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.
To meet growing interest and engagement, the organization restructured in January 2019, establishing the WIMOs National Board and the Southern Louisiana Chapter. Since then, WIMOs has expanded nationally through the formation of the following chapters:
Southern Louisiana (SOLA) Chapter – January 2019
West Kentucky Chapter – April 2019
Houston Chapter – November 2019
Ohio Valley Chapter – November 2022
Coastal Bend Chapter – July 2023
Pacific Northwest Chapter – October 2023
Junior Chapter – Texas A&M University–Galveston – August 2024
Middle Tennessee Chapter – October 2025
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
Women In Maritime Operations (WIMOs) Association is uniquely focused on supporting women working in maritime operations, addressing the real-world challenges and career pathways in operational and technical roles. Through more than 150 annual events - most included with membership - along with a national mentoring program and junior chapter, WIMOs delivers unmatched access to education, connection, and career advancement. Guided by our motto, Educate. Engage. Elevate. WIMOs builds community, visibility, and opportunity for women across the maritime industry.
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.
Our Motto
Our Motto is simple: Educate. Engage. Elevate. women in their careers so they can excel and thrive.
WIMOs welcomes all female-identifying persons - regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin - who are actively employed in the maritime industry. Industry employment could include, but may not be limited to, individuals who own, operate, charter, dispatch, or provide other types of logistical, safety, and emergency management services on the water.
Membership is also open to women with equivalent military, nonprofit, or educational experiences. Exceptions may be made for women who graduated from a Maritime Academy.
Our Members
Where We Are
13
Formal & Seed Chapters
31
States Across the United States
6
Countries
*As of August 2025
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 2026 Premier Media Sponsor! See what the media is saying by clicking the button below.
