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 the Box, leading multi-billion-dollar divisions, building diverse, high-performing teams, and setting new standards for operational excellence.

Her story is one of grit, grace, and growth—from breaking barriers as both a woman and a person of color to mentoring the next generation of leaders. Gladys brings warmth and wisdom to her reflections, sharing insights from her memoir A Layered Life, which dives into the complexities of identity, perseverance, and purpose.

 Tune in to Episode 245 to hear Gladys discuss how she turned adversity into opportunity, what leadership truly means, and why mentoring is one of the most powerful legacies we can leave behind. Learn more about A Layered Life at gladysdeclouet.com.

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 recover—and resilience fatigue, where constant endurance starts to take a toll on mental health, identity, and joy in the work itself.

They share their own perspectives from years of working in maritime, discussing how women often feel the need to prove themselves over and over again, showing strength in every situation. But the truth is, resilience shouldn’t have to mean running on empty.

This candid conversation dives into: The myth of endless toughness The cost of resilience without support How we can redefine strength as authenticity, balance, and connection

 Tune in to Episode 244 to hear Liz and Christine’s honest reflections—and join us as we reshape what it truly means to thrive offshore.

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. 

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 Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University.  Working with seafarers facing all kinds of life’s challenges- both on the ship and off- she got her start providing therapy to military Veterans for U.S. Vets in Southern California, where she lives with her therapy dog, Hopper.

Mimi and Christine discuss the various initiatives underway globally to make the maritime industry more inclusive. 

Check out her website here: https://maritimetherapy.com/

Don’t Miss an Episode!

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Women Offshore Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode ! Did you know that every episode of our podcast is created and managed entirely in-house? Our dedicated team at Women Offshore pours their hearts into bringing you inspiring stories and valuable insights from the maritime industry. 

If you’d like to be part of this mission, go here to contribute: https://womenoffshore.org/donation/

Thank you to our 2025 Podcast Sponsor, the US Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and Foundation. 

Thank you for being part of the Women Offshore community!

In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with Kami Bucholz about Kami's return to sea after bringing home their son. If you haven't already, make sure you listen to episodes 142 and 144, where you hear about Kami and Heather's IVF journey and Heather's 4th trimester. Kami now shares with us her return to sea after her son.

The journey of getting back out to sea after becoming a parent can be challenging. Between childcare, recovery, missing your family, working accommodations, etc, it can all be overwhelming, but Kami gives some encouragement and breaks down her experience. 

Have a Listen & Subscribe
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What did you think of the show?
Let us know your thoughts by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also reach out by sending us an email at hello@womenoffshore.org.

In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with Heather Benjamin and Kami Bucholz about their new life with a baby and Heather's experience in the 4th trimester. 

Heather is a 39-year-old married woman in a same-sex, same-gender relationship. Heather has been in the social field for 15 years, primarily working in the last 7 years as a consultant in the Greater Boston Area. She and her wife Chief Mate Kami Bucholz have been married for almost 5 years now. Heather has added Mom to her list of accomplishments, just giving birth via c-section in November of 2022. 

Heather and Kami’s son was born on 11/8/22 after roughly 60 hours of labor via induction. She is with us today to discuss her postpartum experience and navigating life with a baby and wife who works away from home for long chunks of time.

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What did you think of the show?

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In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with Dr. Benjamin Lannon about family planning in the maritime industry and fertility preservation. 

Dr. Lannon is double board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology/Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He specializes in all aspects of infertility care.

In addition to his role at Boston IVF, he is also a Clinical Instructor at Harvard Medical School and Maine Medical Center, where he teaches the next generation of fertility experts and performs crucial research that focuses on the use of prediction models to improve medical decision-making in IVF.

His clinical interests include LGBTQ family building, women who have experienced a miscarriage, endocrine disorders affecting reproduction, and surgical treatment to optimize fertility. He has presented and published his research nationally.

He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School - and his fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, and Boston IVF.

Have a Listen & Subscribe

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What did you think of the show?

