Scientist, former NASA director and all-round trailblazer Professor Miriam Baltuck headlines a stellar line up of Council events celebrating International Women’s Day on Tuesday 8 March.
At a #BreaktheBias networking event at the Bas, Prof Baltuck will speak about her amazing career in science, which has taken her from the high seas, to the mountains of Greece, and even to leading a NASA deep space mission.
Prof Baltuck was the first woman in several leadership positions at NASA, chaired a White House committee under President Clinton and, after her work with NASA brought her to Australia, served as the first female director of the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex.
She has taught at universities in California, New Orleans, Paris and Canberra and now calls Eurobodalla home.
#BreaktheBias is this year’s International Women’s Day theme, which Eurobodalla Council’s community development and participation manager Kim Bush said was all about inspiring women to have the courage to follow their aspirations and ‘break the bias’ to take up traditionally male-dominated roles.
“Our BreaktheBias event is a great chance for everyone – not just females – to speak with accomplished women, network with like-minded individuals and connect with the community,” she said.
“Prof Baltuck really has had a ‘stellar’ career and we are so excited to hear what she has to say. We’ll also meet our three newly-elected female councillors – Deputy Mayor Alison Worthington, Councillor Tanya Dannock and Councillor Amber Schutz – who will each give inspiring presentations and share their vision for the shire.”
#BreaktheBias at the Bas will be held at the Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre, from 4-6pm. Limited places are available and .
Meanwhile, Moruya’s colourful Monarch Hotel will host a Music and Markets event in the evening. Anyone can drop-in between 5pm and 8pm to enjoy performances by local female musicians Val Moogz and Phoebe Hamilton and browse a selection of fine arts, crafts, clothing and jewellery created by local female designers and artists.
Earlier in the day, from 10.30-11.30am, best-selling author, life coach, speaker and influencer Luna Gaia will lead a powerful talk at Batemans Bay Library. Ms Gaia will speak about body image and, through her own story and lived experience, will inspire listeners to expand their own sense of self.