Women Offshore Podcast
The top resource for community members who work on the water!
Inflatable Lifejacket Maintenance & Personal Safety Offshore with Mustang Survival’s Lili Colby
In Episode 266, host Liz Schmidt sits down with Lili Colby, Industry & Outreach Representative at Mustang Survival, for a deep‑dive into personal water safety and the essential care required to keep your inflatable lifejacket performing at its best offshore. Together, they break down what mariners should know about maintaining inflatable PFDs, how to inspect your gear before every hitch, and the simple habits that ensure your PPE is truly ready when you need it most.
Lili shares Mustang Survival’s decades of expertise in life‑saving equipment, offering practical guidance on CO₂ cylinder checks, oral inflation tests, re‑armin...
Navigating the Unseen Oceans with Captain Kamila Calko
In Episode 265 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we speak with Captain Kamila Calko, MNI, founder and owner of SeaLight and founder and director of SeaLight Sisters.
Kamila’s maritime career began at 19, when she applied to become a ship’s captain despite having no seafaring background. That first opportunity led to more than two decades at sea and experience aboard more than 30 vessels, including BC Coast tugboats, Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers, and passenger ro-ro ferries.
She eventually became the first and only woman to qualify for the Pacific Pilotage Auth...
Maritime Leadership with a Mission Featuring Captain Neil Daboul from Mercy Ships
In this episode of the Women Offshore Podcast, we welcome Captain Neil Daboul, a seasoned maritime professional with more than four decades of experience across commercial shipping, offshore operations, and fleet management. Today, he brings that expertise to Mercy Ships, a global nonprofit that delivers free surgical care and strengthens healthcare systems aboard hospital ships serving communities across Africa.
Throughout his career, Captain Daboul has served in leadership roles aboard drillships, oil tankers, salvage vessels, and hospital ships. His experience spans vessel command, fleet management, safety systems, shipyard projects, and complex international operations.<...
Women Offshore Turns Nine: Momentum, Milestones and What's Next
In 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 listener...
Reading the Sea Through Data with Michela Monteverde
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.<...
From Sea to Screen: Using Data to Transform Maritime Operations
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...
What Nearly 20 Years in Recruiting Can Teach Us About Building Careers
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...
Building a Career at Sea with Ade Tiznado Solorzano
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...
Highlighting Women in Maritime with Heather Ervin
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 re...
Bringing the industry together with Denielle Christensen found of Wave Works Alliance
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...
Maritime Action Plan Review with Caitlin Hardy
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...
Moving Mariners Worldwide: A Conversation with Chris Martin of Wings Global Travel
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...
Global Salvage Operations and Emergency Response Excellence: Featuring Resolve Marine
 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 hel...
New to the Podcast? Start here! Understanding Women Offshore: Resources, Programs, and Career Support
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 help...
From Divemaster to Dive Safety Officer: Kim Malkoski’s Career Underwater
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.
Project Mayflower: Preserving Maritime History Through Storytelling
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...
From Idea to Impact: Celebrating 250 Episodes of the Women Offshore Podcast
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 live...
Racing Around the World & Changing It: Meg Reilly on Leadership and Impact
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 e...
From Cadet to Captain: Rima Fe Lumangtad Makes History at Tidewater
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 trai...
Ask an Ambassador!
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! Â
Navigating Carbon: Deb Ryan on Energy, Emissions & Leadership in a Changing World
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...
From Offshore Engineer to Executive Leader: The Trailblazing Journey of Gladys DeClouet
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...
Stronger Doesn’t Mean Harder: Why It’s Time to Redefine Resilience at Sea
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 reco...
Sailing into Purpose: Phoebe Rogers on Adventure, Adversity, and Transformation at Sea
In Episode 243 of the Women Offshore Podcast, Christine MacMillan sits down with Phoebe Rogers—a sailor, educator, and adventurer whose life is defined by courage, curiosity, and the call of the ocean.
Phoebe calls herself a mountain girl at heart with a sailing problem. Her love for sailing began at age 14 on Lake Tahoe, racing with her stepfather aboard a Melges 24. But that early spark evolved into something much bigger: a calling to live fully, challenge limits, and connect people to themselves and the sea.
In 2020, Phoebe made a life-changing decision. Sh...