Let us know your thoughts by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also reach out by sending us an email at hello@womenoffshore.org.

In today’s episode, Ally Cedeno speaks with Kami Bucholz who is a 2008 graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and is an Unlimited Master Mariner. She has worked in research, chemical, petroleum, Ro/Ro, towing, and aerospace vessels in her career.  She sits on the board of managers for the Boston Port and Seaman’s Aid Society and has taught on academy training cruises twice.   She currently works in Aerospace and shares about her journey through IVY with Ally.

Have a Listen & Subscribe

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What did you think of the show?

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We have a special episode for you today. In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with both Captain Trevor Bozina and Captain Sandy Bendixen from Puget Sound Pilots. They share their experiences and path to becoming pilots while speaking about maternity leave offshore. This is a podcast you don't want to miss! 

After growing up on the water and attending Maine Maritime Academy, Captain Bendixen sailed from Third Mate to Captain on RORO, heavy-lift and container ships from the United States to the Middle East. At the age of 29, Captain Bendixen was given her first command. Captain Bendixen sailed as the Master of the largest heavy lift ship in the U.S. Fleet. In September 2018 at 36 years old, after a rigorous training program and drawing every chart of Puget Sound from memory, Captain Bendixen became the first female Puget Sound Pilot. Captain Bendixen spends her days piloting ships and working as a Washington State Pilot Commissioner. There are approximately 1,100 harbor pilots in the United States and less than 3% of the pilots in the United States are female.

Captain Trevor grew up in San Francisco, CA sailing with his family in San Francisco Bay. He graduated from the California Maritime Academy in 2006 and went to work on tugs. Working in San Francisco Bay for Baydelta Maritime, he became a Captain when he was 26 operating tractor tugs for ship assist and escort work. The most memorable experiences in his career have been the ones he has shared with his family aboard the tug, and how excited they were for him when he passed the Washington State Pilot exam. 

Have a Listen & Subscribe

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What did you think of the show?

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In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with Sanjam Sahi Gupta, the Director for Sitara Shipping Ltd. She shares about the big waves she is making in the maritime industry. She is such an inspiration to us all!  

Sanjam is a founding member of the Women's International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) India and was a Board Member of WISTA International. She is currently part of the Diversity Committee of WISTA International and is a major contributor to the WISTA -IMO  survey project and the WISTA COVID research project. 

Sanjam was awarded the Glenmark Pharmaceuticals award “Woman of the Year 2019” in March 2019.

She held the first Maritime SheEO conference virtually in November 2020, the world's biggest maritime gender equality conference ever held - gathering 1600+ participants from across 77+ countries.  Following its success, the 2nd conference was held in November 2021 with 3500+ participants from all over the world.

She has been featured in the Economic times, Fairplay, and Maritime CEO.

For more information on her you can check out our Women Offshore Blog on Sheeo:
https://womenoffshore.org/a-conference-for-maritime-leaders-maritime-sheeo/

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What did you think of the show?

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In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with Jenny Johnson, who is a certified HR professional with an extensive background in DEI unique to the maritime industry. Jenny has 20+ years of maritime experience, including at sea and ashore. She is a fierce advocate for a diverse, inclusive, safe maritime industry. Her years at sea were filled with incredible experiences that took her worldwide. But she also experienced gender-based harassment, discrimination, and violence. She has brought these difficult experiences at sea to her career ashore to bring awareness around sexual harassment, assault, and all forms of discrimination in the maritime industry. 

Make sure to give this a listen as they dive into courage and Jenny's beliefs that a career at sea should be available to all people. Jenny is passionate about making every vessel free of all forms of harassment and discrimination and being a workplace that values and celebrates all dimensions of diversity.  She has led several sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention initiatives and is a recognized subject matter expert in that space. She also holds a credential as a victims advocate.

Have a Listen & Subscribe
The Women Offshore Podcast can also be found on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and most podcast apps. Remember to subscribe to whatever app you use, so you don’t miss out on future episodes.

