In this exciting episode of Women Offshore, Christine McMillian sits down with Captain Victoria Ajinkya, a seasoned maritime professional with over 11 years at Tidewater and roots in the UK. Victoria dreamed of working on the water from a young age, inspired by a childhood fascination with military ships. At just 16, Victoria faced a setback when a…

In today's episode, Christine provides an exciting update on the future of Women Offshore, sharing insights into the upcoming events and initiatives that are set to make waves in our community. As we continue to expand and introduce new programs, Christine explains why sometimes, in order to achieve greater success, it's necessary to pause and refl…

In this special throwback to one of our earliest episodes, we honor the women who paved the way in the maritime industry long before Women Offshore was founded. These trailblazers, or "Early Wave Makers," as we call them, have stories that deserve to be told and lessons that continue to inspire us today. In our earlier episode 5, we feature a uniqu…

What happens when two power-house women join forces to help others? Today on The Women Offshore Podcast Christine meets with Erica D’Eramo and Tanya Tarr. Erica is the founder of Two Piers Consulting and has a background in Engineering and worked on offshore installations before starting her own coaching and consulting firm. Tanya has a wide and di…

This is the 215th Episode of The Women Offshore Podcast. Christine shares a secret to receiving feedback. She discusses lessons learned along her own personal journey of hearing tough feedback and separating her self-worth from other's opinions of her and her performance. When we hear less-than-glowing criticism from others it may be hard for us to…

In this thrilling episode of the Women Offshore podcast, we interview the Salty Science team, the World's Toughest Row winners. We highlight the extraordinary achievements of the Salty Science team, consisting of Noelle Helder, Lauren Chantale Bégin, Isabelle Côté, and Lauren Shea, who all share a passion for ocean science, which has taken them …

In this episode of the Women Offshore Podcast, we sit down with Jill Russell, a Marine Pilot with the Southeast Alaska Pilots' Association. Jill's journey is a testament to the power of saying "yes" to opportunities that come your way. From her beginnings on research ships with NOAA to navigating cruise ships, Jill has paved her own unique path in …

On today's podcast, we have Captain Lindsay M. Price, the Director of Advocacy at the Women Offshore Foundation. Currently, she captains a SpaceX vessel, bringing with her over 18 years of maritime experience. A SUNY Maritime College graduate, she has held various positions, including USCG Designated Examiner and Director of Advocacy. Captain Price…

Join Christine MacMillan as she chats with Jessica Hewitt, a 2nd mate with Hornbeck currently in Port Angeles. Jessica shares her journey, from using her Chief Mate title on this trip to surviving a hurricane, a moose car crash, and overcoming learning disabilities. She discusses the events that shaped her and her leadership approach, offering valu…

In this episode of the Women Offshore Podcast, Christine chats with Madeleine Wolczko, a US Merchant Mariner Chief Mate and YouTube content creator. Madeleine reflects on her challenging experience of being stranded in a Shanghai shipyard during the pandemic, sharing how she navigated the uncertainty and emerged stronger. She discusses her personal…

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of the Women Offshore podcast, Christine dives deep into the art of asking the right questions at the right time, depending on your familiarity with someone and the stage of your relationship. Christine explains the 4 types of questions that can enhance your connection, foster trust, and drive meaningful con…

In this episode of the Women Offshore Podcast, Christine sits down with Beth Stowell, the Director of Marine Operations at Washington State Ferry System (WSF) – the largest ferry system in the US. Under Beth's visionary leadership, WSF is undergoing a transformational culture change that is setting a new standard in the maritime industry. Starting …

In this episode of the Women Offshore podcast, we dive into the transformative journey of our MentoSHIP program, designed to connect and empower women in the maritime industry. Key Highlights: Connecting through Software: Discover how our innovative software facilitates meaningful connections between mentors and mentees. We explain the seamless pro…

In this episode, Christine reveals 7 powerful questions that have transformed her perspective on life. She explores how asking the right questions can provide a broader view of our lives and guide us toward a more fulfilling existence. Tune in as we discuss: The lies we tell ourselves and how to break free from them. Evaluating our values and prior…

On today's podcast, we welcome a special guest—Women Offshore's new Executive Director, Liz Schmidt! With over 15 years of experience, Liz brings a wealth of experience both on and off the water, with a robust background in non-profits and captivating sea stories. We are thrilled to have Liz on board, driving the mission of Women Offshore forward. …

