Women Offshore Podcast

Did you know that complaining is toxic? It's hard to believe, as a mariner, that complaining could be harmful to relationships when we use it as social grease on the daily. Dori Eversmann and Christine sit down for a conversation that explores the topic of complaining. How we do it, why we do it, and how we can change for the better. For more information, check out Dori’s website: www.riseupwithdori.com

In Episode 269 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we speak with Erica Lichty, a lifelong Salish Sea mariner, and fifth-generation Northwest waterwoman whose career reflects a deep commitment to both maritime operations and expanding access to the industry.

A graduate of California State University Maritime Academy, Erica’s experience spans offshore oil rigs, supply vessels, dynamic positioning operations, passenger vessels, ferries, and maritime education. Today, she brings that operational experience into her advocacy work as founding president of SEASTR PNW, a nonprofit focused on socio-environmental advocacy and creating pathways into maritime careers.

Erica shares how her experiences on the water have shaped her approach to mentorship, safety, and representation, and why making maritime careers more visible and accessible matters. From supporting people who may never have seen a place for themselves in the industry to working toward her own goal of returning to the pilothouse, Erica offers a perspective on what it takes to build a more inclusive and sustainable maritime workforce.

Listen to hear how lived experience, community advocacy, and mentorship can help open doors for the next generation of mariners.

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.