Sharon Dorsey is a native of Baltimore, MD where she supports local minority-led nature-based organizations as a science educator and community connector. She received a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from George Mason University and a Master’s degree in Fish & Wildlife Conservation from Virginia Tech. Sharon is an ecologist with extensive experience in wildlife conservation, avian research, and community engagement, having worked within the private and federal sector since 2016. She excels in storytelling and community outreach, contributing to projects like Black Birders Week, authoring a short story in the book "Been Outside: Adventures of Black Women, Nonbinary, and Gender Nonconforming People in Nature”, and publishing a children’s book titled “Shorebirds: A Compare and Contrast Book”. She is also the founder of SharInNature, LLC - which provides a wide range of services from community programming, career guidance, and conservation history.

• This session will uncover the inspiring stories and invaluable contributions of African American naturalists, such as Holt Collier, Ray Arliner Young, Mary Wilson, and others, whose remarkable legacies have largely been overlooked in the history of science. These trailblazers made vital contributions in fields ranging from ecology and evolutionary biology to marine science, despite facing immense challenges due to racism and social barriers. By shedding light on their achievements, this session aims to highlight the significant roles these individuals played in advancing conservation efforts and broadening the understanding of our natural world. The importance of preserving African American legacies in science is paramount for achieving a more inclusive and accurate narrative of environmental history. It provides an opportunity to challenge traditional representations and enrich the fields of ecology, evolutionary history, and marine science with diverse perspectives. Recognizing these hidden figures not only honors their contributions but also empowers future generations, particularly those from underrepresented communities, to see themselves in environmental science careers. By doing so, we can inspire a new wave of conservationists dedicated to protecting our planet’s biodiversity and fostering greater inclusivity in the study and preservation of the natural world. This session underscores the power of representation in shaping the future of environmental stewardship.