species and ecosystems we can save with intentional and focused action. And, dare I say, it, hope.

My heart is moved by all I cannot save:

so much has been destroyed

I have to cast my lot with those

who age after age, perversely,

with no extraordinary power,

reconstitute the world.

-Adriene Rich

There will be tasting portions of wine served at the event. Please be prepared to show your ID and know that we cannot serve anyone underage.

Photo by Chloe Lew

This event is sponsored by the UCSC Ocean Sciences Department, the California Ocean Alliance, Homeward Bound, and Regan Vineyards Winery.

Host or Publisher Lauren Fritz, UC Santa Cruz PhD Student