Women Divers Hall of Fame 2015 Inductees
Courtesy Women Divers Hall of FameWENDY BENCHLEY:
The widow of the late author Peter Benchley, of Jaws fame — learned to dive because of the famous flick. “My diving experiences are what keep me working hard on conservation issues.” Benchley works with WildAid, Ocean Champions and Blue Frontier, and founded the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards. “There are thousands of ways to be deeply involved with the ocean.”Government Policy Advocate, Washington, D.C.
Courtesy Women Divers Hall of FameCECILIE BENJAMIN:
In 1982, Benjamin became the first woman in Papua New Guinea to become a scuba instructor. The following year, she and her husband opened Walindi Plantation Resort. In 1988, Benjamin helped establish Guardian of the Sea Research and Conservation Centre to promote youth marine-conservation education. “I am privileged to dive one of the world’s most marine-biodiverse areas. Within the view from my balcony at Walindi are represented more than half the world’s species of hard corals and 900 species of fish. I try never to take that for granted.”Marine Conservation Advocate, Papua New Guinea
Courtesy Women Divers Hall of FameAMANDA COTTON:
After years of surfing, Cotton realized she enjoyed being under the water more than above it. “The more diving I did, the more I wanted to see all the different types of environments available.” Diving also lets her express herself with photography. “Diving facilitated my storytelling and allowed me to grow as a person, to push myself further than I ever had physically, mentally and emotionally.”Underwater Photographer, Florida
Courtesy Women Divers Hall of FameMEG DONAT:
Donat was the only woman in her instructor course in 1968. “You had to prove yourself in those days. When I was teaching classes, I hauled all my own gear and did everything myself. Things have changed a lot. Now we all help each other.” Donat calls diving a wonderful escape. “Diving has been a wonderful part of my life, something I enjoy to this day.” Induction, she says, validates her 50 years of diving, and 30 years leading the operation of the Pacific Grove Hyperbaric Chamber and volunteering with the Monterey Bay Aquarium.Volunteer, California
Courtesy Women Divers Hall of FameAMY SLATE:
After working as an instructor in the 1970s, Slate started Atlantis Dive Center in the Keys with her then-husband. When they parted, she opened Amoray Dive Resort. “We have a big emphasis on the marine environment and were designated the first Blue Star operation in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary,” she says. “We’ve been able to influence a lot of people about marine conservation.”Dive Resort Operator, Florida
The Women Divers Hall of Fame recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to the exploration, understanding, safety and enjoyment of our underwater world. The 2015 honorees — Wendy Benchley, Cecilie Benjamin, Amanda Cotton, Meg Donat and Amy Slate — join 203 members spanning a variety of fields.
WDHOF Members are the pioneers, leaders, innovators and world record holders throughout the international diving community. These areas of diving and undersea endeavors include: the Arts, Science, Medicine, Exploration & Technology, Marine Archeology, Business, Media, Training & Education, Safety, Commercial & Military Diving, Free Diving, and Underwater Sports. There members in the Women Divers Hall of Fame come from 30 U.S. states and Territories and 12 countries worldwide. WDHOF Members are selected on an annual basis.
Each year, the members of WDHOF attend various consumer diving expositions, the DEMA show (for diving professionals only) as well as symposia, conferences, seminars and special events throughout the United States. These venues allow members the opportunity to give presentations/seminars about their areas of expertise and allow the ability for members to meet and speak directly with the public.
To learn more, visit wdhof.org.