Join Miriam and Christine as they dive into a comprehensive discussion about maritime unions, exploring the pros and cons of joining a union versus sailing non-union. They share insights into how unions have evolved over time and the significant impact they’ve had on improving working conditions, wages, and overall industry standards for mariners. …

In this episode, Larkin Bohn is back! She transitioned from a gift shop job at Norwegian Cruise Lines to becoming a passionate advocate and Science Communicator in the maritime industry. Starting her seafaring career at 31, Larkin moved from selling jewelry to working as an Unlicensed Deckhand with Uncruise Adventures, driven by her love for marine…

In this episode of Women Offshore, join Chelsea Patterson, a maritime professional who advocates for mothers working at sea. Chelsea graduated from Kings Point in 2014 and has since navigated her career through roles with a private tanker company before transitioning to the Masters Mates Pilots (MMP) in 2018. Balancing her passion for the maritime …

Join us as we set sail with Emma Garschagen, the inspiring founder of Sail Seabird, which offers transformative sail training voyages across Maine and Cape Cod. With over 25,000 ocean miles under her belt, Emma's maritime journey is nothing short of extraordinary. She has sailed dinghies on the Hudson River, schooners in Haiti, tall ships in New Ze…

We're thrilled to mark our 200th episode milestone at Women Offshore with a special discussion you won't want to miss! Join our Women Offshore team, Ally Cedeno, Cassi Laskowski, and Christine MacMillan, as they dive deep into a question that sparks curiosity and reflection: "Would you let your daughter join the maritime industry?" In this thought-…

Join us on today's Women Offshore podcast as we sit down with Eva Veldkamp, a seasoned maritime professional who has navigated diverse roles across the industry. Eva's career journey began aboard large container ships as a dual-licensed maritime officer, leading her to work with shipowners, managers, maritime schools, and various organizations with…

Join us on this inspiring episode of Women Offshore as we sit down with Women Offshore Ambassador Cassie Mead, a maritime professional who has made a remarkable journey from a small rural community in New Zealand to a successful career at sea. Cassie discovered her passion for the maritime industry at a young age through a youth development program…

On today's podcast, we have the Turkey Women Offshore Ambassador, Captain Ayse Asli Basak, on the show. Ayse shares with Christine about her journey working offshore and now what her current ashore career life looks like. Ayse Asli Basak is a seasoned maritime entrepreneur and innovator, having founded maritime start-up Shipsider to streamline comm…

On today's podcast, we have the UK Women Offshore Ambassador Heather Ennesss on the show. Heather shares with Christine about her journey working offshore and her journey at home while raising kids. Heather is also a proud member of the UK Careers at Sea Ambassadors program. She's on a mission to ignite young minds about the endless opportunities w…

Christine has Dr. Sal Mercogliano on the podcast today. Sal is Chair of the Department of History, Criminal Justice, and Political Science at Campbell University. He is also an adjunct professor at the US Merchant Marine Academy and a former merchant mariner. He hosts the "What’s Going On With Shipping" channel on YouTube and contributes to Sea His…

In today's podcast, embark on a transformative journey of leadership with today's podcast episode, where Ally introduces some incredible resources to help you navigate the waters like the book, "Sticky Note Leadership: 5 Simple Steps to DO LESS and LEAD MORE." Tune in as she candidly shares her own experience, reflecting on how she wishes she had b…

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 of a mariner. Kitara's speech is about her extraordinary journey of resilience and determination in the face of adversity…

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 dedicated nearly three decades of her professional life to the esteemed maritime aca…

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 story of growing up in Alaska and her experience in the maritime world. Cassidy attend…

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 the helm and shares her inspiring story. Hailing from Superior, Wisconsin, Rena's…

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 organization. You might be familiar with Women Offshore's impactful work today, but what lies…

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 experience working for a company that prioritizes women's safety and comfort. Join…

Dive into the latest Women Offshore podcast episode as our remarkable Women Offshore Ambassador, Max Kantor, returns for an engaging chat with Christine about navigating change and personal growth in the new year. Max and Christine not only share invaluable advice on moving forward but also open up about their personal interests and the delightful …

In this Women Offshore podcast episode, join Ally Cedeno in an insightful conversation with our Marketing Manager, Kristy. Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the dynamic world of Women Offshore as Kristy unveils the intricacies of her pivotal role. From the meticulous planning of our weekly features to overcoming hurdles in the digital real…

Dive deep into the future with our latest Women Offshore podcast episode! Last week, Christine and Ally explored the horizons of our Career Development Program in 2024. This week, Christine is back, riding the waves of anticipation as she unveils the incredible journeys Women Offshore is set to embark on in the coming year. From the highly-anticipa…

