Recent Stories
Overcoming Assault: Lessons in Forgiveness and Strength for Women Offshore
Early in my career at sea, I joined an old feeder vessel in Jordan. I was on one of the smallest and oldest vessels in my company’s fleet. Due to its size, it traded in the Red Sea only between Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. I was a bit nervous before joining because...
Little Red Boat on the Equator
My career at sea started a few years ago when I was working as a pool deck supervisor on a cruise ship off the coast of Australia. During my time on board, I was inspired by the bridge officers to return to school to study navigation with the goal of one day becoming...
Learning from the Worst Mistake in My Maritime Career
Let's talk about failure. Can you remember a time in your life when you totally, utterly, completely screwed up? I am often asked why I switched from sailing on oil tankers to research vessels. The roundabout answer is that I was unhappy. The simple answer is that I...
Growing Up in a Maritime Family: Lessons and Inspiration
Hello, my name is Coronado. When I introduce my name, I normally hear a multitude of questions, such as, “Wow, that is so unique. Where did it come from?” “What nationality is that?” And, “Okay, but what is your first name?” Typically, most people think that I’m...
Walking for a Cure While Offshore
I work on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico as a camp boss. That sentence usually entices looks full of “Are you kidding me?” This conversation happens mostly when I am in Michigan where I was born and raised (and still live when my hitches are done). Up there, not a...
How You Can Empower Women at Sea
Ways to Empower Women Working at Sea: A Guide for Allies Empower women by maintaining an inclusive environment on your vessel. Today, countries and organizations around the world celebrate World Maritime Day. Under the theme, "Empowering Women in the Maritime...
Featured Sea Stories
REBECCA AND HEATHER – THE CALL OF THE SEA, EPISODE 157
In today's episode, Christine talks with Rebbeca Johnson and Heather Richard, shares their passion and experience of sailing and how they got to be where they are today. They share about working with the Call of the Sea, which is an educational non-profit that...
ALLY AND CHRISTINE: COMMUNICATION SKILLS TO LEVEL UP IN THE WORKPLACE, EPISODE 154
In today's episode, Ally and Christine discuss communication skills and how to use them to level up the workplace. They give great advice on how to listen well, receive feedback, and have successful conversations. Â These are excellent reminders of how to handle your...
SHEILA LAFLEUR – PRESIDENT / EXECUTIVE RECRUITER ON THE JOB MARKET, EPISODE 150
In today’s episode, Ally Cedeno speaks with the President and Executive Recruiter at Trackline Search Partners, Sheila LaFleur. As an Unlimited Master Mariner with extensive maritime and transportation recruitment expertise, Sheila has keen insight into full desk...
CORINNE BENDERSKY – WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK IN A MALE DOMINATED WORLD, EPISODE 149
In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with Corinne Bendersky, a Professor and Area Chair of Management and Organizations who specializes in workplace conflict, status, justice, diversity, and inclusion in teams and organizations. Her research contributes not...
CARI SIMON – TITLE IX ATTORNEY, EPISODE 147
In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with Cari Simon, who is one of the nation’s leading Title IX attorneys representing survivors of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and sexual harassment in University and K–12 settings nationwide. She is a...
FAMILY PLANNING AND FERTILITY PRESERVATION WITH DR. BENJAMIN LANNON, EPISODE 143
In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with Dr. Benjamin Lannon about family planning in the maritime industry and fertility preservation. Dr. Lannon is double board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology/Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He...
Navigate Your Career
American Maritime Unions: Who Says it’s a Man’s World?
There are three maritime officer unions in the American maritime industry; American Maritime Officers (AMO), Marine Engineers Benevolent Association (MEBA), and Master Mates and Pilots (MM&P). Of these three unions, only MEBA has a woman currently in office. Unlimited...
Navigating Pregnancy While Working Offshore: What Women Need to Know
A list of considerations before becoming pregnant offshore or in the maritime industry. First of all, I didn't ask my company ANY questions until I was pregnant. If I had to do it all again, I would have gathered information from my company before starting a family...
Save the Dates! Women Offshore Conference, November 5 & 12, 2021!
Save the dates! Join us Live Online November 5th and 12th! Our 4th-annual conference to be held virtually November 5th and 12th. Join us LIVE online for this virtual event! For the past 4 years, we have united women from around the globe to support one another in...
Anonymous Email Service for Emotional Support at Safer Waves
Sexual assault, sexual harassment or gender discrimination can be difficult to navigate. Saver Waves was set up in 2019 to provide support to merchant seafarers who have experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment or gender discrimination on board. These experiences...