What did you think of the show?
Let us know your thoughts by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also reach out by sending us an email at hello@womenoffshore.org.

In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with Sal Mercogliano, Chair of the Department of History, Criminal Justice, and Political Science at Campbell University. 

He is also an adjunct professor at US Merchant Marine Academy and a former merchant mariner. Currently, he is the host of the YouTube What’s Going On With Shipping channel and a contributor to Sea History, Naval Institute Proceedings, and Captain.

Sal shares about Robert Smalls and the Planter. By the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Robert Smalls was an enslaved crewmember on a ship called the Planter, operating in the Charleston Harbor. The ship's owners contracted the vessel out to the Confederate army as a transport ship, and Smalls found himself as a pilot on board the ship. 

Have a Listen & Subscribe

The Women Offshore Podcast can also be found on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and most podcast apps. Make sure to subscribe to whatever app you use, so that you don’t miss out on future episodes.

What did you think of the show?

Let us know your thoughts by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also reach out by sending us an email at hello@womenoffshore.org.

In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with Ms. Eva Lianne Veldkamp, an IMO Policy Coordinator representing the Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Registry at the International Maritime Organization. Ms. Veldkamp believes that mariners and seafarers are the real assets of our industry and will always stand tall in support of the human element. Ms. Veldkamp leads a working group for the Center for Ocean Policy and Economics - COPE° on Psychological Safety and Sexual Assault and Harassment in the Maritime Sector. Translating talk into action addressing the psychological welfare and safety of today’s mariner.

In addition, Ms. Veldkamp is connecting maritime professionals globally in order for them to benefit from the online learning simulators, training, examination, and certification platforms NEMO° and HALO° developed by Northeast Maritime Institute. Serving as a dual-licensed maritime officer, Eva Lianne Veldkamp started her career by crossing the many oceans of our globe on large container vessels.

More information about NEMO and COPE:

The Center for Ocean Policy and Economics – COPE. COPE° is a facilitator for cogent maritime and ocean policy and economic development project initiatives linking academic, corporate, non-governmental, and governmental partners to create impactful solutions. The working group on psychological safety, bullying, and SASH is the first project that we successfully worked on. 

The work that they are doing from Dominica Maritime Administration is going beyond just registering vessels. They are continuously improving maritime policy in general in a very efficient way. Dominica Maritime Administration is managed from Fairhaven in the USA by the same people who run Northeast Maritime Institute – College of Maritime Science. This private maritime school also developed NEMO and HALO and online learning, simulation, and examination tools.

You can find more information on NEMO here: NEMO° | Online Maritime Courses - Global Maritime Training (northeastmaritimeonline.com)

More information about HALO exams and simulators can be found here: HALO° Education Systems - Accessible Learning Tools For All (haloeducation.com)

The STCW courses that they currently provide online for seafarers globally can be found here (including prices): All Courses - NEMO° | Online Maritime Courses (northeastmaritimeonline.com)

They have several courses available for free as well. These NEMO Professional Development Courses can be found here: https://northeastmaritimeonline.com/professional-development-courses/ . Please feel welcome to try out these courses and forward them to interested people in your network.  

 Have a Listen & Subscribe

The Women Offshore Podcast can also be found on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and most podcast apps. Make sure to subscribe to whatever app you use, so that you don’t miss out on future episodes.

What did you think of the show?

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In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan has a really interesting conversation with Reinhold Titus about culture and his research on the complexity of culture.   

Reinhold Titus, originally from Namibia, has lived in six different countries on three continents and traveled to sixty countries. He is passionate about helping individuals, teams, and organizations Thrive in Cultural Complexity. He speaks, facilitates, trains, coaches, and consults leaders, teams, and organizations on leadership, diversity, and inclusion, and intercultural issues. He has coached hundreds of ex-pat executives and their families moving abroad, designed and led a Global Leadership training program for a Global organization, and spoken to and consulted organizations on developing inclusive organizations. He holds several qualifications in Strategy and the Intercultural field, including a Master’s degree in “Global Leadership in Intercultural Contexts.” He enjoys anything related to diverse cultures (people, food), jazz, and scuba diving.

