In observance of the International Day for Women in Maritime on 18 May 2026, the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) launched the inaugural episode of its Maritime Monthly Podcast, giving audiences the opportunity to hear firsthand from the women featured in the University’s special International Day for Women in Maritime edition of Maritime Monthly.

The podcast featured interviews with five women whose journeys reflect the diversity of opportunities available across Jamaica’s maritime sector. They included Valarie Campbell, Vice President of Business Consulting at Pan Jamaica Group Limited and President of the Jamaican chapter of the Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC); Dr Evette Smith-Johnson, Director of the School of Graduate Studies and Research at the CMU and President of WiMAC; Corah-Ann Robertson-Sylvester, Chief Executive Officer of Seaboard Jamaica, President of the Shipping Association of Jamaica, and the first woman to lead the Caribbean Shipping Association; and Ameleah Russell, President of the WiMAC Student Chapter at the CMU.

Selected for their leadership, influence, and lived experiences, the women shared personal stories of perseverance, mentorship, and professional growth while highlighting the progress being made – and the work still to be done – to advance gender equality across the maritime industry. Together, their stories demonstrated how access, opportunity, and intentional support can empower women to lead and shape the future of the sector.

To complement the podcast, the CMU published a special edition of its Maritime Monthly newspaper, profiling the same women and celebrating their accomplishments while showcasing the diverse career pathways available to women in maritime. Together, the publication and podcast offered readers the opportunity to both read their stories and hear their experiences in their own words.

These initiatives reflect the CMU’s ongoing commitment to advancing gender diversity in maritime education and industry while inspiring more women to pursue rewarding careers and leadership opportunities across Jamaica’s maritime sector. By amplifying the voices of women making an impact throughout the industry, the CMU continues to encourage the next generation of maritime professionals and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient maritime future.

Listen to the full interviews on the Caribbean Maritime University YouTube channel: YouTube Channel