Charting Visibility: Andrea Tagliaferro on Yacht Femme & Women in Yachting
In Episode 242 of the Women Offshore Podcast, I sit down with Andrea Tagliaferro, founder of Yacht Femme, a platform born from her desire to amplify women’s voices in the yachting industry. With more than 10 years in yachting—spanning yacht design, marketing, and content—Andrea has transformed Yacht Femme into a multimedia community hub of networking, recognition, and empowerment.
Andrea’s story began with Yacht Dame, created in 2018 after she attended the Monaco Yacht Show. Within a week, she launched a social media project to connect women around her. That project evolved into Yacht...
Navigating Change: Samantha Cibelli on Leadership, Innovation, and the Future of Maritime
In Episode 241 of the Women Offshore Podcast, Christine MacMillan sits down with Samantha Cibelli, Sales Director at Kongsberg Maritime, to explore her 15-year career across sea service, commercial operations, and maritime technology.
Samantha’s path began in the U.S. Coast Guard, where she served on active duty as a Marine Inspector in Houston, TX, leading teams through Flag State and Port State Control examinations. From there, she moved into sailing commercially as a deck officer aboard U.S. Flag vessels, including tankers, passenger ships, and research vessels.
In 2015, Sa...
Sailing Strong: Andrew Bruhl on Building Health and Wellness Offshore
In Episode 240 of the Women Offshore Podcast, Christine MacMillan sits down with Andrew Bruhl, mariner-turned-entrepreneur and founder of ShipShape Health, to explore the importance of physical and mental wellbeing in the maritime industry.Andrew’s journey began with a chance encounter on a ship passing through the Pascagoula Channel—a moment that inspired him to enroll at Texas Maritime Academy. After three years sailing tankers and container ships, he experienced firsthand how demanding life at sea could be. Long hours, stress, and limited food and fitness options made staying healthy nearly impossible.“I quickly realized how essent...
Leading the Wave: Ana Čalić’s Vision for a Sustainable Boating Industry
In Episode 239 of the Women Offshore Podcast, Christine MacMillan sits down with Ana Čalić—a dynamic leader in the boating industry, and a passionate advocate for sustainability, diversity, and innovation.
With a Master’s in Science, Business, and Innovation from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, specializing in Energy and Sustainability, Ana’s mission is clear: to drive meaningful change at the intersection of technology, environment, and community.
Ana serves as Business and Marketing Development lead at her family company, Navela, elevating the boating experience for boatbuilders, dealers, charter companies, and indi...
Navigating the Depths: Hayley Adlam’s Uncharted Path in Offshore Engineering
In this week’s episode of the Women Offshore Podcast, I sit down with Hayley Adlam, a woman whose career spans the world’s oceans and crosses industry boundaries. Hayley, now the Fleet Services Technical Interface Manager and Marine Environment UK Deputy at ASN, shares a compelling journey marked by technical excellence, environmental stewardship, and a deep-rooted commitment to mentorship.
Hayley's offshore career began with a spark—her first trip with Gardline as a Marine Mammal Observer in 2006—which ignited a passion for the marine environment. Since then, she’s charted a path thr...
Solo Circumnavigation with Fraser Flight
Welcome to the Women Offshore Podcast! This is Episode 237. Christine first catches up with Liz Schmidt, Executive Director of Women Offshore. Then Christine has the chance to interview Fraser Flight about his bid to race in the Global Solo Challenge in 2027. This event is solo, nonstop, and unsupported. It's known as one of the most grueling races on the water, and Fraser has spent his life mentally preparing for this.Â
Fraser Flight, a Zimbabwean-born Sailor, is on his way to become the first person from this small landlocked country to sail around the world, alone, with no o...
Steady Success of Christalove Agyin-Ayetse
What looks like steady successes compounding over time can feel like a long, slow climb during the process. Christalove Agyin-Ayetse is a proud Ghanaian from the Fante tribe who helped fulfill her father's dream of becoming a merchant mariner.Â
During this interview, Christine MacMillan and Christalove discuss what life is like in Ghana, what loyalty and community mean to her, and the struggles of making her way in the industry that hasn't always been inviting.Â
She shares her belief that technical competence can be trained, BUT behavioral competence is the values learned in the home. Sh...
