Episodes

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 commercial operations with smart, modular AI systems, optimizing efficiency and sustainability. With over 6 years of experience as a cargo ship...

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 within the merchant navy. From visiting schools to sharing insights about non-combat roles, Heather's passion for expanding horizons knows no...

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 History, Naval Institute Proceedings, and GCaptain. Sal and Christine delve into the recent events surrounding Yemen's Houthi rebels seizing an Israeli-...

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 been mentored with this invaluable resource during challenging times in her offshore leadership journey. Don't miss out on this enriching episode fi...

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. It recounts her battles with cancer, bureaucratic challenges, and near-death experiences, all while pursuing her dream of a career in the maritime ...

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 academy, finding immense joy and purpose in her contributions. But Vineeta's impact doesn't stop there—beyond her role at Cal Maritime, she immerses h...

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 attended the California Maritime Academy, graduated in 2017, and started her career as a mate at Alaska Marine Highway. Sailing as a mate wi...

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 path to maritime mastery is as riveting as the waters she navigates. Formerly an educator, Rena's love affair with the water began with purchasing...

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 beneath the surface are the hurdles Ally faced in its infancy. From the moment she embarked on this journey, skepticism loomed large. Yet, with u...

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 us as Traci shares insights into the significance of women-specific and all-inclusive sizing, making waves in the industry and empowering women to th...

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 ways they find joy outside of work. It's a candid and uplifting conversation that transcends the professional realm, offering a refreshing perspective...

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 realm, Kristy shares the passion and dedication that goes into propelling the stories of women in the maritime industry forward. Tune in to gain a deeper ...

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-anticipated 2024 Benefit Gala—nearly sold out—to the upcoming Women's Conference, there's a sea of excitement ahead! But that's not all—we're on the lookout...

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 complexities of the job market to securing coveted positions in leading maritime companies, Christine and Ally share a sneak peek into the transformati...

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 personal and professional growth. The discussion explores the concept of effective leadership and emphasizes the influence of our environment, espe...

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 story was anonymously submitted to the Women Offshore Podcast, a platform dedicated to supporting and empowering women in maritime industries. In th...

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. Leadership is a complex and nuanced skill, and in our upcoming episodes, we'll dive deep into sea stories from both history and our community. Together, we...

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 Program, led by coordinator Christine, expanded in 2022-2023, resulting in 11 candidates securing positions and $21,000 in scholarships. This program, di...

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 something or someone. Did you know that gratitude is linked to greater happiness, higher self-esteem, and even better sleep? Research shows that gr...

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 United States Merchant Marine Academy, G & H Towing Company, and the Port Houston Authority, where she excels in optimizing vessel work producti...

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 military communities. She enjoys coordinating maritime field trips with various local schools and nonprofits to increase maritime exposure to the next g...

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 around the world that reveal the chilling and haunting side of mermaids. What did you think of the show? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a re...

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 human imagination for centuries. We'll explore their origins, the various cultural depictions of mermaids, and the enduring myths and legends that...

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, Brooke worked offshore for 3 years. Her offshore experience spans the maritime and offshore energy industry, working as 3rd mate and a dynamic positioni...