Reinhold Titus's website:
www.rtcultures.com

Invisible Women Book Referenced: 

https://carolinecriadoperez.com/book/invisible-women/

Digital, Diverse, and Divided by David Livermore:

 https://davidlivermore.com/

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What did you think of the show?

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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 attention to the mental health needs of maritime professionals, earning her master’s degree in advanced clinical social work from Columbia University and dedicating her career to trauma-informed care for those in our industry.

Now serving as Director of Maritime Mental Health Services at Port Medical Management in Houston, Pam also runs a private therapy practice and speaks internationally on maritime mental health advocacy, prevention, and intervention. She’s a clinical trauma psychotherapist, an employee assistance program (EAP) professional, and the spouse of an active sea captain, offering a well-rounded, deeply informed view on what mental health looks like for those who live and work at sea.

In this episode, Pam breaks down the “how-to” of therapy: What therapy really looks like. How to get started. How to find someone who gets your lifestyle. And why addressing mental health head-on is essential—not optional—for maritime professionals today.

Whether you’re struggling, seeking tools to stay grounded, or simply curious about how therapy works, this episode will help demystify the process and empower you to take the first step.

Listen now and learn how to navigate your own path to healing—on land or at sea.

You can find Pam on LinkedIn and at Pamkern.com

Don’t Miss an Episode!

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Women Offshore Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode of our relaunch! Did you know that every episode of our podcast is created and managed entirely in-house? Our dedicated team at Women Offshore pours their hearts into bringing you inspiring stories and valuable insights from the maritime industry. This work is made possible through the generous support of our community. Every donation—big or small—helps us amplify voices, create meaningful change, and support the maritime industry.

If you’d like to be part of this mission, click here to contribute: https://womenoffshore.org/donation/

Thank you to our 2025 Podcast Sponsor, the US Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and Foundation. 

Thank you for being part of the Women Offshore community!

In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with Becky Newdick from Safer Waves Organization, where she founded this organization in 2019 for merchant seafarers who have experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, or gender discrimination on board to have a place to turn.

Becky Newdick is a deck officer who sails as both Chief Mate and Captain on Wightlink vehicle ferries. She has been working at sea for 15 years and has sailed on a range of vessels, including general cargo ships, bulk carriers, dredgers, and passenger vessels.

These experiences can be hard to talk about, even within the supportive environment provided by existing seafarer welfare and support organizations.  

Check out the Safer Waves website at: https://saferwaves.org/.

Have a Listen & Subscribe

The Women Offshore Podcast can also be found on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and most podcast apps. Make sure to subscribe to whatever app you use, so that you don’t miss out on future episodes.

What did you think of the show?

Let us know your thoughts by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also reach out by sending us an email at hello@womenoffshore.org.

In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with mariner Max Kantor about using social media as a good way to build community, personal branding, and how to come together in a male-dominated industry. She gives great advice that we all could use!

Max Kantor works offshore as a mate with Hornbeck Offshore aboard Offshore Supply Vessels. Growing up with parents who worked for maritime companies in
Long Beach and Los Angeles harbor, Max was inspired to attend California Maritime Academy. She graduated in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation and currently holds an unlimited tonnage chief mate and 1600-ton master license. Before sailing on OSVs, Max worked on the Research Vessel Atlantis and aboard product and crude oil tankers. She lives in Southern California and loves to read, snowboard, surf, and travel in her off time.

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What did you think of the show?

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Ally Cedeno and Christine MacMillian reflect on the 2022 year and discuss Women Offshore's impact this year. Christine has been working on the Career Development Program this past year and has made it into an incredible program. She goes into detail about her most memorable story this year of who she has helped and why it is so important. 

If you are in the industry and looking at other roles or are a student, you don't want to miss this episode! 

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What did you think of the show?