Catching Up With Miriam Anthony
Miriam Anthony is no stranger to the Women Offshore Podcast. As a licensed Chief Mate and a Clinical Psychologist, she sits at the crossroads to provide mental health services to mariners.Â
After witnessing the need in the industry, she pursued licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy, and now brings mental health to mariners. Miriam chairs the Mental Health Committee for the International Union of Masters, Mates and Pilots, and has been researching ways to improve the mental well-being of sailors. Miriam holds a Master’s degree in Humanitarian and Disaster Management from the California Maritime Academy and a Mas...
The How-To of Healing: Maritime Mental Health with Pam Kern, LCSW
At Women Offshore, we’re committed to highlighting conversations that support the health, safety, and success of women in the maritime industry. In our latest podcast episode, The How-To of Healing, we welcome Pam Kern, MS, LCSW—an expert whose career bridges the gap between life at sea and mental health support on shore.
Pam brings a rare and valuable perspective to the topic of therapy. She spent 18 years sailing the globe as a Guest Relations Manager aboard cruise ships, overseeing the well-being of up to 3,200 guests and crew at a time. After coming ashore, she turned her...
What Would You Do? Episode 233
In this episode of the Women Offshore Podcast, we share the anonymous story of a mariner who navigated a series of deeply uncomfortable and inappropriate interactions while on hitch. This story does not involve physical violence, but it does involve emotional manipulation, blurred boundaries, and delayed responses from leadership. These are issues that many offshore professionals have faced but rarely talk about openly.
The story is real. The names and identifying details have been changed to protect the person who came forward. The message is clear: workplace safety is not just about hard hats and checklists. It...
Keep It or Change It? The Personal and Professional Stakes of a Woman’s Last Name, Episode 232
In this episode of the Women Offshore Podcast, hosts Ally Tenorio and Laura McFalls delve into the multifaceted decision women face regarding changing their last names after marriage. This conversation is not just about personal choices but also encompasses professional identities and legal implications.
The Personal Journey
Ally shares her experience of transitioning from Cedeno to Tenorio, highlighting the emotional and cultural considerations involved. Laura discusses her decision to retain her maiden name, emphasizing the importance of personal identity and the challenges of societal expectations.
Together, they unpack:
The tradition...Is DEI Dead? Part II, Episode 231
As enforcement guidance sharpens and the legal spotlight intensifies, how are organizations supposed to navigate DEI now?
In this episode, we take a deeper look at what has unfolded since Executive Order 14173, titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” was signed in January 2025. While the order targeted federal agencies, its ripple effects are reshaping how private companies, nonprofits, and universities approach diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
So what exactly has changed—and what’s still allowed?
Women Offshore walks through the Department of Justice’s new enforcement role, the Equal...
Is DEI Dead? Part I, Episode 230
As political tides shift and legal scrutiny increases, is DEI dead?
In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) following the January 2025 release of Executive Order 14173, titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.” This federal directive has changed how government agencies—and increasingly, private companies—approach DEI initiatives.
But what does that actually mean for those working in industries on the water?
The founder of Women Offshore shares a personal and professional reflection on the uncertainty created by the order, a...
Anchored in Advocacy: How Capt. Kelly Gordon is Making Mental Health Matter, Episode 229
In this episode, titled "Anchored in Advocacy: How Capt. Kelly Gordon is Making Mental Health Matter," we delve into the inspiring journey of Captain Kelly J. Gordon. Growing up on a farm in small-town Indiana, Kelly's thirst for adventure led her from academia, where she served as a chemistry professor, to the helm of superyachts as an accomplished captain. Beyond her maritime achievements, Kelly is a passionate advocate for mental health within the yachting community. In 2024, she founded Yachtie Minds Matter™, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mental health therapy funding and resources for yacht crew and shoreside support st...
Stories with Samantha McCririck onboard M/Y Unbridled, Episode 228
Maisa Ziegler and her Maritime Mindset, Episode 227
In today's episode of The Women Offshore Podcast, we focus on Mariner Mental Health with Maisa Ziegler.Â
She is a mariner, therapist, and coach living in Hawaii and helping mariners find a better balance in their life.Â
Trigger Warning!
Christine hears from Maisa about her own traumatic event at sea that affected her Mental Health negatively until she sought help. Learning from that experience, she is now able to relate to mariners and build a trusting relationship with them to offer meaningful help when they need it.Â
Check out her website, www...
