What do a neuroscientist, an arbornaut and a conservationist have in common? They are all Sarasota-area women who were invited to be panelists at the 11th Annual Women of Influence Event held November 15 at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. The women – Roskamp Institute CEO Dr. Fiona Crawford, National Geographic Explorer and author Dr. Meg Lowman, and philanthropist / land conservationist Elizabeth Moore – responded to a range of questions posed by moderator, Sarasota Magazine Editor in Chief Susan Burns.
The panel discussion, “Three Local Women Who Are Changing Our World,” was the highlight of the event, with topics ranging from challenges they each faced on their paths to leadership to what people might find surprising about their research to “what they would tell their 25-year-old selves.” It was a lively discussion about their work, their personal dilemmas, and their plans for the future.
Dr. Crawford’s discussion about Alzheimer’s Disease garnered much interest and generated a number of questions about the progress in treatments and current thinking about prevention and mitigation of disease symptoms.
Initially established to celebrate talented women, the event is conducted each year to encourage local women to connect, educate, inspire and support one another.
Photography by Lori Sax, courtesy of Sarasota Magazine