Women's Aquatic Network Executive Board Member Rachel Medley will give a candid tutorial on how to navigate USAjobs application process; tips and tricks to getting your foot in the federal door; what federal hiring managers are looking for and how best to interpret and evaluate your skills for a federal workplace. This event is for WAN Members only.

Register for the event here!

Please join the Women’s Aquatic Network and the National Academy of Sciences Ocean Studies Board for a reception after our AGU town hall event “Science Is Everywhere: Explore Aquatic and Marine Career Options with the Women’s Aquatic Network and Our Partners.” Panel attendees will receive a free drink ticket.

The happy hour is open to all, you do not need to be a registered AGU attendee.

The Women’s Aquatic Network is at the American Geophysical Union meeting (AGU)!

TH15K - Science Is Everywhere: Explore Aquatic and Marine Career Options with the Women’s Aquatic Network (WAN) and Our Partners

December 9 | 6-7pm ET | Liberty I-K (Marriott Marquis)

Science is everywhere in our society and not limited solely to academic pursuits. Many career trajectories can support and advance science for societal impact, policy decisions, and economic and technological growth. This town hall focuses on aquatic and marine science related careers, many of which are concentrated right here in the Nation’s Capital region. The town hall seeks to connect students and professionals to a variety of career opportunities across the ocean and aquatic community. This session is co-hosted by the Women’s Aquatic Network (WAN), a Capital region-based non-profit, that brings together professionals of all gender identities with an interest in marine, coastal, and aquatic affairs. WAN members and supporters are scientists, lawyers, policy-makers, natural resource managers, advocates, maritime transportation specialists, entrepreneurs, academics, lobbyists, and many other professions. This town hall will feature WAN members and sponsors as panelists to speak to the variety of career options open to those who have interests and expertise in aquatic careers.

Presenters:

• Sarah Cooley, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

• Nicole Horvath, Reservoir Center for Water Solutions

• Allison Miller, Schmidt Ocean Institute

• Susan Roberts, The National Academies

• Dana Rollison, U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Moderator:

• Rachel Medley, Women's Aquatic Network

Join us after the event for a reception 7-9pm at Morris American Bar! Panel attendees will receive a free drink ticket.

Learn more about the AGU Annual Meeting

Celebrate the end of the year with WAN! Join us for a festive evening as we honor our 2024 Wavemaker of the Year, Jacques Oliver. Whether you're a long-time member or new to the network, we look forward to seeing you and celebrating all that our members have accomplished.

Tickets include professional headshots, food, and one free drink ticket!

REGISTER HERE

Save $8 on a 2025 Membership by bundling your ticket!

Bundle: Students: $42 | Professionals: $52

Ticket Only: Members: $25 | Non-members: $45

Add-on: $10 WAN holiday ornament

(Memberships purchased after Nov 1st count towards the 2025 calendar year)

If you wish to attend but face financial hardship, please reach out to us contact@womensaquatic.org.

COMPASS and the Women's Aquatic Network are excited to offer this workshop to current WAN members! Please register by November 15.

In this workshop, you will be introduced to tools and strategies to help you communicate and distill what you know and why it matters to your audience. This workshop will involve hands-on practice, feedback, and interactive exercises, so please come prepared to actively participate.

If you have any thoughts, questions, or otherwise, please reach out to Heather Mannix at heather.mannix@compassscicomm.org.

Tickets are $5. Please register here.

Women's Aquatic Network Executive Board Member Rachel Medley will give a candid tutorial on how to navigate USAjobs application process; tips and tricks to getting your foot in the federal door; what federal hiring managers are looking for and how best to interpret and evaluate your skills for a federal workplace. This event is for WAN Members only.

Register for the event here!

Women's Aquatic Network Executive Board Member Rachel Medley will give a candid tutorial on how to navigate USAjobs application process; tips and tricks to getting your foot in the federal door; what federal hiring managers are looking for and how best to interpret and evaluate your skills for a federal workplace. This event is for WAN Members only.

Register for the event here!

Join us and the National Academy of Sciences Ocean Studies Board on Tuesday, October 1 for our annual Speed Mentoring event. This event provides an opportunity to connect across different professional levels within the DC aquatic community. Much like “speed dating,” speed mentoring allows individuals to meet one-on-one for a short period of time to gain advice and feedback for career growth and opportunities before moving to the next person in the queue. The event is opened to WAN members first and then open to the public. Mentors come from various backgrounds and career levels in the aquatic sector including government agencies, NGOs, and academia. 

Registration costs are $20 for WAN Members and $45 for non-members. The price of registration includes food and non-alcoholic drinks. Register here

If you are interested in serving as a WAN Mentor or sponsoring this event, please contact us at Contact@womensaquatic.org.

As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, come warm up and join the Women’s Aquatic Network and the Society for Women in Marine Science at our fall happy hour and book swap! Bring a book, take a book, and enjoy the company of great people. No registration fee required, but let us know in this Google Form if you think you’ll stop by.

