Published by Women Offshore Podcast
The top resource for community members who work on the water!
Listen on Apple PodcastsIn episode 263, Women Offshore is turning nine, and Executive Director Liz Schmidt is here to celebrate with energy, gratitude, and a look at what’s ahead. This anniversary episode highlights the growth of our global community, the programs shaping mariners’ careers, and the stories that have defined our mission since 2017. Liz also shares an exciting preview of the 2026 Women Offshore Annual Conference, including powerhouse keynote speakers, dynamic panels, skill‑building workshops, and the beloved Sea Stories session. Plus, don’t miss details on our anniversary merch drop and how you can join the celebration. A perfect episode for longtime listeners and new mariners stepping into the community.
In episode 262 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we welcome Michela Monteverde , creator of HarborFlow , an emerging maritime intelligence system that transforms AIS vessel tracking and geospatial data into actionable insights for the shipping and logistics industry. Michela's journey into maritime began in an unexpected place. Originally trained in archaeology, her interest in spatial analysis and GIS eventually led her from studying landscapes to navigating them at sea. After gaining hands-on experience sailing and working aboard vessels across Europe, the Atlantic, and the Caribbean, she became fascinated by the data and systems operating behind every voyage. Today, she combines real-world maritime experience with data analytics, GIS, Python, SQL, and machine learning to better understand vessel behavior, port activity, and operational risk. Through HarborFlow, she is developing tools that help transform complex maritime data into practical intelligence that supports safer and more informed decision-making. This conversation explores how technology, operational experience, and curiosity are shaping the future of maritime analytics.
In Episode 261 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we speak with Oluwadamilola "Engr Dee" Adebamipe , a Marine Engineer, maritime data analytics professional, and founder of DeeMarine Analytics . With a career spanning vessel operations, port systems, maritime education, and data analytics, Engr Dee brings a unique perspective on how technology is transforming the maritime industry. Drawing from her experience onboard vessels, working with the Nigerian Ports Authority , and educating future maritime professionals, she shares how data can be used to improve operational performance, support decarbonization efforts, and drive better decision-making across the sector. Through DeeMarine Analytics, Engr Dee is helping maritime organizations turn operational data into actionable insights that improve efficiency and support a more sustainable Blue Economy. The conversation also explores her passion for mentorship, workforce development, and creating more opportunities for women to lead and innovate within maritime. This episode offers an insightful look at the growing role of data in shaping the future of maritime operations.
In this episode of the Women Offshore Podcast, we welcome Shasta Kahoalii, Founder of Athena Talent Group. With nearly 20 years of experience in recruiting and talent acquisition leadership, Shasta has interviewed more than 10,000 candidates and supported organizations across offshore, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, supply chain, and operations. Join us as we discuss hiring trends, leadership development, career advancement, and what candidates can do to stand out in today's competitive job market. Shasta also shares her perspective on supporting women in traditionally male-dominated industries and building strong teams that drive long-term success. Whether you're searching for your next opportunity or looking to grow as a leader, this conversation offers valuable insights from both sides of the hiring process.
In Episode 259 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we speak with Ade Tiznado Solorzano , a Merchant Navy Deck Officer, vessel manager, and Women Offshore Ambassador whose career spans tanker vessels, azimuth tugboats, and humanitarian operations at sea. Ade shares her experience working across diverse vessel types and operational environments, discussing everything from navigation and bridge watchkeeping to safety management systems and emergency response. She reflects on the skills required to lead crews, maintain operational readiness, and uphold safety standards in dynamic maritime settings. The conversation also explores the importance of professional development, industry involvement, and visibility. As a member of The Nautical Institute Mexico and a maritime content creator, Ade actively works to connect with and inspire the next generation of maritime professionals. This episode offers insight into the realities of a career at sea and the value of continuous learning, adaptability, and leadership in today's maritime industry.
In Episode 258 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we speak with Heather Ervin, Editor-in-Chief of Marine Log. Heather shares her path through maritime journalism and the role media plays in highlighting the people and issues shaping the industry today. Since joining Marine Log, she has helped expand the publication’s readership, events, and industry recognition initiatives, including the creation of the Top Women in Maritime award. The conversation explores the importance of visibility, storytelling, and representation across maritime sectors, as well as how industry publications help connect professionals, companies, and emerging leaders. Heather also reflects on balancing leadership in maritime media while navigating motherhood and staying engaged across organizations including Women in Maritime Operations, We Work the Waterways, and Maritime Pride. This episode offers insight into the people working behind the scenes to elevate conversations across the maritime industry.