Raising Daughters to Pursue Maritime Careers: Empowering the Next Generation
Perspective from a Mother Growing up on the water, I had quite the nautical skill set for a young lady. Anything a boy could do, so could I. But one day my cousin and I were on our great uncle’s powerboat, and that perspective changed. Our great uncle invited my...
Save the Date: Maritime Career Day 2021
SAVE THE DATE FOR WOMEN OFFSHORE'S MARITIME CAREER DAY, MAY 21ST, 2021! The Women Offshore Foundation will host a virtual career day, Friday, May 21st, 2021. Attend panel discussions and exhibitor booths. Network with companies, hear from recruiting experts, and learn...
Podcast
AGAINST THE CURRENT: A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE IN THE MARITIME WORLD WITH KITARA SMOLINSKI, EPISODE 193
Today on the podcast, we bring you an unforgettable speech delivered by Kitara at the Women Offshore Benefit Gala. Join us as we dive into Kitara's remarkable journey—a tale of resilience, perseverance, and the unwavering spirit...
VINEETA DHILLON SPEAKS ABOUT THE WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE, EPISODE 192
Join us on today's podcast as Christine MacMillan engages in a heartfelt conversation with Vineeta Dhillon, a remarkable woman whose journey from India to the USA in 1986 is a testament to resilience and determination. Currently calling California home, Vineeta has...
CASSIDY PATTON AND THE ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM, EPISODE 191
On today's episode, Christine gets to speak with Cassidy Patton from Ketchikan, Alaska, who grew up in a fishing community that inspired her to seek out a career at sea. She shares all about the Alaska Marine Highway System, along with diving into her interesting...
NAVIGATING WAVES: RENA NAVARRO’S JOURNEY FROM EDUCATOR TO CAPTAIN, EPISODE 190
Set sail with us on another captivating journey in the Women Offshore community! Today, we're thrilled to introduce Rena Navarro, a mariner whose passion for the sea knows no bounds. Join us as Rena, a USCG Certified Instructor, Captain, and Old Boat Enthusiast, takes...
CONFRONTING SKEPTICISM AT WOMEN OFFSHORE, EPISODE 189
Dive into an inspiring tale of resilience and determination with today's episode of the Women Offshore podcast! President Ally Cedeno takes us behind the scenes, revealing the untold challenges she encountered while laying the foundation of this remarkable...
TRACI LANGFORD FROM LAPCO ON WOMEN’S SAFETY CLOTHING, EPISODE 188
In the latest Women Offshore podcast episode, Christine dives into a captivating conversation with Traci Langford, a powerhouse from the leading Louisiana apparel company, LAPCO. Discover the story behind LAPCO's fire-resistant apparel line and hear Traci's firsthand...
WOMEN OFFSHORE MENTORSHIP!
Offshore Lifestyle
Two Women Found Offshore Fitness Company
Women Offshore introduces Aweigh-Fitness; a premier health and wellness provider for the maritime and offshore energy industries.Aweigh-Fitness was founded by two women who work offshore on ultra-deepwater drillships, Brigitte Hagen-Peter and Patricia Malagrino. From...
Shining a Light on Offshore Life: Insights from Amanda Barlow
Women Offshore connected with Author and Wellsite Geologlist, Amanda Barlow, to discuss her latest book: An Inconvenient Life. Australian-born, Amanda Barlow, worked as a geologist onshore for 16 years before taking her career offshore to become a wellsite geologist...
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome in the Maritime Industry
Don’t Despair! Imposter syndrome offshore, have you ever felt that? “Apart from serial narcissists, super low achievers, and outright crazies, no one is immune to the self-doubt that feeds the Impostor Syndrome.” Well, thank goodness that Forbes’ Contributor,...
A Call to Action: How to Advocate for Women in the Maritime Industry
If you've been around our site, you probably recognize this statistic: women make up less than 4% of the offshore workforce. Women Offshore is here to change that and advocating for women offshore As a team of contributors, with a combined total of 65 years working on...
Why Diversity in Maritime Matters: Benefits of an Inclusive Industry
We all probably know at least one person who becomes irate at the idea of companies making an active effort to diversify. This is due to the idea that diversification has a tendency to be demonized as a threat to job security or personal progress to those in the...
Setting Boundaries Offshore: How Women Can Maintain Work-Life Balance
“The word boundaries is scary,” mused the executive consultant sitting next to me. “Perhaps there’s a less emotional word you can use.” We were chatting about how best to frame the workshop that I had developed for women in masculine professional environments. Sitting...
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