Women Offshore Podcast
The top resource for community members who work on the water!
10
Navigating Your Financial Future with Brandon Vecchio
<p>In Episode 268 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we speak with <b>Brandon Vecchio</b>, Financial Advisor and Co-Founder of Axios Financial Group.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>...
From Offshore Operations to Port Security with Gretel Velázquez Peña
<p>In Episode 267 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we speak with <b>Gretel Desirée Velázquez Peña</b>, a Port Facility Security Officer at Hazesa in the Port of Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico.</p><p>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.</p><p>In this conversation, Gretel shares how each stage of her care...
Inflatable Lifejacket Maintenance & Personal Safety Offshore with Mustang Survival’s Lili Colby
<p>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.</p><p>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
<p>In Episode 265 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we speak with <b>Captain </b><b>Kamila Calko</b><b>, MNI</b>, founder and owner of SeaLight and founder and director of SeaLight Sisters.</p><p>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.</p><p>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
<p>In this episode of the Women Offshore Podcast, we welcome <b>Captain Neil Daboul</b>, 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 <b>Mercy Ships</b>, a global nonprofit that delivers free surgical care and strengthens healthcare systems aboard hospital ships serving communities across Africa.</p><p>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
<p>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
<p>In episode 262 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we welcome <b>Michela Monteverde</b>, 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.</p><p>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
<p>In Episode 261 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we speak with <b>Oluwadamilola "Engr Dee" Adebamipe</b>, a Marine Engineer, maritime data analytics professional, and founder of DeeMarine Analytics.</p><p>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.</p><p>Through DeeMarine...
What Nearly 20 Years in Recruiting Can Teach Us About Building Careers
<p>In this episode of the Women Offshore Podcast, we welcome Shasta Kahoalii, Founder of Athena Talent Group.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Whether you're searching...
Building a Career at Sea with Ade Tiznado Solorzano
<p>In Episode 259 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we speak with <b>Ade Tiznado Solorzano</b>, a Merchant Navy Deck Officer, vessel manager, and Women Offshore Ambassador whose career spans tanker vessels, azimuth tugboats, and humanitarian operations at sea.</p><p>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.</p><p>The conversation also explores the importance of professional development, industry involvement...