In this episode of the Women Offshore Podcast, we speak with Denielle Christensen , Executive Director and CEO of WaveWorks Alliance . Denielle’s career began outside of maritime, but she spent more than two decades immersed in the commercial marine industry through her work with WorkBoat Magazine , the International WorkBoat Show , Pacific Marine Expo , and National Fisherman . Through that experience, she gained a clear view of the operational demands across the sector, and the growing workforce challenges that continue to shape it. More recently, her work in offshore wind highlighted how quickly the industry is evolving. As new technologies are introduced, traditional maritime roles are being asked to adapt, often without clear pathways for training or transition. Denielle founded WaveWorks Alliance to address these gaps directly. In this conversation, she shares how workforce development, industry alignment, and access to opportunity will define the future of maritime careers. This episode offers a practical look at how the industry can better prepare the next generation while supporting the professionals already working on the water.
In Episode 256 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we speak with Caitlin Hardy , Founder and Managing Director of Ness Sea, a strategic consulting firm working at the intersection of maritime and technology. In this episode, Caitlin walks through key elements of the Maritime Action Plan and what it means for the future of the industry. From shipbuilding and workforce development to emerging technologies and defense considerations, the conversation highlights how strategy is shaping both commercial and government maritime priorities. Caitlin shares insight into how policy decisions translate into real-world impact across operations, infrastructure, and innovation. She also discusses the role of new technology in modernizing maritime systems and the importance of aligning industry, government, and workforce development efforts. This episode offers a clear, practical look at how long-term planning is influencing the direction of maritime careers and operations.
In Episode 255 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we speak with Chris Martin of Wings Global Travel , a global travel management company that supports crew logistics across the maritime and offshore industries. Chris shares how travel coordination plays a critical role in offshore operations. From crew rotations and last-minute schedule changes to complex international travel requirements, logistics teams work behind the scenes to keep vessels and projects moving. The conversation highlights the level of coordination required to move mariners safely and efficiently across the globe, and how travel planning directly impacts operational timelines and crew experience. This episode offers a practical look at an often-overlooked part of the industry and the systems that support careers on the water.
In Episode 234 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we spotlight Resolve Marine , a Women Offshore Corporate Supporter and a global provider of marine salvage, emergency response, and offshore services. During this episode, listeners will gain a better understanding of the scope of work involved in marine response operations and the partnerships required to make these efforts successful. Maritime operations often involve collaboration across vessel operators, port authorities, government agencies, and private industry partners. Resolve Marine’s support of Women Offshore also reflects the importance of industry partnerships in strengthening the maritime workforce. Corporate supporters help expand opportunities for education, networking, and career development across the Women Offshore community.
If you’re new to Women Offshore or looking for guidance on how to navigate a maritime career, this episode is a great place to start. In Episode 235 of the Women Offshore Podcast, Executive Director Liz Schmidt and Director of Career Support Christine MacMillan walk listeners through the resources, programs, and community that Women Offshore offers to support mariners at every stage of their careers. Together, they explain how the organization works—from scholarships and career development programs to mentorship, networking, and industry partnerships. The conversation also highlights how Women Offshore helps professionals build confidence, access opportunities, and stay connected within the maritime and offshore industries. Liz and Christine also share practical advice on navigating a career on the water—whether you’re a cadet preparing for your first sea term, transitioning between sectors, or looking for ways to grow professionally. If you’ve ever wondered where to begin or how to get more involved, this episode offers a clear starting point.
In Episode 252 of the Women Offshore Podcast, Executive Director Liz Schmidt speaks with Kim Malkoski, Diving Safety Officer at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, about training and managing scientific divers in research environments. Kim shares her journey from early scuba certification at age 13 to leading dive safety operations at one of the world’s premier oceanographic institutions. The conversation explores scientific diving standards, safety culture, marine research operations, and the administrative leadership required to support underwater fieldwork. This episode offers valuable insight for maritime professionals, marine scientists, and divers interested in research-based careers beneath the surface.
In Episode 251 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we sit down with Richard A. Stone , founder of Mayflower Event News and author of Project Mayflower , to explore the enduring legacy of one of the most iconic ships in maritime history. Richard shares how his background in journalism and media shaped the creation of Project Mayflower , offering insight into the modern preservation, restoration, and interpretation of the Mayflower and Mayflower II. The conversation highlights why maritime history remains relevant today and the role storytelling plays in connecting past, present, and future generations. This episode is ideal for maritime professionals, historians, and anyone interested in the cultural impact of ships, heritage preservation, and the power of accurate, thoughtful storytelling.
