Sea Sisters
Why We Need the Women’s Organizations
Just returned from the annual DEMA Trade Show in Las Vegas, I found myself repeatedly asked about the necessity of a group specifically for women, notably The Women Divers Hall of Fame. In the vast, uncharted depths of the ocean, women have always been explorers, pioneers, and risk-takers. Their stories, however, often remain overshadowed, their contributions lost in the tides of history. This is why the Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF) exists. It's not just about celebrating extraordinary women in diving, but about ensuring their legacy inspires future generations.
More than a recognition program, WDHOF plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of diving through its scholarship and mentoring initiatives. These programs don't just honor achievements; they provide the tools and opportunities to ensure that young women and future leaders can dive deeper into the ocean and their potential. It’s not about keeping things separate. It’s about fixing what’s broken. It’s about pulling women up to where they’ve always belonged, shoulder to shoulder with everyone else.
Above: A cover from Women Underwater, a magazine I produced and distributed in the late 1990s, mailing them to women around the world.
Diving isn’t just a sport or a career; it’s a wide discipline that spans marine science, exploration, conservation, and engineering. Yet, like many fields, women in diving face challenges such as limited access to resources, funding, and mentorship. WDHOF’s scholarship program addresses this directly, offering financial support for education, research, and training to many hundreds of divers to date. These scholarships open doors to women who might otherwise find them closed, helping them achieve their dreams and contribute meaningfully to the field.
One of the most valuable resources WDHOF provides is mentorship. Diving can be isolating for women, especially in its more technical and professional applications. Through mentoring, WDHOF connects young divers and early career professionals with experienced women who guide, encourage, and share their expertise. This connection helps women navigate the challenges of their careers and fosters a sense of belonging and community. Some of this happens organically through casual conversations held at places like our DEMA party, and other times, it is a formal match, made possible to those who reach out.
Above: An article by Michael Menduno from 1998
In a world that still presents barriers to women in diving, The Women Divers Hall of Fame stands as a powerful force for change, ensuring that diverse voices explore, study, and protect the oceans of tomorrow. Because when women thrive in diving, the entire world benefits.
For more information on opportunities and how you can help: www.wdhof.org
I’m angry—furious, in fact—and struggling to keep my composure as I write this. I had planned for this newsletter to carry a positive tone, but just now, a close friend reached out for support. She was groped and harassed by someone who was once a respected colleague. Let me be absolutely clear: what she experienced was sexual assault. It wasn’t just alleged—it was witnessed, and even admitted by the perpetrator. His hollow apology, full of excuses about alcohol doesn’t change the fact that what he did was inexcusable. She is not okay.
Experiences like hers are devastating, not just for the women who endure them but for everyone who cares about them. Sexual harassment, gender violence, and rape are far more common than most people realize. If you doubt that, ask any woman, transgender person, or queer individual if they’ve experienced sexual violence. And remember—this happens to men too. It is all about power.
While I cannot share the names of those involved, I can share something from an article I wrote years ago, one that remains deeply relevant today. My hope is that these words affirm the experiences of women and enlighten men. As a society, we cannot afford to ignore sexual harassment and violence. It is our collective responsibility to draw the line—to protect those we care about, to stand up for what’s right, and to ensure no one is made to feel unsafe, especially among friends.
Above: Click on the image to read the web version of the article at Diver Mag
If there is any silver lining here, it’s that the article I wrote became the most-read story in that magazine’s history. I owe immense gratitude to Editor Russ Clark and Publisher, the late Phil Nyutten, for giving it a prominent platform as a cover feature. Yes, I faced backlash—threatening letters and posts simply for speaking out—but I’ll take the hit every time if it means standing up for what matters.
We all deserve respect and safety, no matter where we are or who we’re with. Let’s not just acknowledge this truth—let’s act on it.
In celebration of Geographic Awareness Week, Canadian Geographic Education is offering a five-day viewing opportunity for Diving Into The Darkness. Click the image above to view from Nov. 25-30.
Some of you may have noticed that we have paused the paid subscriptions to this newsletter. We appreciate those of you who helped us launch The Explorer’s Mindset many months ago with the paid option. Since pausing the paid subs, a few readers have asked how they can support us with a monetary gift.
As you know, this newsletter is 100% our writing, our ideas, and one of our passion projects. We strive to create original, thought provoking content that may inspire and inform our readers. There are no behind-the-scenes algorithms, no data scrapers, no one influencing our decisions except you, our readers, through your feedback.
That said, Robert needs beans. Lots and lots of beans. He’s obsessed with beans. Thank you. Jill
Let’s give Alicia Keys the final word this week:
Thanks so much for sharing your very personal experience. I completely understand what you have gone through. It takes time to let go of those awful bonds, but just remember that everything that anyone did to make you feel "less than" or unqualified is a whole lot more about that person than you! It really hurts to hear comments like that and I so glad you are on a healing journey, escaping the toxicity. Know that we all stand with you, understand the battle and want to lift you up to achieve everything you dream of. I am so grateful that you reached out. I recall a time when it was like an echo chamber for women in our industry. Our ranks are building with every year that passes. Every young woman that connects with you and learns from you will find joy, acceptance and validation. One day, these stories will fade away. In the interim, many good wishes to you. reach out any time the world feels overwhelming. We find strength in lifting our sisters to the very best! Much love. - Jill
I cried when I first read your book and the section about imposter syndrome and sexism in diving. Especially the section about having a diving partner that everyone accounts for your own success. I hadn't realized the weight I had been carrying, and how great it felt to be seen.
I spent so many years feeling like I wasn't enough as a diver, and trying to prove myself. Every time I taught, filled tanks, or fixed things in the shop, I had to prove to students, my boss, my colleagues, etc. that I was good enough, even though I had been doing those things for years. It felt like the only thing that people accepted at face value was my ability to sell dive gear at the shop, and even then for the "cute" things such as masks, fins, and wetsuits. Whenever I needed help, I felt like a failure.
One of our best charter captains for our shipwreck dives is a woman, who is one of the best tech divers in the community. Even with her obvious success as an amazing tech diver, captain, boat owner, and photographer, I still heard her dive community talk about how she "slept her way to being captain and owner" of her boat. She was never enough for those men. The same men who constantly harassed me for being young and the only girl, for being the only one with "emotions". I brought love, care, and belonging into that community, and they accepted it while laughing at me. It was exhausting to bear.
I was only 18 when I entered that world professionally, and it shaped my development and self-worth. However, at 28 now, I've finally got out of it and that toxicity. I'm still working on my self-confidence, but we will get there. No more letting men tell me what I'm worth! My new dive community will hopefully be surrounded by tough, amazing women.