Looking to advance your career? Join us for a virtual session with career coach Chrissy Macken. We'll explore how to apply your strengths in a leadership context and factors outside the work environment that can help you confidently use your leadership skills and strengths.

Where: Google Meets (link to follow confirmation after sign up)

Pricing*: WAN Member: Free | Non-member: $15

Register here

*If you wish to attend but face financial hardship, please reach out to us contact@womensaquatic.org.

Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world. – Robert McKee

Join a community of professionals using their careers and their stories to solve the world’s biggest challenges. This is an opportunity to build community and share what drives you in your career to have a positive impact on the world.

This event continues Reservoir Center for Water Solutions’ Careers for Change series that empowers college students and rising professionals to harness their skills and energy to have a positive impact on the world around them. Everyone is welcome – college students, early-career professionals, and seasoned veterans alike.

Free food and refreshments. Doors open at 5:30 PM and the event begins at 6:30 PM.

See the speaker lineup and register here

Join us for a Potomac River cleanup event with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 25-12 (Arlington-Northern Virginia). We will meet at 11am at the Columbia Island Marina (George Washington Memorial Pkwy, Arlington, VA 22202). Please bring water and a snack and wear closed-toed shoes. All cleanup materials will be provided.

Let us know through this Google Form if you’re planning to join!

In our third installment of “Navigating Federal Job Applications",” WAN Executive Board Member Rachel Medley will give a candid tutorial on how to navigate USAJobs application process; tips and tricks to getting your foot in the federal door; what federal hiring managers are looking for and how best to interpret and evaluate your skills for a federal workplace.

Are you getting paid what you’re worth? Join us for our professional development event “How to Negotiate Your Salary.” Whether it be asking for a raise, a promotion, or a conversation with a new employer, Stephanie Perkins with Spark Career Strategy will provide us with knowledge on how to navigate the salary negotiation process with confidence.

Where: Google Meets (link to follow confirmation after sign up)

Pricing*: Member: $10 | Non-member: $15

Register here

*If you wish to attend but face financial hardship, please reach out to us contact@womensaquatic.org.

Join us and our friends at Potomac Riverkeeper Network on an all-women’s paddle in support of clean water!  This paddle will launch from Daingerfield Island Marina and head up Four Mile Run, a scenic urban tributary of the Potomac River located just south of Arlington. Daingerfield Island is just north of Old Town Alexandria, right off the George Washington Parkway and the Mount Vernon Trail.

Spend your morning enjoying an easy out and back flat-water paddle up four-mile run – perfect for soaking up some sunshine, admiring the scenery with views of the DC skyline, meeting other clean water enthusiasts from the area, and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act!

Location: Daingerfield Island Marina (1 Marina Dr Alexandria, VA 22033)

Kayak: $45 | BYOB: $15

Read more about the event and register here

Join us for a Potomac River cleanup event with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 25-12 (Arlington-Northern Virginia). We will meet at 11am at the Columbia Island Marina (George Washington Memorial Pkwy, Arlington, VA 22202). Please bring water and a snack and wear closed-toed shoes. All cleanup materials will be provided.

Join the Women’s Aquatic Network for a members only tour of the National Museum of the U.S. Navy and Washington Navy Yard! We’ll learn about the history of the Washington Navy Yard and women in the U.S. Navy. 

Register here

The Climate Initiatives's Climate Beacon Book Club in partnership with the Women's Aquatic Network and Back Cove Books present Juli Berwald in conversation with JD Reinbott to discuss Life on the Rocks: Building a Future for Coral Reefs. Purchase your copy of Life on the Rocks from Back Cove Books to get 10% off when you use the code BEACON at checkout!

This event is free to attend, but donations are welcome to continue supporting the important ocean and climate action work done by The Climate Initiative and Women's Aquatic Network!

Learn more about Juli Berwald and JD Reinbott and register here

In our second installment of “Navigating Federal Job Applications",” WAN Executive Board Member Rachel Medley will give a candid tutorial on how to navigate USAJobs application process; tips and tricks to getting your foot in the federal door; what federal hiring managers are looking for and how best to interpret and evaluate your skills for a federal workplace

Register for the event here!

Join us and our friends at Potomac Riverkeeper Network for a paddle to celebrate Pride Month and World Ocean Day!

On this kayak trip, you’ll paddle along the beautiful Potomac River, taking in the stunning scenery and enjoying the company of your fellow kayakers. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network’s experienced guides will lead you on a leisurely tour, pointing out local wildlife and sharing interesting facts about the river’s history and ecology.

This event is open to kayakers of all skill levels, so whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, we welcome you to join us! All necessary equipment will be provided, including kayaks, paddles, and life jackets. Just bring your sense of adventure and a willingness to celebrate Pride Month in style!