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In today’s episode, Christine MacMillian talks with Sherri Hickman, a Pilot and Captain. She goes into detail about how she helps make boxes for sailors worldwide for Seamen’s International. Christine shares that she received one of these boxes while offshore and how much it meant to her. Sherri says it has been going on for at least 28 years! 

Be sure to check out the podcast and head to their website for more details and ways you could help get involved too! 

If you'd like to get involved next year, here is the link: 
https://seamenschurch.org/programs-services/christmas-at-sea/

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Today on the podcast, Ally Cedeno talks with Michelle Yelovina, a Camp Boss, and dives into what holidays are like on board. 

Michelle is a talented chef and shares her experience offshore cooking for crews. She goes into detail on how she makes it special for crews and has an excellent outlook for offshore. There are some fun stories in this podcast with great insight that you don’t want to miss! 

 Have a Listen & Subscribe

The Women Offshore Podcast can also be found on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and most podcast apps. Make sure to subscribe to whatever app you use, so that you don’t miss out on future episodes.

 What did you think of the show?

Let us know what you think by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also reach out by sending us an email at hello@womenoffshore.org.

This episode contains content that may be alarming to some listeners, specifically assault and harassment. We advise listener and reader discretion. We do our best to hold these topics with sincerity, and we hope you’ll listen in only when you feel ready and able.

Today on the podcast, Christine MacMillian speaks with Miriam Anthony, an experience Associate Marriage and Family Psychotherapist, about healthy boundaries.

 Miriam Anthony specializes in trauma, life transitions, occupational hazards of the Maritime Industry, and gender relations. For the past year, she has been providing therapy to military veteran students with US Vets. She brings her skills from years as a Ship's Officer with a demonstrated history of working on various types of vessels in the maritime industry- from Towing, Fishing, and Research Vessels to Navy and Merchant Ships.

“From Navigating Ships to managing natural disasters in California- I noticed a need for more mental health resources tailored to the unique experiences of mariners, first responders, victims of trauma, and military veterans. I have seen a lot, and I learned that sometimes the only way out - is through.”

Have a Listen & Subscribe

The Women Offshore Podcast can also be found on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and most podcast apps. Make sure to subscribe to whatever app you use, so that you don’t miss out on future episodes.

What did you think of the show?

Let us know what you think by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also reach out by sending us an email at hello@womenoffshore.org.

Today on the podcast, Christine MacMillan talks with Liesbet Collaert and dives into her love for traveling and her nomadic lifestyle. 

Liesbet was born in Belgium, but calls herself a world citizen. Traveling has been her lifelong passion, closely followed by writing. She has been intrigued by foreign lands, adventurous pursuits, captivating cultures, and a simple world map since she was a teenager. This is an exciting and fun podcast you don’t want to miss. 

Check out more from Liesbet on her website to follow all her amazing adventures. https://www.roamingabout.com/about-us/

Have a Listen & Subscribe

The Women Offshore Podcast can also be found on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and most podcast apps. Make sure to subscribe to whatever app you use, so that you don’t miss out on future episodes.

What did you think of the show?

Let us know what you think by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also reach out by sending us an email at hello@womenoffshore.org.

On today's podcast, Christine MacMillian and Ally Cedeno discuss Giving Tuesday and reflect on the year. Christine gets an opportunity to share about the Women Offshore Career Development Program and her impact in propelling these women into their careers. Ally shares that the donations from Giving Tuesday will be going to help grow our Career Development program and they get to share what 2023 will look like.

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The Women Offshore Podcast can also be found on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and most podcast apps. Make sure to subscribe to whatever app you use, so that you don’t miss out on future episodes.

What did you think of the show?

Let us know what you think by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also reach out by sending us an email at hello@womenoffshore.org.

This episode contains content that may be alarming to some listeners, specifically assault and harassment. We advise listener and reader discretion. We do our best to hold these topics with sincerity, and we hope you’ll listen in only when you feel ready and able.

Today on the podcast, Christine MacMillan talks with Captain Beth Nuemyer. 

