Women in Conservation Event Explores the Art of Storytelling

May 14, 2025

By Isabella Gukeisen, External Affairs Manager

Last Friday, The Everglades Foundation and Friends of Manatee Lagoon partnered to bring the annual Women in Conservation event to Manatee Lagoon. This year's theme, “The Art of Storytelling,” featured presentations from Begoñe Cazalis, creator of Everglades Stories and Director of Communications from The Everglades Foundation and Alexa Elliott, Creator and Series Producer of Changing Seas on South Florida PBS. 

Everglades Stories From Across the Watershed

Begoñe Cazalis kicked off the event by discussing the history of Everglades restoration, its importance, and the inspiration behind our EMMY® Award-winning Everglades Stories video series. Launched in April 2024, Everglades Stories From Across the Watershed explores the experiences and perspectives of a variety of people who are connected to the Everglades. From a fishing guide to a scientist, from a photographer to a park ranger, the stories represent a broad cross-section of voices that exemplify the interconnectedness between people and the Everglades. 

Changing Seas South Florida PBS Series

The program continued with Alexa Elliott, who spoke about her work producing the EMMY® Award-winning Changing Seas series on South Florida PBS. Since 2009, Changing Seas has taken viewers on an exciting adventure to the heart of our liquid planet, showing them first-hand how oceanographers and other experts study earth’s last frontier. Alexa works with explorers and scientists as they uncover new information that could lead to scientific breakthroughs and sheds light on how human activities are threatening ocean resources. Changing Seas has received multiple awards, including a Communications Award from the National Academy of Sciences. 

Both speakers sparked thoughtful questions from the audience, touching on their favorite projects, experiences in science communication, and perspectives on the future of environmental media. The event left attendees inspired by the power of storytelling to connect people with nature and underscored the vital role women play in shaping the future of environmental conservation. 

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