The 2026 Women Offshore Ambassador community represents a global network of maritime professionals committed to advancing careers on the water.
This year, we are proud to introduce 10 women representing 9 different countries, each bringing technical expertise, leadership, and a shared commitment to visibility and representation in maritime. From offshore energy to marine operations, research, and vessel management, these Ambassadors serve as advocates for professional excellence across the industry.
Women Offshore Ambassadors actively engage in digital campaigns, contribute to storytelling initiatives, and represent our organization within their professional networks. Their participation strengthens our global reach and ensures that mariners in maritime see themselves reflected across roles, sectors, and geographies.
We are honored to work alongside this year’s Ambassadors.
Ade Solorzano- Chief Officer with Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement.
Throughout my career as a deck officer, I have worked in environments where women are still underrepresented, particularly onboard vessels. While the industry is evolving, many women, especially those early in their careers; still face isolation, lack of guidance, and limited visibility of role models who look like them
The Women Offshore mission deeply resonates with me because it focuses not only on professional development, but also on community, mentorship, and advocacy. I strongly believe that visibility matters. Seeing women succeed in offshore and maritime roles can change what younger generations believe is possible.
As an Ambassador, I would like to contribute by sharing my own career journey openly (both the achievements and the setbacks) to help normalize the learning process and build confidence in other women. I am especially passionate about encouraging women to pursue deck and operational roles, which are still considered unconventional paths for us.
I also aim to actively engage with the community by participating in discussions, supporting awareness initiatives, and amplifying the Women Offshore mission through my professional and social platforms. My goal is to help create a space where women feel supported, informed, and empowered to advance their careers offshore.
Being part of Women Offshore represents an opportunity to give back to an industry that has shaped me, while helping make it more inclusive and accessible for future generations.
Anna Weerakoon Karunatilleke -Marine Consultant
I am passionate about building a strong, supportive community where knowledge is shared openly, and people are encouraged through mentorship and guidance. I believe in continuous development and take pride in supporting career growth and advancement for those working in the industry, especially by helping individuals navigate opportunities and overcome challenges. Access is critical to me. I want to help expand the talent pipeline by increasing awareness, opening doors, and creating opportunities for future professionals who may not otherwise know what paths are available to them. I am committed to professionalism and to providing reliable, high-quality resources that meet the unique needs of our community. Finally, resilience defines how I approach challenges. I am motivated to face obstacles with confidence and determination, always focused on achieving meaningful and positive outcomes for the people I support.
Christalove Agyin-Ayetse -Deck Officer
From navigating congested coastal waters to managing complex oil, chemical, and gas cargo operations, I thrive at the intersection of precision, responsibility, and purpose. As an Apprentice Deck Officer with hands-on experience in tank cleaning, FFE and LSA operations, and bridge watchkeeping, I bring a sharp eye for detail and a steady hand to every maneuver, whether underway or alongside. I excel in team environments where communication, clarity, and cohesion are key to operational success. Over the course of my cadetship, I’ve participated in over 80 mooring operations, prepared dozens of pre-arrival documents, and continuously adapted to the demands of international ports and vessel systems. Beyond technical expertise, I’m deeply committed to advocacy and representation in the maritime space. As a founding member of Black Women at Sea and a Women Offshore Ambassador, I’ve helped connect young African women to opportunities across the globe, bridging continents and career pipelines. I began as a mentee with Women Offshore and the Centre for Maritime Training and Development (CMTD), and have since grown into a mentor with both organizations, guiding the next generation of African women in maritime with insight, empathy, and lived experience. A Chief Officer once told me, “Women make better navigators and cargo operators than men because they notice the smallest details.” That moment shaped how I approach every task: with deliberate care, operational excellence, and zero compromise on safety. Before going to sea, I also worked onshore as a Market Intelligence Analyst, Administrator, and Operations Assistant, giving me a comprehensive understanding of both maritime operations and strategic insight from ship to shore. I believe in working smarter, not just harder, and I’m constantly seeking innovative ways to maximize efficiency, reduce error, and elevate performance. I am open to opportunities, collaborations, and conversations that move the maritime industry forward, especially for women and African professionals breaking new ground at sea.
