WOMEN WILDLIFE HEROES TAKE THE GAILLARD STAGE

Saturday, 2/17 at 4 PM, Gaillard Center Performance Hall

Join SEWE in celebrating and honoring remarkable female leaders who have made significant contributions to wildlife conservation. This enlightening panel discussion will showcase their individual achievements, shedding light on the challenges they’ve overcome and the standout successes they’ve achieved in the realms of wildlife conservation on land, at sea, and in the sky.

Julie Scardina, a distinguished author, teacher, and former SeaWorld animal ambassador, will serve as the moderator and special guest, guiding the audience through the narratives of these inspiring women. Julie appeared frequently on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and appeared on NBC’s Today Show more than 100 times discussing animals and conservation. She was also a special presenting guest at SEWE 2013.

Our on-stage guests include:

• Mandy Feavel | Vice President and Director of Operations, Avian Conservation Center / Center for Birds of Prey
• Dr. Forrest Gomez | Director of Conservation Medicine and Operation GRACE, National Marine Mammal Foundation
• Amy Kight | Director of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
• Julie Scardina | Moderator and Special Guest

Discover more about the incredible journeys and expertise of our esteemed panelists as they share their insights, experiences, and passion for wildlife conservation. This engaging event promises to be an empowering and educational experience for all who attend. Don’t miss the opportunity to be inspired by these leaders who are making a difference in the world of wildlife preservation. Learn more about each panelist below.

 

MORE ABOUT THE PANEL

Mandy Feavel
Vice President and Director of Operations, Avian Conservation Center / Center for Birds of Prey | Awendaw, South Carolina

Mandy started her career with a Bachelors of Science degree in wildlife ecology from the University of Wisconsin- Madison and some experiences in conservation fieldwork in Wisconsin and Mexico before finding her passion through an internship in the field of wildlife medicine/rehabilitation. She has since been in the field for over 15 years, working as the Director of Animal Care at a wildlife facility in Wisconsin before moving to South Carolina and becoming the Vice President/Director of Programs and Operations at the Avian Conservation Center.

With a dedication to learning, Mandy went back to school in 2019 to earn a graduate certificate in wildlife management and her Professional Science Master’s in wildlife administration in 2022 from Oregon State University. In addition, her commitment to sharing knowledge, gave her the opportunity to create and teach an undergraduate course “The Fundamentals of Wildlife Rehabilitation” at Carroll University, in their nationally ranked animal behavior department. Mandy has also spoken at several national conferences, discussing topics of educational ambassadors, aerial insectivore conservation and raptor rehabilitation. After years of working with an array of species including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, she has discovered her enthusiasm for avian conservation and enjoys being able to make a positive impact in the field, even if it is one bird at a time through medical care and research.

Dr. Forrest Gomez
Director of Conservation Medicine and Operation GRACE, National Marine Mammal Foundation | San Diego, California

Dr. Gomez is an accomplished marine mammal clinician with 15 years of experience caring for wild and managed marine mammals including cetaceans, pinnipeds and sea otters.
Her expertise has been gained primarily through care of the U.S. Navy’s marine mammals and the application of this knowledge to wild animal populations. Dr. Gomez also has a background in behavior, training and high-profile rehabilitation and release programs through her work as a sea otter aquarist with the Monterey Bay Aquarium. She has experience caring for marine mammals in sea pens, transporting animals globally, field medicine, ultrasound technique development, maternal and neonatal care and wild dolphin health assessments. She currently serves as the Director of Conservation Medicine for the National Marine Mammal Foundation, leading a team of veterinary clinicians, technicians and research staff caring for the Navy’s animals. Her focus is on advancing marine mammal medicine through clinical research and high-quality care with the ultimate goal of application to conservation medicine and species survival.

Amy Kight
Director of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary | Jupiter, Florida

Amy serves as the Executive Director of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, an organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of Florida’s wildlife and natural resources and has been employed with Busch Wildlife Sanctuary for almost 19 years and has over 35 years experience working with animals and wildlife. Amy served as the Sanctuary’s Education Director for five years before being promoted to Animal Care Director and then Executive Director in 2017. Prior to coming to the Sanctuary, she served as Palm Beach County’s Wildlife Officer and holds multiple certifications including Florida Animal Control Officer, Chemical Capture, and is an internationally certified Wildlife Rehabilitator. Amy has degrees in both Psychology and Veterinary Technology. 

Julie Scardina
Author and Animal Ambassador

Julie Scardina worked throughout her early career hands-on with marine mammals, including killer whales, dolphins and pinnipeds at SeaWorld San Diego, as well as leading a team of trainers working with the Navy’s Marine Mammal Program.
Scardina rose to the position of Corporate Director of Animal Training and Ambassador Programs for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Scardina was named “Animal Ambassador” in 1995, which she held for more than 20 years, helping spread passion, commitment and action for wildlife and wild places across the globe. In this role, Julie appeared frequently on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and appeared on NBC’s Today Show more than 100 times discussing animals and conservation.

Julie has a passion for on the ground conservation which began when traveling for years with Jack Hanna, appearing in his weekly show Animal Adventures. Along with friend Jeff Flocken, NA Director for IFAW, Scardina co-authored the beautiful and inspiring book, Wildlife Heroes, highlighting 40 people around the globe who have dedicated their lives to saving species. Post retirement, Julie continues as a speaker, teacher and mentor, as well as actively participating on various conservation related boards.