Whitney Erickson is a non-profit leader as Executive Director of Open Water; an organization dedicated to supporting members of our military and first responder communities. She is also a mermaid, a pirate, an educator, and a badass. She is also one of the coolest and most authentic people I know. And I've known Whitney for a very long time. She grew up in the waterman world of Orange County. Outrigger, surf, prone paddling, hula and boats; she has forever lived in and on the ocean and has not left it. Her story and her storytelling are rad; full of fun and adventure… but not without trauma. Her path to the place she finds herself today truly seems to be one of destiny and we’re grateful for her role in supporting those that support us.