The following is text of a news release from Maine Maritime Academy (MMA):
(CASTINE, Maine) — Maine Maritime Academy and the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MarAd) will present the 10th annual Women on the Water Conference from Nov. 1-3 at the college in Castine. Over the three days, more than 100 maritime academy cadets from the six state maritime academies, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and six Canadian institutions will learn from industry leaders, maritime professionals, academy representatives, and their peers, and network with mariners at all career levels.
“We are excited to welcome our maritime colleagues to campus to connect and learn through presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and networking events. Students and industry professionals will also have the opportunity to spend time aboard vessels in the academy’s fleet,” said MMA Women on the Water President Mary Shea (Class of ’19).
The Women on the Water club at Maine Maritime Academy provides a platform for professional development for women in the MMA community. Members organize and attend networking events, workshops, and community service opportunities.
Featured speakers include Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, maritime administrator; Capt. Deborah Dempsey, the first female graduate of a maritime academy in an unlimited license program (MMA Class of ’76); Capt. Elisabeth Pepper, former commanding officer, U.S. Coast Guard Legal Service; Women Offshore founder Ally Cedeno; and Rita Hausken, leadership strategist. Thirty panelists — captains, engineers, educators, pilots, logisticians, and other accomplished professionals — will offer their perspective and expertise over the course of the conference.
The Women on the Water conference is made possible through the support of MarAd and industry, academic, and individual sponsors.
More conference information is available here.