Women Offshore Podcast

In Episode 268 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we speak with Brandon Vecchio, Financial Advisor and Co-Founder of Axios Financial Group.

Brandon specializes in comprehensive financial planning for maritime professionals, oil and gas workers, small business owners, and others looking to build financial independence on their own terms.

His connection to the maritime industry began through Captain Glenn Koshak, who introduced him to the industry and helped him better understand the unique careers and financial considerations of maritime professionals. That relationship eventually grew into a broader focus on serving the maritime community.

In this conversation, Brandon discusses the importance of understanding your finances, planning for the future, and making financial decisions that support your own definition of financial freedom.

Brandon takes a straightforward approach to financial planning, focusing on education and helping clients make informed decisions without unnecessary jargon. He also shares how his previous experience as a project manager in the steel fabrication and construction industry shaped his approach to working with clients today.

Whether you're early in your maritime career, preparing for your next stage, or thinking about long-term financial independence, this episode offers practical insight into making your career work for your financial future.

In Episode 267 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we speak with Gretel Desirée Velázquez Peña, a Port Facility Security Officer at Hazesa in the Port of Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico.

Gretel began her maritime career as a cadet at the Mazatlán Nautical School and has since worked across several areas of the industry. Her experience includes offshore operations on oil platforms as a Second Deck Officer, coordinating maritime traffic as a VTS officer, and her current role in port facility security.

In this conversation, Gretel shares how each stage of her career has shaped her understanding of the maritime industry and the importance of commitment, discipline, and continuous learning.

She also reflects on her experience as a woman working across different areas of the maritime sector and the importance of creating opportunities for more women to enter the industry, contribute their skills, and build careers at sea and ashore.

Gretel was also recognized by Poseidon Farer as one of the “10 Women Who Inspire in the Mexican Maritime Sector.”

This episode offers a look at the many career paths available within maritime and the experience of building a career across offshore operations, vessel traffic services, and port security.

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‑arming kits, and the signs that your inflatable may need service or replacement. She also highlights common mistakes mariners make with their gear — and how to avoid them — so you can stay confident in your equipment whether you’re on deck, in transit, or working in challenging conditions.

As part of this conversation, Mustang Survival is offering Women Offshore listeners an exclusive 20% discount on full‑price products through October 1st, just in time for the Women Offshore Conference.

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Whether you’re new to inflatable lifejackets or looking to refresh your safety routine, this episode delivers practical, actionable insight to help you stay protected on the water.

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 Authority’s exams, navigating demanding conditions while building a career in some of the most challenging sectors of the industry.

But Kamila’s experience at sea also exposed another set of challenges. She saw how shipboard culture and the pressures placed on women in maritime could affect careers, well-being, and whether talented professionals chose to remain in the industry.

Today, she is using that experience to support others. Through SeaLight and the Canadian charity SeaLight Sisters, Kamila provides advocacy, trauma-informed support, legal literacy resources, and other services designed to help women and gender-diverse seafarers navigate difficult situations and remain connected to their careers.

In this conversation, Kamila reflects on her career at sea, the lessons she learned along the way, and why she believes maritime professionals are stronger when they have a network of support around them.

This episode offers an honest look at leadership, career resilience, safety, and the work needed to build a maritime industry where the next generation can navigate their careers with greater confidence and support.

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.

In this conversation, Captain Daboul shares how his maritime career prepared him for humanitarian service and what it takes to operate a floating hospital that delivers life-changing medical care to people with limited access to surgery. He also discusses the importance of strong leadership, teamwork, and operational excellence in supporting Mercy Ships' mission.

This episode highlights the many ways maritime professionals can use their skills to make a meaningful impact beyond traditional commercial operations.

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 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.