Episode 250 of the Women Offshore Podcast marks a major milestone — not just in episode count, but in the evolution of Women Offshore itself. In this special episode, Executive Director Liz Schmidt and Director of Career Development Christine MacMillan reflect on the podcast’s origins, its role in documenting the organization’s journey, and how far the maritime industry has come in addressing topics once rarely discussed. When the Women Offshore Podcast launched, it was one of the very first initiatives of the organization — a simple but powerful way to amplify women’s voices, share lived experiences offshore, and create connection across a global, often-isolated workforce. What began as a platform for storytelling quickly became an archive of leadership, career pathways, challenges, and change. Over 250 episodes, the podcast has captured milestones both big and small: firsts in leadership roles, career pivots, hard conversations about inclusion and safety, and moments of celebration and reflection. It has chronicled not only individual journeys, but the collective progress of an industry learning to listen, adapt, and grow. In this milestone episode, Liz and Christine reflect on how conversations that once felt niche — around representation, mentorship, mental health, leadership styles, and workplace culture — are now more widely embraced across maritime and offshore sectors. The podcast stands as a time capsule of that evolution, showing how far the industry has come and where it still has room to grow. They also discuss why storytelling remains central to Women Offshore’s mission. While policies, programs, and initiatives matter, it is often through shared experiences that real understanding and momentum are built. Episode 250 is both a celebration and a recommitment — to continue elevating voices, documenting progress, and creating space for honest conversation offshore. Tune in to Episode 250 to reflect on the journey, celebrate the milestones, and look ahead to what’s next for Women Offshore.
In Episode 249 of the Women Offshore Podcast , Women Offshore Executive Director Liz Schmidt sits down live at METSTRADE in Amsterdam with Meg Reilly. She is a circumnavigator, sustainability leader, and global change-maker for an inspiring conversation at the intersection of sailing, leadership, and impact. Meg’s journey began far from the sea. After building a successful career on Madison Avenue, she made the bold decision to step away and pursue a lifelong dream: sailing around the world. In 2013–14, she competed in — and won — the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race , an experience that reshaped her understanding of teamwork, resilience, and global interconnectedness. Today, Meg blends her offshore experience with her background in communications, leadership, and diplomacy to help international brands, governments, NGOs, and events develop sustainable strategies and inclusive communities . She holds an MBA from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University , where she deepened her focus on sustainability, governance, and global systems. Meg currently serves as Marketing Chair for the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta and leads sustainability initiatives across the maritime and sporting industries. Her work emphasizes collaboration, cultural understanding, and the role sport and sailing can play in advancing environmental and social progress. Recorded live on the show floor at METSTRADE, this episode captures the energy of a global maritime gathering and highlights how leadership on the water translates into leadership on the world stage. Tune in to Episode 249 to hear Meg share how winning an around-the-world race changed her career, why sustainability requires diplomacy, and how the maritime industry can lead by example.
In Episode 248 of the Women Offshore Podcast , Christine MacMillan sits down with Captain Rima Fe Lumangtad , Tidewater’s first Filipino female Master , to talk about her remarkable journey to the bridge — and the leadership values guiding her command today. Rima’s love for the sea began in childhood along the coastlines of the Philippines, where watching vessels pass sparked a dream that never faded. After college, she began her maritime career in 2005 working on a ferry, earning onboard promotions before becoming Chief Officer in the local shipping industry. In 2010, she joined Tidewater as a trainee Second Officer and continued to rise through the ranks, promoted to Chief Officer in 2013. In 2019, Rima made the difficult decision to step away from sailing to focus on family. But the call of the sea remained strong. With the support of her husband and family, she returned to Tidewater in 2022 — and in 2025, while working in Ghana, she received an unexpected email that would change her career: she had been promoted to Master . In July 2025, Captain Rima took command of her first vessel, Pacific Gull , in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Today, she leads a diverse, multinational crew with humility, professionalism, and a strong commitment to equality, safety, and respect onboard. As a leader, Captain Rima is clear about her priorities: zero tolerance for bullying or harassment, open communication with her crew, and leading without privilege. She believes trust is built through consistency, fairness, and presence — not rank alone. In this episode, Captain Rima reflects on navigating a male-dominated industry, balancing motherhood and sea life, and the mentors who shaped her along the way. Her story is one of quiet determination, deep integrity, and the power of staying true to your calling. Tune in to Episode 248 to hear Captain Rima’s story in her own words — and be inspired by a leader who proves that strength and kindness can coexist on the bridge.
