PROGRAMS: SCHOLARSHIPS, CAREER SUPPORT, MENTORSHIP, AND MEMBERSHIP
SEXUAL ASSAULT & VIOLENCE ERADICATION S.A.V.E. PROGRAM
STORIES FROM THE COMMUNITY EVENTS: GALA, INCLUSION SUMMIT, CONFERENCE
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Reflecting on Women Offshore's Impact Over This Last Year
As we close the logbook on 2024, I'm proud to reflect on the incredible voyages we've charted and the waves we've made together. This year has been nothing short of extraordinary a true testament to the strength of our community and our shared commitment to a brighter, more inclusive future on the water.
One of our standout achievements was awarding $110,000 in scholarships. With the support of OSG, Houston Pilot Anchor Watch, MEBA, and others at the helm, we've helped talented individuals set sail toward their dreams. These scholarships are the wind in the sails of tomorrow's leaders. Meanwhile, our MentorSHIP program reached new heights, with a record number of mentors and mentees forging connections that empower success on the water.
Our annual Benefit Gala, the Women Offshore Conference, and the Inclusion Summit brought the community together for impactful events that left a deep wake of inspiration. This year's theme, "Challenge Accepted: Seize Opportunities, Excel on the Water," anchored the Women Offshore Conference and celebrated the tenacity, resilience, and achievements of women+ across every aspect of life on the water. From thought-provoking conversations to joyful celebrations of success, these gatherings demonstrated the true strength of our community.
To all who have supported us thank you. Your dedication fuels our mission and keeps us on course. Together, we've created ripples of empowerment that will carry us far beyond this year's horizon.
As we set sail for 2025, let's continue charting this remarkable course. Here's to another year of progress and excellence on the water. Anchors aweigh full steam ahead!
Ally M. Cedeno, Founder & President Women Offshore Foundation
Connect
The Women Offshore Foundation, also known as Women Offshore, is an online organization and resource center established in 2017 to support a diverse workforce on the water. As a 501(c)(3) public charity, our mission is to propel women+ into meaningful careers by providing access to a global community and professional development resources while raising awareness among industry leaders and decision-makers about issues impacting women+ on the water.
Rooted in the lived experiences of women+ working on the water, we are steadfast in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within both our community and the broader maritime industry. Our mission includes addressing and eliminating gender-based discrimination through an intersectional approach, embracing women+ and individuals of marginalized gender identities and expressions as valued members of our organization.
Ally Cedeno Founder & President
Daniel Harlow Secretary
Director
McFalls Vice President
Cathy Konwisarz Director, Compliance
ChristineMacMillan Director, Career Sup
Treasurer
Lindsay Price Director, Advocacy
styGilger mmunity Projects anager
Barb Maghirang Executive Assistant
Boucher Media Manager
Martha Music
Laura
Community – Connect a strong and supportive community of female offshore workers to give or receive mentorship and guidance
Development – Support the career growth and advancement of women+ for careers on the water.
Elevation – Raise the profile of women+ and marginalized groups, highlighting issues and challenges affecting their careers
Professionalism – Understand our members’ needs and provide information and resources that exceed expectations
Collaboration – Work toward a shared vision of reducing the gender gap on the water with our members, collaborators, and supporters.
Resilience – Embrace impending challenges with confidence that we will achieve our goals
Progressive – Create change for lasting results, charting a course for women’s careers on the water, creating a workforce that is representative of the population
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our 2024 corporate members. Their generous contributions have been pivotal to our success this year, and we couldn't have achieved our goals without their support
We are proud to spotlight the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (USMMA AAF) as a valued member of Women Offshore. Their dedication to supporting USMMA aligns with our mission to promote opportunities and advancement in the industry, and we deeply appreciate their support of our organization.
USMMA has played a pioneering role in advancing gender inclusion in federal service academies. In 1974, it became the first of the five federal service academies to amend its admission requirements and accept women preceding the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard by two years. Just four years later, in 1978, history was made when eight women from the academy became the first female graduates of any federal service academy.
Recently the Academy achieved another milestone as the Class of 2027 became the 50th class to include women. USMMA’s legacy of breaking barriers continues to inspire future generations of women in the maritime industry, and we are honored to recognize the USMMA Alumni Association and Foundation for their commitment to supporting this enduring progress.
PROGRAMS
In 2024, our Career Support Programs continued to make a significant impact. Under the leadership of Christine MacMillan, Director of Career Support, we awarded $110,000 to cadets for their required training cruises reinforcing our commitment to educational progress for women+ in the maritime industry.
Through four rounds of personalized, one-on-one career development, we welcomed 20 new members in 2024 and an additional 10 new members in the first half of the year. By taking time to understand each individual’s needs, we fostered a community that helps seafarers choose the right career path and feel supported.