Captain Beth Neumyer graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2004. Since then she has been working offshore through Masters Mates & Pilots. She is a member of the MM&P Women’s Caucus and the MM&P Mental Health Committee. Beth is currently working as a Captain for Pasha-Hawaii on the TS Empire State VI and was recently Captain of the TS Golden Bear. She is speaking to us today about her experiences as manager in today’s Merchant Marine. She talks about her leadership style and gives advice to all future leaders. 

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The Women Offshore Podcast can also be found on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and most podcast apps. Make sure to subscribe to whatever app you use, so that you don’t miss out on future episodes.

What did you think of the show?

Let us know what you think by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also reach out by sending us an email at hello@womenoffshore.org.

The main host of the Women Offshore Podcast, Ally Cedeno, is back from maternity leave! She updates you on how transitioning into motherhood has gone, as well as how she is preparing to go back offshore! Have a listen to hear how it has been going for her as a new mom! You may even hear her baby in the background!

Additionally, Ally has an announcement to make! Christine MacMillan from Women Offshore will also be a permanent host from now on! Both Ally and Christine look forward to sharing some great episodes with you that they are working on!

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 is also about culture, leadership, and how we respond when something goes wrong.

What We Cover

• A firsthand account of escalating verbal misconduct over multiple hitches
• The emotional toll of being asked to remain quiet
• How unclear or delayed leadership responses can prolong harm
• The importance of early reporting and documentation
• The internal struggle of deciding whether to speak up

The episode also explores how difficult it can be to recognize when a line has been crossed, especially when harm comes in the form of repeated comments rather than a single, obvious incident. The individual in this story tried to handle things quietly, tried to avoid conflict, and tried to trust the system. But ultimately, it became clear that silence was not a solution.

Why This Matters

This story is not rare. It reflects the kind of slow, repeated harm that often goes unaddressed, not because no one cares, but because no one knows who should act.

Verbal and emotional misconduct can be harder to report, and even harder to respond to. People hesitate. Leaders assume someone else is handling it. And the result is silence when action is needed.

Leadership is not just a title. It is a responsibility. Delays, vague responses, or inaction can leave people feeling unsafe and unsupported.

This episode is a reminder that how we respond matters. The smallest action, listening, documenting, following up, can make all the difference.

At Seattle Maritime High School, students gain the skills to launch a maritime career and are ready to continue studying in a 2 or 4-year college upon graduation.

April Killian is back on the podcast! She interviews Tremain Holloway, who serves as the founding principal at Seattle Maritime High School, As an equity-driven leader, Principal Holloway is committed to academic excellence and innovative opportunities that all students deserve.  "I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to lead as the Founding Principal of Maritime High School, and I am excited for the future of our brilliant scholars."

At Maritime High School, student learning centers on the environment, marine science, and maritime careers working on or near the water. Students engage in integrated projects, learning across all high school content areas in the classroom, on frequent field experiences, and during boat-based learning. In the 11th- and 12th-grade years, students participate in internships to gain workforce skills and knowledge.  Students engage in project-based learning, working with teachers, community partners and industry experts in hands-on experiences; an innovative transcript demonstrates their learning across all academic subject areas.

Regardless of a student’s life path, attendance in this school increases their understanding of the natural world and their competency in practical skills, while offering them a greater awareness of the career opportunities of the sea and beyond.

Hear from Principal Holloway and learn all about Maritime High School on the latest episode of the Women Offshore Podcast!

