By ARABELLA SERRATA
Special to the PRESS
Wendy Knight, Chief Executive Officer [CEO] of Sea Turtle Inc. [STI], and Dr. Amy Bonka, Chief Conservation Officer, have been inducted into The Explorers Club.
The Explorers Club is a prestigious organization that strives for “the advancement of field research, scientific exploration and resource conservation,” according to its official website. It celebrates individuals who push for conservation across many disciplines. Notable members include Buzz Aldrin and Jeff Bezos.
As CEO, Knight is responsible for the “totality” of Sea Turtle Inc’s operations. She looks over each pillar supporting the mission of STI. She also ensures the mission is executed with “integrity and operational rigor.”
Knight described her inclusion in the club as “surreal.” While she takes great pride in what STI does, she still felt surprised when she received the invitation to join the club.
“I know we do great things, and I’m proud of what we do, but it was validating to hear and see that so many people across the world are keeping up with what we’re doing,” said Knight.
Knight shared that she and Bonka were nominated for separate purposes that happened to align.
Knight was nominated for her “new and innovative approach to the logistical challenges to catastrophic events.” The weather-related tragedies South Padre Island had seen were all handled and dealt with by Knight and her team. Her background in private equity and financial services gave her the knowledge she would use to innovate the space around STI.
“While I’m certainly proud and honored, I think this is a testament to Sea Turtle Inc. and the organization that it is. It is a place that has combined minds, resources and different viewpoints in a perfect way…We see this honor as less of our individual and personal honor, but a reflection on the organization and everything it’s capable of,” said Knight.
As the Chief Conservation Officer, Bonka oversees two parts of the STI mission. She manages the conservation and applied research branches. Nesting season is a period of high activity for her. She has many responsibilities including handling and protecting the nests and hatchlings. Bonka is always working to grow STI’s research program to create an “extra impact on the sea turtle population.”
Bonka is a highly decorated professional. She has a PhD in Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a marine science concentration. According to her profile on STI’s website, she spent several nesting seasons in Rancho Nuevo, Mexico, working with Kemp Ridley Sea Turtles.
News Source: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/
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