It’s hard to believe that we’re less than two months away from this year’s big events: the WINGS Women of Discovery Awards on October 9th, and the Global Explorers Forum on October 11th. With autumn approaching in the Northern Hemisphere, there is palpable momentum building across our global network of WINGS Explorers.
We’re looking forward to celebrating this year’s Fellows at the Gala: Dr. Yara Barros, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, Dr. Divya Karnad, Dr. Nuzhafarina Othman, and Dr. Grace C. Young. And we’re excited for many of you to join us at this year’s Forum, which will include not only presentations from the 2025 Fellows, but a series of short talks from other WINGS Explorers to hear about their latest research. If you haven’t purchased your tickets for these events yet, you’ll find links to do so below.
It’s no secret that funding for science and conservation is under threat. This means that WINGS’ support is more necessary than ever. We hope you’ll join us in October as we double down on our commitment to support women leading critical research and exploration.
Read on for a peek at Flag Carrier Amanda Brock Morales’s recent expedition to Chupacoto, Peru, and to celebrate some exciting news: 2019 WINGS Fellow Dr. Krithi K. Karanth has been awarded the prestigious McNulty Prize in recognition of her outstanding conservation work. We’re also bringing WINGS programming to the South Carolina Aquarium through our collaborative partnership, featuring an upcoming Explorer Talk with 2011 WINGS Fellow Anna Cummins on September 10th in Charleston, SC.
We hope you’ll be able to join us at one or more of our WINGS events this fall. We’re always grateful for your ongoing support of our global community of scientists, explorers and conservationists, but especially now, when it is more critical than ever.
Yours in Exploration,
CEO, WINGS Women of Discovery
2019 Fellow Dr. Krithi K. Karanth honored by the McNulty Foundation and Aspen Institute
Please join us in congratulating 2019 WINGS Fellow Dr. Krithi K. Karanth, along with her organization, Centre for Wildlife Studies, on being named one of this year’s winners of the John P. McNulty Prize.
As a conservation scientist, Krithi works to protect biodiversity while empowering the communities living closest to wildlife in India. As CEO of Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS), Krithi is reimagining conservation in India beyond research alone. Her vision is to “rewild” landscapes while empowering local people as guardians of biodiversity. CWS transforms environmental protection into an economic opportunity, turning conflict zones into models of coexistence.
The McNulty Prize is awarded in partnership with the Aspen Institute and has now recognized over 60 visionary leaders for their courage and lasting impact. This year, the prize is recognizing fearless leaders who dare to pursue innovative solutions in an era of conflict and uncertainty. Learn more about Krithi and her work here.
Explorer Feature: Amanda Brock Morales
Flag Carrier Amanda Brock Morales recently returned from a groundbreaking expedition to Chupacoto, an ancient ceremonial site high in the Peruvian Andes. Using cutting-edge 3D modeling and photogrammetry techniques, Amanda and her team set out to digitally preserve artifacts that tell the story of Peru’s rich cultural heritage while working directly with the local Huaylas community to ensure their voices shape how this history is understood.
Amanda collaborated with undergraduate archaeology students from UNASAM, training them in advanced digital research methods that are transforming the field. Together, they are tackling a major problem in Peruvian archaeology: restrictive heritage policies that have kept local communities disconnected from their own cultural legacy. By creating open-access digital archives, the expedition is democratizing access to these invaluable artifacts and putting heritage preservation back into community hands.
Since launching the Kawsay Pacha project in 2023, Amanda’s work has revealed fascinating connections between Chupacoto and the broader Chavín religious network. Her research suggests this site served as a crucial hub linking mountain communities with coastal settlements through both ceremonial traditions and trade relationships. The expedition’s findings are reshaping our understanding of how sophisticated and interconnected these ancient Peruvian societies really were, with plans to share results with both local communities and the international archaeological community.
Join 2011 WINGS Fellow Anna Cummins for an Explorer Talk at South Carolina Aquarium
Join 2011 WINGS Fellow Anna Cummins for an Explorer Talk at South Carolina Aquarium on Wednesday, September 10, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Anna is a marine conservationist, an environmental educator, and the Co-founder & Executive Director of 5 Gyres.
Anna’s passion for environmental conservation began in childhood, playing in Santa Monica stormdrains and beaches—experiences that sparked her interest in the land-sea connection. She has spent 30 years working in marine conservation, watershed management, and environmental education.
In 2009, Anna and her husband Dr. Marcus Eriksen co-founded 5 Gyres to stop plastic pollution through science, education, and advocacy. The organization uses vetted research to drive policy campaigns, engage corporations to reduce plastic use, and work with communities for local change.
Purchase your tickets for this event in Charleston, SC, here.
Join us at the 2025 WINGS Women of Discovery Awards Gala
The WINGS Women of Discovery Awards were established in 2003 to recognize extraordinary women making significant contributions to world knowledge and science through exploration. We hope you will join us for this annual gathering of hundreds of Fellows and Flag Carriers from all over the globe. Your support helps to ensure they continue their important work.
Details
WINGS Women of Discovery Awards Gala
583 Park Avenue, New York City
6:00pm Reception
7:00pm Dinner and Awards Program
Cocktail Attire
Please join us in celebrating this year’s WINGS Women of Discovery Awardees at our Women of Discovery Awards on October 9th, 2025. The Women of Discovery Awards were established in 2003 to recognize extraordinary women making significant contributions to world knowledge and science through exploration. You can purchase your tickets to this year’s Gala here.
Purchase your ticket for the 2025 Global Explorers Forum
We’re also excited to welcome you to this year’s Global Explorers Forum on October 11th, 2025. Held each year alongside the Gala, the Forum brings together the brightest minds in exploration and conservation. This year’s 2025 Fellows will take the stage to share their cutting-edge research, latest initiatives, and breakthrough discoveries with peers and the public. You’ll also hear real-time updates from past Fellows and Flag Carriers on their current work.
Confirmed Speakers:
Dr. Divya Karnad, Co-founder, InSeason Fish
Dr. Grace C. Young, X, Alphabet’s Moonshot Factory
Dr. Nurzhafarina Othman, Founder/Director, Seratu Aatai
Dr. Yara Barros, Jaguars of Iguacu Project
The Forum is a dynamic ideas ecosystem that elevates Fellows’ work, connects generations of explorers, and inspires the next wave of conservation leaders.Purchase your tickets to join us at this year’s Forum here.
