WAB opened its Distinguished Speaker Series this week with an inspirational presentation by Arlene Blum. Ms Blum shared accounts of her life as a renowned expeditionary leader and environmental scientist through humorous anecdotes and a stunning photo essay.

From her humble beginnings as an inexperienced, female mountain climber in the early 1970’s, Ms. Blum faced many obstacles. Upon inquiring about joining a guided expedition up Denali, she received a brochure that stated, “Women can join the Denali expedition at a reduced price. They will be permitted to go as far as Base Camp to help with the cooking.” Not to be dissuaded, she began what was to be her life-long work: to make seemingly unachievable things possible.

Eventually participating in more than twenty successful mountain expeditions, including leading the first American ascent of Annapurna, and the first all-woman ascent of Denali, Ms Blum has in recent years, set her sights on a new type of “mountain.” She currently works with the chemical industry, scientists, government, and environmentalists to stop the unnecessary use of toxic fire retardant chemicals in consumer products around the world. Sharing stories of her successful (and sometimes not so successful) battle against inconceivable odds, she remains undaunted in her efforts to affect change.

After listening to the speaker, Jonathan Strauch, Grade 6 Student at WAB asked, “What can we do?” referring to how students can get involved in this issue. Ms. Blum encouraged him to speak out and to work on environmental issues at an individual level. She supported involvement in programs such as “Roots and Shoots” as effective ways for young people to make a difference.

On Saturday, August 22, Ms. Blum also participated in the Green Science Policy Institute Symposium on reducing exposure to toxic chemicals, which was held in the Blu Theater at WAB.