Women Offshore Celebrates a Powerful 8th Annual Conference

Honoring Leaders, Emerging Voices, and a Community Anchored in Purpose

Houston, TX — October 10, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The 8th Annual Women Offshore Conference brought together maritime professionals, students, and industry allies for two days of connection, leadership, and momentum-building in Houston, Texas. The event showcased the strength and diversity of women across the offshore and maritime sectors, uniting attendees for learning, storytelling, and action.

This year’s theme, Anchored in Purpose, Ignited by Opportunity, celebrated the community’s Bold Voices, Bright Futures, and New Horizons Ahead through immersive keynotes, interactive workshops, and impactful networking experiences.

The conference opened with a powerful keynote from Larkin Bohn, who shared how she built her career from the ground up and encouraged attendees to “lead from exactly where you are.” Drawing from her journey, from science videographer to TEDx speaker, she emphasized the importance of self-definition, kindness as strength, and crafting a personal mission rooted in what you love, what you’re good at, and who you aim to serve. Larkin’s guided mission statement exercise set an inspiring tone for the day and reminded participants that opportunity doesn’t wait for perfection, it rewards courage.

Leadership development took center stage with Nancy Parsons of CDR Assessment Group, who shared results from assessments taken by 46 community members. Her findings revealed that nearly half of respondents are deeply career-focused, with exceptional strengths in innovation and problem solving. She addressed the core risks impacting leadership performance, including lack of awareness, accountability gaps, and inherited behaviors, and offered tools to build confidence, energy, and intentional growth.

The afternoon brought powerful storytelling from Erika Johnson, whose journey to becoming the first Black woman to hold her technical specialist role with bp resonated deeply with the audience. She spoke of perseverance, purpose, and the grit it takes to thrive in male-dominated spaces. “Don’t let ‘no’ burn you out, let it fuel your fire,” she said, encouraging attendees to seize opportunities, stay open-minded, and release what doesn’t serve their future. Her message underscored that resilience, not certainty, shapes leaders.

Speaker Cassie Mead followed with a raw and moving reflection on burnout, belonging, and the courage to pause. From working aboard an all-female crew to navigating mental health challenges and career transitions, she reminded attendees that walking away is not weakness, it is choice. “Power is in the pause. Choose yourself first,” she shared, noting that community support is often the bridge back to purpose. Her message broke stigma and built solidarity, especially for those in seasons of uncertainty.

The conference closed with insights from Priscilla B. Heistad of Hornbeck Offshore, who urged attendees to “stay curious and stay agile” as the maritime landscape continues to evolve. She challenged women to build their reputations as “likeable badasses” and to stay plugged into relationships, emerging opportunities, and emerging market demands. Her keynote emphasized that those who adapt, collaborate, and lead with initiative will shape the future of the industry.

The event also honored two outstanding contributors to the maritime community:

• Wave Maker Award: Vice Admiral Joanna Nunan, USCG, USMS (Retired)
• Horizon Award: Kitara Smolinski, Captain in Training with T&T group and Graduate from San Jacinto

These honorees exemplify leadership across generations, one with a legacy of impact, the other representing a bright future ahead.

This event would not have been possible without the support of our valued sponsors. Women Offshore extends its heartfelt appreciation to this year’s conference sponsors and partners: AMO, Houston Pilots, MM&P, Liskow, Puget Sound Pilots, Hornbeck Offshore, Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners, Disney Cruise Lines, Trackline, ShipShape Health, Alleviation, Wings Travel.  Their partnership directly contributes to advancing women across offshore energy, maritime careers, and ocean-focused industries and continues to advance the mission of promoting equity, safety, and opportunity for women at sea and across offshore industries

As the conference closed, attendees left with renewed purpose, stronger networks, and actionable insights to bring back to their crews, classrooms, companies, and communities. Women Offshore remains committed to amplifying diverse voices, expanding opportunity, and shaping a more inclusive and innovative future offshore.

For more information about Women Offshore programs and future events, visit www.womenoffshore.org.