AD 2016 Q3

KAREN STRAUS
COURTESY BONNIE TOTH
have an impact on the future of our planet. After
being inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame
(WDHOF), she decided to use her organizational and
design skills to initiate change within the organization.
She has served on the board and as president of
WDHOF, using her position to guide and mentor
individuals who are working toward careers that
involve diving.
“I feel that those of us who have been successful
in the dive industry have an amazing opportunity to
engage with and help the next generation of marine
scientists, journalists, educators and artists realize
their goals,” she said. “When the WDHOF scholarship
program started in 2002, we awarded about $1,500
total. In 2015 more than $62,000 went to recipients
who I believe will work for the betterment of the
marine world.”
One of Toth’s other favorite dive trips inspired her
to work with the Historical Diving Society, and she
recently designed a poster commemorating the 100 th
anniversary of the U.S. Navy Mark V diving helmet.
“We dived at Bikini Atoll, and the experience of diving
in that historical spot really motivated me to learn
more about the history of diving,” she said. “Without
knowing about our past, we cannot adequately prepare
for the future.”
When asked why she became a DAN member,
Toth replied, “It gives me great peace of mind
when I travel to places that lack proper facilities
and medical support.” While she hasn’t had to use
DAN’s emergency services during her nearly 40-year
diving career, she sees a lot of similarities between
her work and DAN’s mission. “We’re both ‘divers
helping divers,’” Toth said, “and we agree that through
education we can support the sport we love.” AD
ALERTDIVER.COM | 27