TODAY ON THE PODCAST, CHRISTINE MACMILLAN TALKS WITH CHILDREN’S WRITER LEIGH LEWIS.  Leigh Lewis is a children’s writer whose middle-grade debut, Pirate Queens: Dauntless Women Who Dared to Rule the High Seas (National Geographic Kids), spotlights six fierce female pirates, telling each of their stories in verse. Leigh’s adventures on the high seas have enabled […]

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Today on the podcast, with Halloween around the corner Christine MacMillan shares some spooky ghost ship stories.  Make sure to give it a listen to hear some interesting facts about the S.S. Ourang Medan and the abandoned ship: The Mary Celeste in 1972. She talks about the Kaz II, dubbed “the ghost yacht”, is a […]

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TODAY ON THE PODCAST, CHRISTINE MACMILLAN TALKS WITH SUPPLY CHAIN AND NETWORK OPERATIONS CONSULTANT KATE MCKENNA! Kate McKenna is a 2014 graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy who has been driven by her love of world traveling and desire for diverse perspectives into a career that she had always dreamed of.  Kate was […]

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Today on the podcast, Christine MacMillan talks with Chief Engineer Angela Bueno. Angela was the 2021 Wave Maker Award winner! Angela Bueno joins us from her home in Charlotte, NC. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2007. While at MMA, she assisted in creating the Academy’s Multi-Cultural […]

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Meet Birit Buhr, a chemical engineer who found her way into the offshore wind industry and has become a leading expert in cathodic protection systems! Birit holds an AMPP certificate as a specialist in the field and is responsible for corrosion protection strategy and design of foundations at Ørsted Offshore Wind. She has her name […]

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In episode 119, Christine chats with Jackie DeFreitas about her role in the American Petroleum Institute (API), the only trade association representing all segments of America’s oil and gas industry. Jackie graduated with a B.S. in International Business from Old Dominion University in 2010 and is currently a senior specialist in Intellectual Property & Distribution […]

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In episode 118, Christine interviews Dr. Sal Mercogliano about the importance of history and what it was like to start his Youtube channel in an effort to share more about the history of the maritime industry. Sal is currently Chair of the Department of History, Criminal Justice and Political Science at Campbell University. He is […]

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In episode 117, April interviews Coast Guard Commander Kelsey Barrion about her career journey, dealing with challenges, and navigating transitions. Commander Barrion has been a member of the Coast Guard Reserve since 2006. A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, she is a member of the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association. She holds a first […]

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In episode 116, April interviews Master Mariner and Field Service Engineer IV Alaina Basciano. Alaina was actually one of the first women on the Women Offshore podcast and she returns today to share more about her involvement with Project Liberty Ship to preserve the S.S. JOHN W. BROWN, a Liberty Ship from the WWII era. […]

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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 of name changing—and why it still sticks
• The professional stakes of switching names mid-career
• The bureaucratic beast that is legal name change paperwork
• And a new twist: how proposed voting laws like the SAVE Act (2025) could make things even more complicated

The decision to change or retain a last name after marriage is deeply personal, with far-reaching professional and legal ramifications. Ally and Laura's candid discussion sheds light on the complexities involved and encourages women to make informed choices that align with their identities and aspirations. 

What about you?

Have you changed your name, or chosen not to? Did it feel empowering, annoying, or a bit of both?

We want to hear from our global community. Drop us a message at hello@womenoffshore.org and tell us how name changes have impacted your life, especially if you're tuning in from outside the U.S. Your experience matters, and we may feature it in an upcoming episode.

In episode 115, April interviews Retired Coast Guard Master Chief Petty Officer Diane Bucci about the role of women in Coast Guard history and the future in maritime. Diane joined the Coast Guard in 1975. Master Chief Petty Officer Bucci was one of the first women to be selected for command master chiefs, making history […]

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Meet Captain Jaquelyn Burton. In episode 114, Christine interviews Captain Jaquelyn (Jaquie) Burton: head of Creative Design at Kongsberg Maritime, and a mentor for women entering the Offshore and Maritime Industries through Women Offshore as well as for TechStars Energy Accelerator for early-stage energy startups. Jaquie was named one of the 18 Women Reshaping the […]

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In episode 113 of the Women Offshore podcast, Christine chats with Dr. Ian Wallace about the DEI council and how to move the needle towards gender equality. Dr. Wallace is a licensed psychologist providing individual, couples, and group counseling, as well as referral, consultation, and training at California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime). He […]

