Celebrate International Women’s Day with us as we hear from the women of SCDNR.
Kassie Burkett
Natural Resource Technician, Region 4
Why did you choose a career in natural resources?
For as long as I can remember I’ve loved to be outside. My family has always been the outdoorsy type. We hunt, fish, camp, hike, bike ride, you name it and we’ve done it. So, my dad started taking me huntin’ with him when I was 7 years old. This took some persuasion because he didn’t think I’d have the patience for it, but turns out it was my calling. He started letting me carry a gun at 8, I started sitting by myself at 9, and I shot my first deer at 10. This is really what grew my passion for the outdoors and our natural resources. Being able to spend time with him and my Granddaddy away from the “real world” where cell phone signal was nonexistent and the whippoorwills still sing at dusk. I chose a career in the natural resources because I want a little girl to look at my story and see that it’s okay for girls to hunt and fish and wanna go outside because we can do this job too! I also chose this job because I can’t imagine working inside everyday doing the same thing over and over. The best part about this job is it’s outside, you never know what you’ll see, and you’re doing something different almost every day!
Pam Corwin
Saltwater Fishing Outreach Biologist
How do you, as a woman, outdoors?
I refuse to buy pink camo, I find companies that provide UPF women’s fishing and outdoor clothing in natural colors, and I strive to prove myself as an angler and outdoorswoman. I hate that is something we feel pressured to do, but if we can walk the walk and talk the talk, then women will gain more respect in the hunting and fishing community. I made myself learn how to back a trailer, launch a boat, and provide assistance if something minor happens. There’s the stigma that the man is supposed to fix the motor or back the trailer down, but I refuse to accept that stigma. I know my limitations and will readily ask for help because I know I’m not as a strong as most men. I accept that because honestly, I already have back issues because I was stubborn when I was younger. When it comes to being on a boat, of course, going to bathroom is tricky, so I just tell the people on the boat with me, “Hey, I have to pee” and they turn around while I dangle over the side of the boat. If we are in an area where there are boats close by, I yell to them just to let them know. Most people understand the trials and tribulations of being a woman on a boat so they’re very respectful. When wading or fly fishing, if I have to use the bathroom, I find a nice wide tree or thick bushes. I’m a woman of the outdoors, and I’m not going to let a little bladder call stop me. If I’m interested in hunting or new types of fishing, I am not afraid to ask for help. We all had to start somewhere. That also helps me decide if it is something I really want to pursue or if it isn’t for me. In terms of being alone on the water or in the woods, I’m not too worried about being attacked, but I let multiple people know where I am, where I’m going and what I’m doing, what I have on, and what time I expect to be back to my vehicle. If I’m in an area that has known illegal activity, I do carry a small can of mace. I will say ladies, if you do have a small can or even carry bear spray, PRACTICE because if you’ve never used it before and plan on using it during a high stress situation…chances are, it’s too late. Lastly, I wear a hat, sunblock, or facial moisturizer with SPF because sun damage is cumulative, and I’d like to look my age at least until I retire.
Lieutenant Amy Staton
SCDNR Law Enforcement Officer, Region 1
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career?
My greatest accomplishment thus far has been being promoted through the ranks through hard work and dedication. As a field officer, I was the first female promoted to the position of First Sergeant and Lieutenant supervising the men and women in green.
Julie Vecchio, PhD
Assistant Scientist, Reef Fish
Who inspired you to pursue a career in natural resources/ conservation?
My first personal female role model in conservation was my college advisor. Dr. E. Dale Kennedy. She was an ecologist studying the nesting habits of prairie birds. She was warm and understanding. She was an incredible motivator and a person who would help with anything a student needed. Meeting her was the first time I realized that people (especially women) could get paid to do science. She set me on the path have been on for over 25 years.
Madison Sweat
SCDNR Law Enforcement Officer, Region 3
What would you tell your younger self?
I would tell my younger self that your love for animals and wildlife wasn’t a gift given to you for no reason. That your years as a road deputy will guide and lead you to your true path in law enforcement. That you will achieve the career and job you never thought you’d meet the necessary requirements for. That you will be truly happy and enjoy getting up and going to work everyday for once and it will not feel like a job. To not worry, you found your place.
Abi Locastis Prochaska
Coastal Training Program Coordinator
Who inspired you to pursue a career in natural resources/ conservation?
I was inspired by Charlotte Hope, who recently retired from SCDNR. My mother and Charlotte became friends through the sea turtle program. I remember Charlotte coming over to our house after work and talking about riding around on an ATV, rescuing sea turtles and flying around in a plane looking for eagles. One day, when I was about 4, she told a particularly impressive story of getting a fish bone out of a pelican’s throat to save it from choking. I thought she was so cool and wanted to have a job like hers when I grew up.
Laura Whittle
CFM, NFIP Specialist
Who inspired you to pursue a career in natural resources/ conservation?
My aunt lost her life due to flooding caused by Hurricane Ike in 2008, so I was particularly interested when an opening in SCDNR’s Flood Mitigation Program was brought to my attention by a friend.
Britny Washington
SCDNR Law Enforcement Officer, Region 3
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career?
As I am new to the field, I would say that my greatest accomplishment so far was being the Class Leader while attending the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. I took a lot of pride in being appointed the position, even though I had many doubts in my ability and (unlike others in the class) no prior military or law enforcement experience. Throughout the process I realized that many people in my class took to my leadership and I am very capable of being a good leader, no matter my age (23) or gender.
Zoey Fletcher Thomas
Natural Resource Technician, Region 4
What is your favorite aspect of your job?
My favorite aspect of my job is being able to be on the water everyday and seeing the joy a successful waterfowl hunt brings people. During the summer months of really putting in the on the ground work to make sure we have a great waterfowl season things are not always inspiring and fun, but watching how happy people are after their hunts makes it all worth it and really gives you the fuel to keep pushing.
Julie Holling
Program Manager
Who inspired you to pursue a career in natural resources/ conservation?
My parents both instilled the idea that I could do what I wanted and encouraged me to be outside. My mother was a PE teacher before I was born and then a life science teacher starting when I was in middle school. She taught me a lot about science and the outdoors and encouraged me to learn more about both. I often learned with her when she was taking courses to keep her teaching accreditation up during the years when she wasn’t teaching, including ornithology, ecology and entomology.
Jennifer Alveshire
SCDNR Law Enforcement Officer, Region 3
What’s your favorite hunting or fishing memory?
My favorite hunting memory is going deer hunting for the first time with my dad, it was almost dark and we had seen a few does. I was waiting on a buck to come out. He said I could shoot the does or wait, so I waited. Sure enough a buck came out and I was so nervous. We were both so giddy with excitement. I took my shot and the buck ran off. I was so scared I missed him. We got out of the stand and dad started to track the deer and he told me to go look around a tree and see if it was there. He already saw it and wanted me to find it. I went around the tree and there laid the buck I shot. I was wearing my dads DNR orange cap and now I have my own DNR orange cap I wear for work. I felt so proud and happy and the happy, proud look on my dads face, having made the whole experience for me, I will never forget.
Morgan Dowd
SCDNR Law Enforcement Officer, Region 3
Why did you choose a career in natural resources?
I was always interested in a career in law enforcement. When I discovered I could combine my love for the outdoors, hunting, and fishing with a career in law enforcement, I knew I wanted to be a game warden.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on South Carolina Wild are solely those of the authors, and do not reflect official policies, positions, or endorsements of activity or products by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
