About Us
History
In 2017 Kasey Eckstein (founder) and Jenna Gaudet (co-founder) started doing business together in maritime operations. Kasey and Jenna’s business relationship immediately benefited the other’s career. Their collaboration highlighted the need for an organization that catered towards female professionals in maritime operations, thus leading to the formation of Women in Maritime Operations (WIMOs). The organization was founded in New Orleans, Louisiana - a prime location due to the tight-knit maritime community and the city’s relative size. Initially, WIMOs was an intimate environment. But within a few months, the organization continued to gain support from women in the industry and local maritime companies. Before the end of the year, WIMOs held regular meetings with 30+ attendees.
Within a year of forming, women living in other regions started reaching out to Kasey and Jenna about joining WIMOs. At this point, the founders realized that WIMOs needed to expand from a local to a national organization. At that time, Kasey was in sales traveling nonstop. To determine the optimal locations and leadership teams for additional chapters, Kasey made a point to meet with female leaders in maritime operations in each city she visited. She knew that if new WIMOs chapters were to become successful then a strong, local “champion” would need to be established.
In order to meet the growing interest, the organization restructured in January 2019 resulting in the WIMOs National Board and the Southern Louisiana Chapter. Our second chapter, the West Kentucky Chapter, was formed in Paducah, Kentucky in April 2019. Our third chapter, the Houston Chapter, was formed in Houston, Texas in November 2019. Our fourth chapter, Ohio Valley (Pittsburgh, PA to Louisville, KY), was formed in November 2022. Our fifth chapter, Coastal Bend (Port Lavaca, TX to Port of Brownsville, TX), was formed in July 2023. Our sixth chapter, Pacific Northwest (Portland, OR to Seattle, WA) formed in October 2023.
WIMOs has come so far since the early days. We highly encourage women in cities with little to no WIMOs membership presence to reach out about forming a chapter in their area! It’s a priceless leadership experience.
What Makes WIMOs Unique
WIMOs caters to women in maritime operations because there is a lack of female representation. Worldwide, women make up less than 30% of the maritime workforce. As such, WIMOs was created to support and propel women in their maritime careers.
Our Motto
Our Motto is simple: Educate. Engage. Elevate. women in their careers so they can excel and thrive.
Our Mission
WIMOs is dedicated to recruiting, retaining, advancing, and promoting women in the maritime industry through sharing knowledge and continuing education.
Our Vision
Support and uplift women who demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to maritime careers. We strive to do this by creating an environment that supports the professional development of women through formal and experiential training. Our vision is for every member to obtain the confidence and necessary resources to thrive in a room regardless of gender.
Where We Are
13
Formal & Seed Chapters
7
Areas of Interest
30
States Across the United States
3
Countries
*As of September 2024
Member Benefits
Lunch & Learns: In-person Educational Training
Operational Tours: Site Visits of Maritime Companies
Maritime Industry Expert Webinars
In-person & Virtual Leadership and Technical Training
Industry Event Meet-ups (conferences, banquets, award ceremonies)
Golf Tournaments
Clay Shooting Tournaments
Professional Golf Lessons
Professional Shooting Lessons
Community Philanthropic Events
Annual National Events
Professional Headshots
Mentoring Program
Networking Socials
Member Testimonial
Kerra Kunz is a member of WIMOs Houston Chapter. Below she shares her inspiring experience on how WIMOs has positively impacted her career advancement.
What the Media Is Saying
We are grateful to the media for featuring WIMOs Association. Also, a special thank you to Marine Log for being our 2024 Premier Media Sponsor! See what the media is saying by clicking the button below.
