JENNIFER GALVIN
Sc.D., M.P.H.
Scientist, Filmmaker, Educator, Entrepreneur
Port Washington, NY
www.reelblue.net 

I'm using my background in public health and environmental science to inform my work as a filmaker at reelblue, LLC.

Time at Las Olas was a reminder of the priceless power that the ocean has on health and friendship - and the strength in people coming together to share their stories.

LYNDA DECKER
President, CEO Decker Design
New York, NY
www.deckerdesign.com

We help organizations communicate their brand messages through compelling design.

At Las Olas, I learned never to give up. This lesson has been helpful in navigating life's challenges in and out of the water. I have continued surfing, discovering more about the ocean, and overcoming fears. I have since returned to Las Olas two more times, always learning something new. I am the story of the non-athlete who without realizing it, became one.  

CYNTHIA KERR
Sales and Marketing Manager for Williams Homes Inc.
Ventura, CA
www.williamshomes.com

Las Olas changed my life. When I returned home from surf camp, I shared my new passion with some girlfriends and started "board meetings," surfing every Tuesday morning before work.

Being in the ocean several times a week brings new insight to my life. I realize that life is like the ocean - every day the tide, current and waves are different. The trick is to welcome the changes and work with the new conditions, not against them, in order to enjoy the ride. That philosophy carries me through each new day. Through surfing I found my inner peace.

KARYN MILLET
Photographer
Santa Monica, California
www.karynmillet.com 

I'm a photographer specializing in interiors & travel and shoot for various magazines, hotels and designers.  My book, The Well-Dressed Home (Clarkson Potter) came out last year. 

Every time I see a wave I think of what I learned at Las Olas... to have the confidence to embrace life and go for it!  The Las Olas experience is one that stays with you no matter if you surf again or not.  Seeing life from atop a surfboard with a wave rolling underneath you is the stuff dreams are made of and that feeling of exhilaration never goes away!

DYANA KING
CEO, Thinknicity
San Francisco, CA
www.thinknicity.com

I am CEO of Thinknicity, we specialize in connecting IT and Life Science professionals with meaningful work.
 
From the instant I caught my first wave I knew that surfing would become a big part of my life. To me, surfing is a metaphor for life and everything I do.  It reminds me to live completely in the moment and to face my fear.  Like life and business, surfing is a learning process rather than an event, surfing helps me remember to be kind to myself and celebrate every victory no matter how small or large.  My Las Olas experience was a joyful validation that reminded me of what I have always known but had forgotten: When I let my inner light shine, I am in perfect alignment with the Universe.
 

LAUREN CASELLI
Traveler
Brooklyn, NY
www.livinglifebarefoot.com

I'm taking three months to backpack around Southeast Asia.

I was the youngest member of my Las Olas group of 19 amazing women (and five amazing instructors). They told me that whatever dreams I had about traveling, I should do them NOW! Three weeks after I returned, I booked a one way ticket to Indonesia. I'm having the time of my life!