Location: Key Boat House (3500 Water St NW Washington, DC 20007)

Single kayak: $45

Note: Rentals are only available to adults or children 12 years and older who are accompanied by an adult.

Read more about the event and register here

Join the Women’s Aquatic Network and DC EcoWomen for a World Ocean Month happy hour during Capitol Hill Ocean Week!

We will be getting together to network, see old friends, make new ones, and debrief on the week’s events. All are welcome! Please note you must be 21+ to enter Urban Roast.

Where: Urban Roast (916 G St NW Suite C-2, Washington, DC 20001)

Women's Aquatic Network Executive Board Member Rachel Medley will give a candid tutorial on how to navigate USAJobs application process; tips and tricks to getting your foot in the federal door; what federal hiring managers are looking for and how best to interpret and evaluate your skills for a federal workplace.

Attention all members of the Women's Aquatic Network: Prepare to be inspired and enlightened at an exclusive evening event featuring Dr. Rick Spinrad, the distinguished Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Join us for an extraordinary opportunity to engage with Dr. Spinrad, as he shares his expertise, vision, and passion for oceanic and atmospheric sciences. Gain valuable insights into the critical work being done by NOAA to protect our planet's oceans and atmosphere.

This special event will include remarks from Dr. Spinrad followed by an engaging question and answer session where you'll have the chance to delve deeper into topics that matter most to you. Whether you're an experienced professional in the field or simply passionate about the aquatic world, this evening promises to be both enriching and empowering.

Don't miss your chance to connect with one of the foremost leaders in oceanic and atmospheric research. Mark your calendars and secure your spot now for an unforgettable evening with Dr. Rick Spinrad, the Women's Aquatic Network and our partners. Light refreshments will be provided.

Tickets are $10 for WAN members. We will open event tickets to non-members a few days before the event if there is space.

Update: This event has been cancelled due to heavy rain in the forecast. We’ll plan to find another day to volunteer with Montgomery Parks Weed Warriors.

Join us for a volunteer morning on Saturday, May 18th! In the spirit of service, the Women’s Aquatic Network will be collaborating with Montgomery Parks Weed Warrior Volunteer Program to help control non-native, invasive plants (NNIs) from parkland. Our Efforts will be focused on the non-native Garlic Mustard. There are no hand tools required for its removal. A list of required items to have with you is below. All participants must sign a waiver. 

NNIs can alter plant-animal associations and are causing significant changes in the composition, structure, and ecosystem function of our natural areas. Garlic mustard is an NNI and not healthy for our native ecosystem; it was likely brought to the United States from Europe for medicinal and culinary purposes. It’s easy to identify and easy to rip out of the ground.

Directions: Sligo Creek Bike Path Crosses Dennis Avenue on the south (or downstream) side of the road.  There is plenty of street parking along Dennis Avenue.  If you are using a navigation app, you can enter 1300 Dennis Avenue, Silver Spring, MD for your destination.

To Wear/Bring: Gardening attire (long pants, long sleeves , boots, sunscreen), water, gardening gloves (Friends of Sligo Creek can provide gloves if you don’t have any)

Please sign this waiver if you are planning to join us.

Join us for a Potomac River cleanup event with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 25-12 (Arlington-Northern Virginia) and the National Park Service. We will meet at 10am at the Teddy Roosevelt Island parking lot. Please bring water and a snack and wear closed-toed shoes. All cleanup materials will be provided.

Calling all plant lovers! Join the Women's Aquatic Network at PlantHouse Alexandria for a jellyfish terrarium workshop. With assistance from the PlantHouse crew, we will learn how to create a unique, ocean-inspired terrarium.

Where: PlantHouse Alexandria (921 N St Asaph St, Alexandria, VA 22314)

Pricing: Member: $35 | Non-member: $45

Register here

The Women’s Aquatic Network and the Potomac Chapter of the American Fisheries Society are teaming up to get you out on the water this spring. Please join us on Sunday, April 28th from 8:30-12:00 pm at Fletcher's Cove (4940 Canal Rd NW, Washington, D.C. 20007) to make the most of the Shad Run on the Potomac, as we vie to catch “America’s Founding Fish”. Please bring sturdy footwear, fishing gear (if you have it!), and a DC Fishing License. Snacks and light beverages will be provided. Fishing gear will be available to borrow. 

The Women’s Aquatic Network is organizing a hike for WAN members and others interested in joining. This hike will be joint event with the Knauss fellows (past and current).

Join us at the Patuxent River Park in the Jug Bay Natural Area on April 27th from 10am-2pm. The hike will be about 4 miles and fairly easy. A very small portion of the hike is not dog friendly so at your own risk if you would like to bring your dog. This hike is not stroller friendly. However, if there are enough people who need to bring a stroller, we can have a second group doing a different stroller-friendly hike.

View the trail information here

Please register your interest here