Free Maritime 1-Hour Webinar for Students, Teachers, and Workforce Partners

This informative and engaging webinar will address the maritime industry, youth access to opportunity and how students and faculty can engage with the industry and careers on or near the water.

We invite students, teachers, homeschool programs, and workforce partners interested in maritime STEM career pathways.

A link to the webinar will be emailed to you the week of the event.

This webinar is hosted by the Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing & Technology.

Please meet our presenters Ebony Welborn and Savannah Smith

Ebony grew up on the farm lands of South Carolina where she played in the creek with her brother catching frogs and dragonflies. Those moments led to her wanting to be a marine biologist. Committed to the dream as a middle schooler, she kept that in the front of her mind. Not until college was she presented opportunities to engage in the career. However, she was eager all the same. Majoring in Environmental Studies in college, she took an unique route. Instead of focusing on the academic path into marine biology, she focused on experiences based in marine science. Ebony acquired her Advanced Open Water Certification, worked in environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation in the southern most parts of Florida, was a guide in a marine science summer camp, and continued to take opportunities based around water. In 2019, she joined EarthCorps, an environmental restoration non-profit based in Seattle. She got to learn restoration practices for many habitats including salmon habitat. While at EarthCorps, she realized she wanted to carve a path for more BIPOC to have a reciprocal relationship with water. Ebony is passionate about facilitating joyous moments in nature for all, working with youth, and creating opportunities. In particular, you’ll find Ebony talking about scuba diving or sup touring! Let her know if you need a water adventure buddy!

Savannah grew up in the Renton/Skyway area in an animal loving home. Fun fact: her non-human family members ranged from hermit crabs to peacocks! Naturally, this early learning that every animal has a unique lifestyle and soul, fostered her curiosity and love for the environment. She instantly fell in love with the ocean in 2nd grade after a trip to the library left her fascinated by all the creatures that call the ocean home. Savannah eventually attended Western Washington University and earned her B.S. in Biology with a Marine Emphasis. However, it wasn’t until college that she truly started recognizing the disconnect, and lack of representation there was for BIPOC in environmental spaces. She noticed this politically, academically, professionally, and even in community-based conversations and decisions. While doing restoration work immediately after college, Savannah learned a lot more about ecosystem function and the interconnectedness of all systems. She also affirmed that she enjoys sharing her knowledge, and seeing the excitement in others as they create their own heart-based connections to the outdoors. Savannah started a new position leading community volunteer events shortly afterwards, but felt unfulfilled as protests erupted and issues of racial injustice became even more prevalent. 2020 led her to realizing her purpose lies in intersecting her passion for marine environments, with her commitment to creating spaces where BIPOC are seen, heard, and valued. As someone who strongly values growth and expression, Savannah enjoys talking about positive reframing, meditation, wire wrapping, and music!