Christine took on the role of MentorSHIP program coordinat and she has been actively engaging with mentors and mentees weekly through the MentorLoop platform to ensur the program’s benefits are maximized. Working closely with Women Offshore International Ambassadors, Christine help navigate local regulations and fosters connections, offering training materials, class funding, and professional resume writing assistance. Christine’s actions demonstrate a profound understanding of the diverse needs and challenges within the industry, highlighting her dedication to providing inclusive and impactful support for maritime professionals.
Christine MacMillan Director of Career Support
In 2025, we will be offering the Deeper Waters Learning Series, our third round of scholarships for state maritime training cruises, an open application for the career development program and continuing to offer our formal MentorSHIP program. Check out our website for more details.
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS WHO HELPED MAKE THIS HAPPEN: MEBA, OSG & THE HOUSTON PILOTS ANCHOR WATCH
36 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED
20 CAREER SUPPORT PROGRAM CANDIDATES IN 12 MONTHS
18 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS $110K IN SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
TRAUMA-INFORMED TRAINING FOR MENTORS AND SASH TRAINING FOR MENTEES
$27K IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN 12 MONTHS
7 JOB PLACEMENTS IN 12 MONTHS
16 CAREER ADVICE SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
450 CAREER CONSULTATIONS
At Women Offshore, we believe that in order to reduce the gender gap, we must connect women+ seeking mentoring with experienced seafarers in this community Our mentor program, the Women Offshore MentorSHIP, virtually connects mentors and mentees. This program is open to women+ anywhere in the world who have previously worked or currently work on the water in the maritime or offshore oil and gas industries.
185 MENTEES 97 MENTORS
4.6/5 MQS*
265 MENTOR CONNECTIONS
*Mentorloop metric designed to help us assess the quality of mentor-mentee relationships. Both mentors and mentees complete regular surveys to provide feedback on their experience, enabling us to gauge how well the pairings are working and ensure positive, meaningful connections.
"Thank you for noticing how dedicated I’ve been to achieving this goal and thank you for your help as my mentor! It’s crazy to think our first conversation was May 2nd, two months later I have a Tankerman Endorsement, my MMC, and will start my onboarding process with Chevron soon!"
MARIE BUNDAGE, MENTEE
MEMBERSHIP PORTAL
Women Offshore members have access to a custom-built portal designed as a connection point for our community and to provide support resources. Members access a community directory called Community Connections, a job board, various content, and events purpose-built for career and personal advancement on the water.
1,800
Total Members
JOBS POSTED IN 2024
VESSEL MANAGER
CREW QMED, MATE, AB
OPERATIONS ENGINEER
OPERATIONS MANAGER,
TERMINAL OPERATIONS
SR. CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
SALES REP.
CHIEF OFFICER
COMPANIES POSTING
SPACEX
ALASKAN MARINE HIGHWAY
SUNY MARITIME COLLEGE
THE PASHA GROUP
WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES
SOS HUMANITY
MAERSK LINE, LIMITED
AQUILA ENGINEERING
SHELL
SEXUAL ASSAULT AND VIOLENCE ERADICATION
S.A.V.E. PROGRAM
Women Offshore’s Sexual Assault and Violence Eradication Program (S.A.V.E.) is vital in combatting sexual violence in offshore environments. It offers essential support and resources for survivors, promoting a safer, more respectful workplace culture. By emphasizing education and prevention, the S.A.V.E. Program not only aids recovery but also proactively works to ensure the safety and well-being of women+ in these challenging workspaces. This program’s role is critical in fostering a more inclusive and secure environment in offshore industries.
2024 S.A.V.E. PROGRAM IMPACT
Developed a specialized training in collaboration with the National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA) and other nationally recognized organizations to equip maritime community leaders and Women Offshore Mentors with the knowledge, understanding, and empathy needed to effectively support survivors of sexual assault.
Developed an in-person training series to support maritime leadership onboard, addressing the theme of being a good shipmate. The course features 15-minute micro-learning sessions focused on interpersonal communication, handling difficult conversations, and teamwork aimed at preventing escalating behaviors.
STORIES FROM THE COMMUNITY
Thank you so much...I am so grateful. Thank you, you all are so amazing, and I, as well as any/every other recipient, am well beyond grateful. Training cruise II wouldn't be possible without you/the scholarship committee of Women Offshore.
-Kaylee Davis
2024 Scholarship Recipient Massachusetts Maritime Academy
I'm s my A and Orga of le navi and rope and cable line strength calculations, and so much more. It was a great class and I would highly recommend it for those pursuing their maritime career.
-Kim Grabbe
2024 Career Development
AB class at AvTec Achieved by Women Offshore Sponsorship
Kaylee Davis
Kim Grabbe
"Thank you very much for the Sea Term Scholarship. I am grateful for this award and the opportunities it provides.
-Syria Santhanam 2024 Scholarship Recipient California Maritime Academy Cadet
Phoebe Rogers
am blown away by the generosity of Women Offshore and I am so humbly rateful for this scholarship and this monumental opportunity. I am still inching myself and coming to terms that his opportunity is actually happening and hope you know how profoundly thankful am for your support. I cannot thank you nough...just know how excited and onored I am to have this opportunity to row as a captain and to contribute to the ommunity of Women Offshore!
