Charting a Trail: Monica Candny, Breaking Barriers at Sea

At Women Offshore, we are proud to spotlight remarkable women making waves in the maritime and offshore industries. Today, we shine a light on Monica Nancy Candny, a trailblazing Third Engineer with Royal Caribbean International, and one of our dedicated Women Offshore Ambassadors.

Monica’s story is one of bold ambition, unwavering resilience, and a deep commitment to lifting others as she climbs.

“Growing up, I realized my country had no female marine engineers,” she recalls. “I felt the need to occupy that space, and I was fortunate to receive a scholarship to maritime school.”

Today, Monica stands proudly as the only female marine engineer currently sailing from her country, putting her homeland on the map and paving the way for others to follow.

Working offshore comes with its own set of challenges, especially for women navigating traditionally male-dominated spaces. For Monica, proving her competency has often meant going the extra mile.

“Some men do not like taking orders from women just because you’re a woman,” she shares. “But I stay focused, work extra hard, and maintain professionalism in all my relationships.”

Her secret to staying motivated in demanding environments? A powerful mindset.

Monica’s relationship with Women Offshore began when she was a student, where mentorship through the platform helped her land her first job. That full-circle moment inspired her to give back.

“When I saw the opportunity to become an ambassador, I knew I had to help. Women Offshore helped me, now I want to do the same for others.”

As an ambassador, Monica offers career advice, supports job searches, and is developing an initiative to uplift young women in maritime. Her efforts underscore the mission of Women Offshore: fostering a strong, supportive network for women+ in the industry.

While Monica regrets not being able to attend the Women Offshore Leadership Summit due to her current deployment, her eyes remain firmly on the future.

She envisions an offshore industry where technology advances, sustainability thrives, and women rise into leadership.

When she’s not offshore, Monica cherishes time with her family, attends maritime events, and pursues advanced training.

Monica Candny is a powerful example of what happens when purpose meets perseverance. We’re proud to have her as a part of the Women Offshore community, and even prouder to watch her inspire the next generation of seafarers.