Here in Santa Barbara, with its confluence of clear skies, warm temperatures and unmatched spectacular vistas from the Santa Ynez Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, we’re reminded daily of how blessed we are to call this amazing place home. We are also acutely aware that these very elements we celebrate are also the ones that make ours, a precarious paradise. This was especially evident over the past few weeks as our neighbors to the south endured horrific wildfires – fueled by hot, dry winds and a dearth of seasonal rainfall – that raged through San Diego County from Rancho Bernardo to Carlsbad. 

Many of our speakers and colleagues reside in the region and our thoughts, concerns and empathy are with them in such trying times. Our thoughts also turn to one speaker in particular, (and not just because she’s difficult to book during scenarios like these) who tends to stand out in extreme crisis situations. When she’s not competing in adventure races, triathlons, world-record paddling attempts or motivating, leading change and building teams on stage, Robyn Benincasa is a full-time San Diego firefighter.