Phoebe Rogers
024 Career Development Program
Working On Yachtmaster Unlimited Cert
Syria Santhanam
EVENTS
BENEFIT GALA
On February 17th, the Women Offshore Foundation proudly hosted its 3rd Annual Benefit Gala, with the theme “Rhinestone Rodeo,” a pivotal event supporting programs that advance women+ in maritime careers. Guests enjoyed a four-course dinner, a silent auction, and an exciting live auction. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us from industry executives and mariners to cadets, allies, and supporters your presence and participation made the night truly extraordinary.
170 Guests
$127k Funds Raised Dinner Dancing
Students Attended 10
The Women Offshore Inclusion Summit 2024 kicked off with inviting participants to join a collective effort to foster inclusivity offshore. Centered on the theme, "Cultivate Inclusion for Professional Excellence," this year’s summit provided tools, insights, and strategies to promote meaningful change. Through engaging discussions, diverse industry perspectives, and collaborative sessions, attendees explored ways to overcome challenges and champion inclusivity in their field. This unique event offered opportunities to enhance skills, grow networks, and advocate for equal opportunities on the water. Together, we advanced inclusivity and created lasting impact!
FEATURED SPEAKERS
David Reid Chief Technology Officer, Chief Marketing
Officer, NOV
David Reid shared valuable insights on fostering inclusion for professional excellence. Drawing from over 30 years of industry leadership, he shared his contributions to advancing modern drilling technologies and promoting innovation, emphasizing the role of inclusive practices in achieving success A passionate advocate for social change, David underscored the importance of leadership, collaboration, and advocacy in driving progress within the offshore sector.
Zoë Yujnovich Integrated Gas & Upstream Director, Shell
Zoë shared her insights on female leadership's triumphs and challenges. With over 25 years of experience across frontline operations, project execution, and strategic leadership, Zoë closed the summit with an nspirational keynote on cultivating inclusion in the workplace, highlighting the importance of practices that foster professional growth and success.
7TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The 7th Annual Women Offshore Conference, held October 10-11, 2024, at Texas A&M Galveston, was a dynamic event that brought together maritime professionals to inspire and empower women+ in the offshore industry. Highlights included keynote addresses from influential leaders like Barbara Pickering, President of Chevron Shipping, and Lisa Mullins, Managing Director at Transocean, as well as panels covering topics such as workplace inclusion, career transitions, and resilience. Attendees engaged in interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and an awards luncheon celebrating industry achievements. The conference reinforced Women Offshore’s commitment to advancing diversity and creating pathways for success in the maritime sector.
“It was fantastic and so inspirational to see women thriving in the industry, but also in their lives at home!”
-Women Offshore Conference 2024 Attendee
“It was the first time I attended this conference and found it to be exceptionally well organized with a terrific roster of speakers and panelists.”
-Women Offshore Conference 2024 Attendee
Focused
MARKETING OUR MISSION
SOCIAL MEDIA OVERVIEW
1,179,505
2024 TOP 4 POSTS ON LINKEDIN: 31,861 Impressions
49,068 Impressions
5,937 Impressions
5,812 Impressions
25,686
12,008
6,967
375,700
293,700
WOMEN OFFSHORE PODCAST
Hosted by our founder, Ally Cedeno, and Director of Career Support, Christine MacMillan, our podcast records stories of working on the water and topics affecting seafarers. From episodes about career advancement and job seeking to sea stories about what it is like to sail as a captain or be a mom with a job offshore, the podcast inspires listeners to reach their career dreams on the water and informs decision-makers about key issues to reduce the gender gap.
50 Five-Star Ratings on Apple Podcasts
5 Stars
“Solid and Passionate conversations for the maritime industry. Great guests too.”
-Christina Szi
Total Downloads 81k+
Total Downloads for 2024 9k
Avg Downloads per Episode For 2024 118
Total Episodes 225
2025 AND BEYOND
In 2025, the Women Offshore Foundation is poised for a transformative year, expanding career support, community engagement, and safety initiatives to cultivate a more inclusive and secure maritime industry.
CAREER SUPPORT
Sea Term Scholarships: We are investing in the future of the maritime workforce by awarding $150,000 in scholarships to state maritime academies. This will nurture the next generation of highly skilled and diverse mariners who will shape the industry's future.
Outreach to Engineering Students: We are cultivating a diverse pipeline of offshore talent by connecting with and educating emerging engineers on the exciting and rewarding career paths available in the offshore sector.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Upgraded Membership Portal: We will foster a global ommunity of support by revamping our membership portal. his will provide our members with exclusive resources, etworking opportunities, and a vibrant online community, trengthening their connections, and driving collective mpact.
xpanded K–12 Outreach: We are inspiring the next eneration of maritime leaders by engaging young girls in marine-related activities. This will spark their interest in STEM fields and foster a lifelong passion for the sea, ensuring a diverse and thriving future for the maritime industry.
