Our celebration of Women’s History Month has given us the opportunity to highlight women who inspire us to learn more about new and interesting topics. This time around we are featuring Dr. Mireya Mayor, a world-renowned primatologist and explorer.
Dr. Mayor, a former NFL cheerleader, followed her unlikely dreams, becoming a respected primatologist, audacious explorer and the first female wildlife correspondent for National Geographic.
Credit: Mark Thiessen
Female representation in the environmental sciences is extremely important to her. “One of the main reasons I accepted the position [with National Geographic] was not only the incredible opportunity to speak and educate about endangered species, but for young girls who love science to see themselves on screen, it shows them that they can also follow their dreams,” said Mireya, “women are making daily contributions, we have earned a place at the table, and we need to use our voices to create change, innovation requires diversity and unique perspectives.”
Dr. Mayor’s adventures have taken her—armed with little more than a backpack, notebooks, and hiking boots—to some of the wildest and most remote places on earth. Hailed as a “female Indiana Jones” and an inspiration to young women interested in science and exploration, she has survived poisonous insect bites, been charged by gorillas and chased by elephants—and keeps going back for more.
One place she always returns to is Walt Disney World. “It’s my family’s favorite place on the planet!” she shared. “Disney has a magic, a place of creativity and imagination, where boundaries are pushed and there is no limit. I want to instill that in children, and we should all strive to search beyond our scope of imagination including the sciences.”
Credit: Brent Stirton
National Geographic Explorers like Dr. Mayor, are sharing their amazing stories from around the world in cities across North America as part of the National Geographics Live 2021-22 season presented by Office Depot. For more information and to find speakers in a city near you, visit natgeolive.com.
Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog as we celebrate Women’s History Month and be sure to follow along on Disney Parks social media as we continue to bring you stories about the women who are paving the way for us all.