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Meet Claudia Erber In episode 112, Christine chats with Claudia Erber, a Brazilian marine biologist living in Norway. Since 1996, Claudia has been involved in various projects relating to the environmental impact of the energy industry on the marine environment. During this time, she created the Environment Technician Course for offshore employers and worked with […]

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Meet Bryce Lawrence In episode 111, Christine chats with Bryce Lawrence, a Managing Director from ESG Ship Vetting about sustainability, supply chain, and problem-solving. During his time working on energy industry projects around the world, Bryce was involved in ESG and Sustainability risk assessments, vessel vetting /chartering projects, and Mergers & Acquisition projects. He became […]

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In episode 110, Ally shares more about her pregnancy journey as she approaches her baby’s due date. As Ally prepares for her maternity leave, she introduces listeners to Christine MacMillan and April Killian, new hosts for the Women Offshore podcast. Get to know Christine and April as they share more about who they are, what […]

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If you’re looking to create lasting change at your company to reduce the gender gap, join us on August 3rd for our Inclusion Summit 2022! In episode 108 of the Women Offshore podcast, hear from one of our Summit speakers, Shanta Eaden, on how inclusion is an action. As an enterprise change leader who brings […]

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Join Us for Inclusion Summit Event 2022! In episode 107, Ally Cedeno shares about the upcoming Inclusion Summit Event taking place on August 3rd, 2022. This is the first event of its kind in the maritime industry that will guide you through what’s needed to build belonging through policy, and explore topics in allyship. Come […]

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Meet Julia Hedderson In episode 106, Ally chats with Julia Hedderson, a Project Manager for Subsea Projects in the Gulf of Mexico with TechnipFMC. Julia has been in Oil and Gas since 2007 when she started interning with TechnipFMC during her Mechanical Engineering Degree program at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada. Upon her graduation in […]

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Meet Alyssa Franklin. Alyssa Franklin is a female leader in the offshore industry and an experienced mariner. She is currently the CEO of an offshore services company called IPT Global, providing digital innovation for well integrity management. In episode 105, hear from Alyssa Franklin about what it’s like to be a female leader in a […]

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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 Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) March 2025 guidance, and how leaders can keep building opportunity-driven workplaces while staying aligned with the law.

In this episode, we cover:

• What the Department of Justice (DOJ) was instructed to do under Executive Order 14173
• What the new EEOC guidance says about hiring, training, and employee groups
• What merit-based hiring means
• How outreach, mentorship, and leadership development can (and should) continue

Why This Matters

The maritime workforce shortage isn’t going away. If anything, it's becoming more urgent. Offshore rigs, shipping companies, and maritime employers need to attract and retain talent across a broader spectrum to meet demand—and create resilient, future-ready teams.

Smart, sustainable DEI practices aren’t just about compliance. They are critical to solving the workforce crisis ahead.

Join Us at the Women Offshore Leadership Summit

📍 May 21, 2025 | Shell Woodcreek, Houston, TX

We’re tackling this head-on with our panel: “Leading Through Legal Shifts: What DEI Changes Mean for You.” Hear from top maritime lawyers about what Executive Order 14173, DOJ investigations, and EEOC guidance mean for your policies, practices, and people. Register today at WomenOffshore.org.

In episode 104, hear from Andrea Ostby as she shares more about the Untapped Reserves 2.0 report that evaluated 50 companies in the oil and gas industry. As Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Andrea is an expert in unconventional oil and gas operations, with experience in multiple basins in the US. […]

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Meet Heather Enness In episode 103 of the Women Offshore Podcast, Heather Enness joins Ally to wrap up our Pregnant Offshore series. Heather is a member of the maritime community, an experienced seafarer, and a mom of 3. Heather graduated from the University of Plymouth with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Studies and she […]

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Throughout the Pregnant Offshore Series, Ally Cedeno details her personal pregnancy journey offshore. In episode 102, Ally continues the series with a recording she took back in February 2022 at 15 weeks pregnant. Be inspired by Ally’s insights and vulnerability as she learns what it looks like to navigate pregnancy and an offshore career simultaneously. […]

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