WiWiC Educator Network: 2026 Spring Meet Up

Are you a conservation educator? At WiWiC, we know educators can be both professionals and volunteers, instructors and mentors, peers and practitioners. In this tumultuous moment in the conservation profession, we know that pulling together is the most powerful lever for getting more practices on the land. Let's connect as the growing season begins!

If you are helping others along in their conservation journeys, you are warmly invited to this network gathering to collaboratively support each other in our outreach and work. The goal of this network, facilitated by Wisconsin Women in Conservation (WiWiC), is to regularly connect educators to share best practices, explore challenges, develop cooperative strategies, share resources, and work more effectively with each other. At each bi-annual virtual Meet Up, we feature career history explorations by some of Wisconsin's amazing women conservation leaders, with time to ask them questions. This Spring, we're delighed to welcome Wisconsin DNR Secretary Dr. Karen Hyun and Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Agriculture Research and Education Division Manager Celina Hall.

“Bringing the conservation custodians together, not only to meet one another, but also learn from each other,and to build partnerships that strengthen public engagement  to foster stewardship makes this gathering one of the most important tasks that we at MFAI take seriously,” says Dr. Durairaj, project lead for WiWiC and MFAI's Education Director. She will host the webinar, along with Farmer Education Manager Christine Johnson and Advancement Director Kriss Marion.

Whatever your background, from beginners to experts and professionals to volunteers, all conservation educators - both men and women - are welcome. We want to hear your stories and questions. Pets and children always welcome in our casual Zoom space.

WiWiC Host:

Dr. Esther Durairaj, Education Director at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, WiWiC Project Lead

Presenters: 

WI DNR Secretary Karen Hyun, PhD

Dr. Hyun has extensive experience working on natural resources, stewardship and conservation issues. Hyun has most recently served as the chief of staff of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) since 2021. She also has more than a decade of experience in policy and environmental work. 

Hyun began her career in 2009, staffing the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Natural Resources. In 2012, Hyun served as a senior policy advisor for the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of the Secretary and also the chief of staff position for the Department’s Office of the Deputy Secretary in 2013.

Hyun then became the senior advisor for NOAA in June 2014 before becoming the deputy assistant secretary for fish, wildlife, and parks at the Department of the Interior in 2015. Additionally, she led and coordinated initiatives focused on coastal resilience, Gulf of Mexico restoration, marine conservation and coastal stewardship at the National Audubon Society, serving as the director of water and coastal policy before becoming the vice president of coastal conservation in 2018.

Hyun earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Earth Systems from Stanford University in California and a doctorate in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island. Hyun lives with her husband and children in Madison.

Celina Hall, Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Agriculture Research and Education Division Manager

Hall is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a BGS in Environmental Studies and a minor in Indigenous Studies in May, 2024. She currently works in the Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Agriculture as the Research and Education Division manager. Her role is to educate, encourage and inspire the youth while also increasing general awareness of the relationship between the environment and food to community members. The Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Agriculture aims to learn and practice ecological stewardship utilizing a balance between Traditional Ecological Knowledge and western science.

About Wisconsin Women in Conservation

WiWiC is a state-wide collaborative effort led by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in partnership with state and federal conservation agencies, local organizations, and other farm advocacy groups. WiWiC brings together Wisconsin's women landowners, farmers, farm workers, urban growers, and conservation professionals to connect and share about conservation practices, resources, and funding opportunities. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

About Michael Fields Agricultural Institute

MFAI is a non-profit organization that has been cultivating resiliency through research, education, and policy work since 1984. With a broad coalition of public and private partners, The Institute supports farmers, food systems and communities in the Upper Midwest and beyond through a range of programs and initiatives. We believe agriculture can sustain both human and ecosystem health, while advancing food security, independence, and justice. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news and events.

Content Disclaimer

While the WiWiC project strives to make the information provided to individuals as timely and accurate as possible, we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the content of our webinars. The information presented is solely the speakers’ expressed views and WiWiC expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in content.