Christy Nandlal -Offshore Project Manager
As an offshore project manager/offline coordinator/senior geotechnical engineer, I oversee the geotechnical survey and analysis of offshore wind farm sites, performing vibrocore, CPT, and seismic CPT data collection, monitoring, quality control, and interpretation. I have a master’s degree in oil and gas with energy management and more than 19 years of experience in the marine geoscience industry, working on various projects across the globe. My core competencies include geotechnical engineering, geophysical data analysis, project management, quality and safety management, and offshore operations. I am passionate about applying my skills and knowledge to support the development of renewable energy sources and contribute to the global energy transition. I am always eager to learn new technologies and methods, collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders, and deliver high-quality results and solutions.
Erica Lichty – Founder SEASTR nonprofit
As a graduate of California State University Maritime Academy, I built my foundation on discipline, organization, and a deep operational understanding of vessels and maritime systems. After graduation, I worked on oil rigs and supply boats before transitioning into the yacht sector, where I applied both technical knowledge and design leadership. Throughout every chapter, the throughline has been the water.
Today, I serve as the founding president of SEASTR PNW, a nonprofit rooted in Socio-Environmental Advocacy (SEA). Our mission is simple but powerful: when people discover what is possible within themselves, they build healthier lives, stronger families, and more resilient communities. We create accessible pathways into both recreational and commercial maritime industries, equipping participants with practical tools, mentorship, and safety-first education.
As a lifelong Salish Sea boater and fourth-generation Northwest waterwoman, I believe in a reciprocal relationship between people and the marine environment. My work with the Northwest Maritime Center and Maritime High has reinforced my belief that meaningful change happens at the grassroots level — in classrooms, on docks, and in honest conversations about opportunity and belonging.
My original goal in attending CMA was to become a Washington State Ferries captain. Along that path, I encountered barriers that many women and underrepresented mariners know well. While those experiences redirected my trajectory for a time, they also sharpened my advocacy. They clarified what “winning” truly looks like: not individual achievement alone, but collective access, safety, and sustainable careers for those coming up behind us.
Community building, mentorship, collaboration, and visibility are not side projects for me — they are core commitments. Continuing my work with SEASTR while re-engaging professionally in the maritime industry feels symbiotic and purposeful. I remain deeply connected to our vessels, our waters, and the responsibility we hold to the next generation of mariners.
I’ve been asking others to follow my journey to the Pilot House at WSF through a blog under the Substack Maritime Mosaics.
My goal is to introduce more people to maritime careers while ensuring they are equipped to be successful, safe, and supported. As an ambassador, I would bring operational credibility, design-thinking strategy, grassroots advocacy experience, and a deep belief that representation and mentorship are essential to the future of our industry
Esra Konak – Master Mariner (Unlimited), Former Chemical & Oil Tanker Captain
I grew up by the sea in Antalya, and from an early age, I felt most at home near the water. That sense of belonging never left me — throughout my 15 years at sea working on oil and chemical tankers, the ocean always felt like home. As a Maritime Captain with a Master’s License since 2017, I’ve led crews of over 20 people through complex, high-stakes operations with a strong focus on safety, compliance, and operational excellence. But more than anything, I credit my success to two things: my passion for the sea and my relentless perseverance — a quality that once earned me the nickname “The Honey Badger” for being fearless, determined, and impossible to stop. Today, I’m transitioning ashore — not because I’m done learning, but because I want to keep growing. I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Maritime Business Administration at Texas A&M University, where I aim to combine my operational experience with strategic leadership and innovation. I’m especially passionate about sustainability, maritime technology, and mentoring the next generation of women in shipping.