In this episode, we’re bringing you a replay of one of our most popular live events—Ask an Ambassador! Liz Schmidt hosts an honest and uplifting conversation with several of our Ambassadors, answering questions directly from the Women Offshore community. Whether you’re new to the industry or navigating your next steps, you’ll find encouragement and takeaways you can use today. We’d love to hear what stood out to you—reach out on social and share your thoughts!
In Episode 246 of the Women Offshore Podcast , Christine MacMillan sits down with Deb Ryan , CEO and Founder of Swan Mountain Advisory , and one of the newest members of the Women Offshore Board. With nearly 20 years of experience across emissions management, carbon markets, and the upstream oil and gas industry, Deb brings a rare combination of technical expertise, strategic insight, and global perspective. Deb has built her career at the intersection of engineering, energy, and climate. A licensed Professional Engineer in both Colorado and Texas, she holds degrees in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and an MBA — a foundation that has enabled her to lead across operators, consulting, and analytics firms such as S&P Global. Today, Deb runs Swan Mountain Advisory, where she helps organizations navigate the rapidly changing world of carbon management, including emissions reduction, financed emissions, transition risk, and the evolving carbon markets landscape. Her voice is widely sought after, and she has addressed international audiences at CERAWeek, International Energy Week, APPEC, and more. Her leadership extends into board service as well — with positions at AlphaX Decision Sciences , Geofinancial Analytics , and 1089.inc , where she advises on AI integration, methane data analysis, and carbon market methodologies. She is also faculty at the University of Colorado Denver, teaching “Carbon Markets for Business.” In this episode, Deb shares her journey from petroleum engineer to carbon strategy expert, what companies often misunderstand about emissions, and how the energy transition is reshaping opportunities across the maritime and offshore workforce. She also reflects on what it means to join the Women Offshore Board and why representation and mentorship are essential for the future. Tune in to Episode 246 to gain a deeper understanding of carbon markets, climate risk, and the real-world decisions shaping tomorrow’s energy landscape.
In Episode 245 of the Women Offshore Podcast , Christine MacMillan speaks with Gladys DeClouet , author of A Layered Life: Breaking Barriers as a Trailblazing Black Woman in Corporate America , about her incredible journey across two male-dominated industries—offshore oil and gas, and the restaurant business. Gladys began her career at Conoco Oil as the first female engineer in offshore exploration and production , blazing a trail for women in energy long before diversity initiatives were standard practice. Over the next 30 years, she rose through the ranks at BP, Burger King, and Jack in the Box , leading multi-billion-dollar divisions, building diverse, high-performing teams, and setting new standards for operational excellence. Her story is one of grit, grace, and growth —from breaking barriers as both a woman and a person of color to mentoring the next generation of leaders. Gladys brings warmth and wisdom to her reflections, sharing insights from her memoir A Layered Life , which dives into the complexities of identity, perseverance, and purpose. Tune in to Episode 245 to hear Gladys discuss how she turned adversity into opportunity, what leadership truly means, and why mentoring is one of the most powerful legacies we can leave behind. Learn more about A Layered Life at gladysdeclouet.com .
In Episode 244 of the Women Offshore Podcast , Executive Director Liz Schmidt and Director of Career Development Christine MacMillan sit down for an open and honest conversation about resiliency —and why it may be time to rethink how we talk about it. Resilience is often celebrated as the hallmark of success, especially for women working offshore in a male-dominated industry. But what happens when “being resilient” becomes an expectation rather than an empowering choice? Liz and Christine explore the fine line between healthy resilience —the ability to adapt and recover—and resilience fatigue , where constant endurance starts to take a toll on mental health, identity, and joy in the work itself. They share their own perspectives from years of working in maritime, discussing how women often feel the need to prove themselves over and over again, showing strength in every situation. But the truth is, resilience shouldn’t have to mean running on empty. This candid conversation dives into: The myth of endless toughness The cost of resilience without support How we can redefine strength as authenticity, balance, and connection Tune in to Episode 244 to hear Liz and Christine’s honest reflections—and join us as we reshape what it truly means to thrive offshore.