Gain insights into the exciting initiatives Women Offshore has in store for 2024 with our latest podcast episode featuring Christine and Ally! Dive into the future of career development for women in the maritime industry as they unveil a roadmap for empowering women+ through our innovative Career Development Program and more. From navigating the co…

Today, we conclude our series on "Bad Bosses," featuring insights from Erica D'Eramo of Two Piers Consulting. In this episode, Ally and Erica delve into the topic of recognizing when you, as an individual, may exhibit traits of a bad boss. Whether you're a cadet or a team leader, continuous learning and self-reflection are essential components of p…

Welcome back to our Bad Bosses mini-series on the Women Offshore Podcast. From the historical figure of Captain Bligh, known for his tyrannical leadership aboard the HMS Bounty, to more contemporary tales shared by members of our own community, we're exploring the multifaceted nature of challenging leadership in the maritime industry. The following…

Today on the podcast, Ally is talking about bad bosses. A bad boss can turn a smooth sailing career into a journey through stormy seas of conflict. Let's be honest: it's nearly impossible to go through your career without crossing paths with at least one difficult leader, and sometimes, you might even unknowingly become that challenging boss. Leade…

In today's podcast, we discuss the Women Offshore Foundation's overarching goal and impact. The Women Offshore Foundation is dedicated to empowering women+ in the maritime industry by connecting women working on the water to a global community, providing professional development tools, and addressing unique challenges. Our Career Development Progra…

As Thanksgiving approaches, we're exploring the power of gratitude in leadership. In this episode, we'll also delve into the inspiring story of Ernest Shackleton, a remarkable example of leadership in extreme circumstances. Gratitude is more than just saying 'thank you.' Gratitude is a positive emotion that arises when we acknowledge the value of s…

In today's podcast, we have a special treat for you. We want to share with you an inspiring panel that was from our 2023 Women Offshore Conference this year. Bound by Experience: Navigating Careers Through Lifelong Connection with Admiral Mark Buzby and Maddie Thibeault Madeline Thibeault has a successful maritime career with experience at the Unit…

In today’s episode, we talk with Captain Jeanne Ferrer, a lifelong native of St. Bernard Parish, who graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 2006, as a Logistics and Intermodal Transportation major. She is also the recipient of the Women Offshore’s Wavemaker Award for 2022 and an active mentor within the maritime and seagoing mi…

In today's episode, with today being Halloween Ally Cedeno wanted to share some interesting stories about the dark side of mermaids. In this gripping second part, she will venture into the shadowy realms of mermaid lore, shedding light on the dark and mysterious aspects of these mythical creatures. Prepare to be captivated as we share stories from …

In today's episode, Ally Cedeno is speaking about mermaids and dives into the rich history surrounding these mythical creatures. Join us for part 1 of this special podcast on a journey through time as we unravel the mystery and allure of mermaids. She delves deep into the enchanting world of mermaids, uncovering the reasons why they have fascinated…

In today's episode, Ally spoke with Brooke Baldassari who is a Senior Products Scheduler at bp. She is a graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Logistics and Intermodal Transportation. She has worked as a Ship Operator and West Coast Scheduler for BP. Before moving shoreside to work for bp, Brook…

In today's episode, we talk with Captain Jeanne Ferrer, a lifelong native of St. Bernard Parish, who graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 2006, as a Logistics and Intermodal Transportation major. She is also the recipient of last year's Women Offshore’s Wavemaker of the Year Award for 2022 and an active mentor within the mari…

In today's episode, Christine speaks with Bridget Truxilo, who has firsthand experience with harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment. As the only female on the SWAT team, along with her time on patrol and as an undercover narcotics investigator, she knows what it feels like to have no one to trust and to feel defeate…

In today’s episode, join Ally Cedeno as she dives into the exciting preview of the Women Offshore Conference 2023 'A World of Opportunity' at Texas A&M in Galveston. Attendees are promised two invigorating days of motivation, insights, and priceless networking. Day 1 Captain Sherri Hickman of Houston Pilots is our trailblazing opening keynote speak…

We've all seen it - a critical board meeting, brainstorming sessions, even casual team chats. A woman is making her point, laying down insights, or suggesting strategies, and suddenly, she's interrupted, cut off, or talked over, often by a male colleague. This isn't just about breaking the conversational flow; it's about undermining authority, cred…