Keely Gavin – HR leader and Founder of Sail to Success
I’m Keely Gavin, The Crew Navigator™ – a people-centered HR leader and culture strategist with a passion for creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and able to perform at their best. With five years’ experience as an onboard HR Director in the cruise industry, I’ve led multicultural teams through complex operational, emotional, and people-focused challenges – from crisis management to culture-building to leadership capability development. My work is grounded in calm, clarity, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety. Today, I support organizations and leaders – at sea and beyond – to strengthen their people systems, build high-trust cultures, and navigate the mindset and behavioral shifts needed for strong, values-led performance.
Klaudia Maciata – Offshore Wind Energy Expert | Global Affairs & Security Leader | Social Sc Researcher| Baltic Sea Diplomacy
I bridge renewable energy, offshore operations, and international security — shaping Europe’s resilience in the Baltic Sea and beyond. I am an experienced professional specialising in offshore operations management, focusing on female leadership, security, and international relations. Currently, I contribute to Ørsted’s GWP Operational Management Team, advancing a greener energy future. I am also a proud contributor to NATO Review, addressing hybrid threats in the Baltic Sea. As the CEE Ambassador for Women Offshore and a participant in the Young Female Security Leaders programme—a partnership between WIIS Poland and Northrop Grumman—I have developed strong leadership skills in global security and management. My career includes roles such as Steering Group Member at the Council of the Baltic Sea States, representing the Youth Representatives, and serving as a Communication and Liaison Officer for the Warsaw Security Forum in 2022 and 2023. My experience in the wind energy sector, combined with my management of UAV (drones) solutions from DJI, enhances my strategic and operational expertise. Holding a Postgraduate Certification in Management and Negotiations from LSE and a degree in Global Affairs and Diplomacy from the University of Buckingham, I bring a broad perspective to leadership, diplomacy, and psychology, particularly in international security and energy. I have a keen interest in hybrid threats and the Baltic Sea, directly linked to my areas of expertise.
Uchenna Godwin Ogbonnaya – Chief Engineer
Throughout my career as a marine engineer, I have worked in highly technical, safety critical environments where diverse perspectives consistently lead to better decision making, stronger safety culture, and improved operational outcomes. Women Offshore’s mission resonates with me because it focuses on creating access, confidence, and community for women navigating industries that have historically been challenging to enter and progress within.
I have seen first hand how mentorship, encouragement, and advocacy can change the trajectory of a career.
I have also seen how a lack of visibility can discourage talented individuals from believing there is a place for them.
Women Offshore actively bridges that gap by showcasing real stories, real careers, and real pathways forward.
As an Ambassador, I would be proud to contribute my experience from offshore and marine engineering roles, share practical insights, and help amplify the voices and achievements of women across the sector.
I am motivated by the opportunity to give back to the industry that has shaped my career, while helping to create safer, more inclusive, and more sustainable workplaces for the next generation.
Zanele Mthembu – Navigation Officer | Oil-Chemical Tankers Education Training and Development Specialist Toastmasters International | Maritime EmpowerHer Mentor
Zanele Mthembu is a Navigation Officer from Durban, South Africa currently serving aboard an Oil and Chemical Tanker with Hafnia. She holds a qualification from Cape Peninsula University of Technology and began her maritime journey through early industry exposure at South African Maritime Safety Authority, where her interest in the operational and regulatory side of shipping first took shape.
In addition to her work at sea Zanele is an accredited Facilitator and Assessor and previously served as Vice President of Education at Umgeni Toastmasters, reflecting her passion for communication, leadership, and personal development. She also contributes to mentorship initiatives within the maritime community namely Maritime Empower Her supporting young women who are interested in pursuing careers at sea.
Driven by resilience and a deep sense of purpose, Zanele is committed to encouraging greater representation of women in the maritime industry while continuing to develop her skills and grow toward future leadership on the bridge.