A Note from the President

WISTA USA marked its 25th anniversary in May at our annual Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference. It was an incredible opportunity to come together with almost 200 members and supporters of our mission. We are so proud of the panels we presented - highlighting over 30 female leaders in the maritime industry including Rear Admiral Ann C. Phillips, Administrator for the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration and Admiral Linda L. Fagan, 27th Commandant of the United States (U.S.) Coast Guard, who generously joined our members for some “Speed Networking.” We capped off the festivities with a “Sneaker Gala.” It is hard to describe the joy in that room as some of the hardest-working women in our industry kicked off their shoes and celebrated how far we have come. Traveling back from Washington DC I couldn’t help but feel inspired and optimistic about the work we have ahead of us.

That optimism continued as many WISTA USA members gathered in Oslo for Nor-Shipping. We were proud to support not only our members who were participating in the conference but also the members of WISTA Norway who were celebrating their 35^th anniversary. It was also a fantastic opportunity to present WISTA USA’s candidate for the WISTA International Executive Committee, Meredith Kirby. Meredith is well-known as a current Board Member of WISTA USA; a past-President of our DC Metro Chapter; and, as General Counsel of International Registries, Inc. Meredith’s extensive experience and global perspective make her an ideal candidate to represent WISTA USA on the global stage.

Finally, last week at Marine Money, George Logothetis of Lomar Shipping spoke about the transformative power of occasionally taking the time to do nothing. So as we head into the dog days of summer, I wish you the opportunity to slow down, enjoy your loved ones, and soak up every moment of joy the summer has to offer!

With warm regards,

Christina Liviakis Gianopulos

President, WISTA USA

Featured from left to right: Jillian Tobias, President, LogOn Media Strategies and WISTA USA Vice President; Christina Liviakis Gianopulos, Director of Business Development, American Ship Repair and WISTA USA President; Kate Belmont, Associate General Counsel, ABS; Meredith Kirby, General Counsel, International Registries, Inc; Sarah Burroughs, Sr. Manager ISM, Holland America Group; Anna Silva, HSE/Cruise Manager, Port Everglades;

Marlene Boyer, Global Commercial Manager, Stolt Tankers; and Sarah Brennan, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard

This year’s WISTA International AGM and Conference will be celebrated in October in Montevideo, the beautiful capital city of Uruguay. The conference will focus on the key shipping and trading activities that make Latin America such an essential piece of the global economic jigsaw. But it will also examine shipping’s journey toward a greener, more digitalized future, both within Latin America and beyond.

EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS JULY 28, 2023.



2024 WISTA INTERNATIONAL AGM SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

During this year's WISTA USA AGM, it was announced that next year's AGM and Conference will take place in San Diego, California. The WISTA USA West Coast Chapter looks forward to welcoming everyone! Look for details at agm.wistausa.com as the planning moves forward.

Making Room at the Table for Diversity

Meg Dowling, Technology Engineer II, ABS and WISTA USA Member

Just as any good working team needs to communicate well to succeed, it also requires a diverse makeup of team members. A group of same-minded people trudging forward on a singular, unchallengeable path allows little room for innovation and change. Being challenged by people with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives creates opportunities for personal and business growth.

This was among the thoughts shared during a panel discussion on gender equality in the maritime industry that we recently hosted at the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). It highlights the kind of change women can bring when involved in traditionally male-dominated industries like maritime.

Connecticut Chapter

The Connecticut Chapter hosted a networking happy hour on April 20 at the Crab Shell Restaurant in Stamford. It was a great opportunity for both new and recurring members to connect.  

Wednesday WISTA Welcome

Every first Wednesday of the month, the Connecticut Chapter holds a virtual meeting where they share information, news and upcoming events so members can get to know each other better.

Upcoming:

On July 25, the Connecticut and New York/New Jersey Chapters will host the SCI Port Packing 2023 - Christmas in July event. All packing will be accomplished in the Newark port, including the gifts being sent to inland river mariners.

Delaware River and Bay Area

The Delaware River and Bay Chapter is in the process of transitioning to new leadership. Cynthia Hudson and Lisa Reeves, who have done remarkable work for the chapter, will be stepping down. The Chapter is extremely grateful for the work they've done as leaders. The new Chapter President will be announced shortly. Lauren Kinky, Maritime Compliance Manager with Hudson Marine, will be stepping into the role of Chapter Vice-President. Congratulations Lauren!

Hampton Roads Chapter

In April, the Hampton Roads chapter hosted its official launch party at Maersk Line Unlimited in downtown Norfolk. The event was heavily attended by women active in various aspects of the shipping and trade industry. The women present went around the table and introduced themselves, their work, what interested them in joining the maritime community, and then also posed one question or hurdle that they face in their work and received group insight and feedback on how to solve the hurdle presented.

The President of the Hampton Roads chapter, and other HR members, attended the WISTA AGM in May. HR chapter member, Marley Rakow, Maritime Cultural Transformation Superintendent for Maersk Line Unlimited presented at the AGM on Friday on the panel: Keeping Women at the Helm – Moving Beyond Firsts. The HR chapter is excited about next year’s AGM and hopes to have more members present and more members representing their chapter in speaking engagements.

Coming up, the Hampton Roads chapter has two exciting events planned for this summer! The first is a tour of the Norfolk International Terminal in July and then an Introduction to Maritime Law Program in August. 

New Orleans Chapter

The New Orleans Chapter is working on setting up two events in the coming months—a lunch and learn with U.S. Customs as well as a field trip to the LSU Center for River Studies. They had a terrific time visiting and meeting with others in Washington, D.C. for the AGM. They enjoyed mingling amongst so many fellow members and making new connections. They are starting the process of planning their annual holiday tea that coincides with the International Workboat Show.

The Washington, DC Metro Chapter held an incredible 2023 Annual General Meeting and Conference in Washington, D.C. A special thank you to Sarah Brennan and Liz Lowe for their inspiring leadership and excellent planning of this year's event.