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

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

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 Surviva

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 bec

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 drills

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 bel