Dear friends,
It’s been an interesting year. We made progress on some of our special projects, but the highlight of 2023 for our organization was most certainly the Sea Sisters Retreat, which we held on October 6-8 in Sausalito, California.
The event was a spectacular success, and I want to thank the attendees, the venue NatureBridge Golden Gate, and our sponsor, the San Francisco Bar Pilots for making it such a wonderful weekend.
I want to share some thoughts on the event from a few of our retreat attendees:
This event brought young and experienced mariners together from many sectors of the industry. It provided a place to safely discuss and problem-solve the realities of maritime work for women, which is often isolating and has unique risks. The conference was a much-needed source of support and community, and I am confident it will contribute to better retention of women in maritime careers. - Megan
This event is so important for women in the maritime industry. It gives us an opportunity to connect, discuss issues, tell sea stories, and network. I appreciate the support from our sponsor so we could make this retreat happen, and I look forward to attending more of these in the future. - Claire
I know I struggle sometimes with feeling disconnected from people and this was a beautiful experience to help remind me I am a part of a sisterhood of amazing women with varied and diverse backgrounds and perspectives. I am an introvert and can have a hard time opening up, but I felt so comfortable around the Sea Sisters. - Mary Kate
I felt a rejuvenation of hope and empowerment after attending. It reminded me how supported I really am in this male dominated field. It is a great opportunity for networking and to make new friends.
It was only 3 days but it had a major impact on me as a person and mariner. This retreat allowed Sea Sisters to take the connection of women mariners in the industry to another level. I could see mentorship relationships forming. I got a lot more out of this retreat than just hanging out with fellow sea sisters - I got a renewed sense of strength, hope, support, and validation that I am on the right path and have a strong support system. - Jessica
While the year started out well, personally and for Sea Sisters, my summer sadly took a dark turn. On August 30th, my mother Marina died unexpectedly of a stroke and other complications. This tragedy has rocked the foundation of my existence, and makes every day a battle to find shreds of sunlight through a dark storm. For months I’ve been unable to find the words to write this newsletter or say anything at all about Sea Sisters, about my mom, about the ways in which they are tied together and how my heartbreak colors the way I experience and interact with the nonprofit and the community at large.
In the wake of my mother’s death, my sisters near and far rallied around me. With their love and support, the pain of this loss has been slightly less terrible. Some friends thought we might cancel the retreat we had planned for early October, but I had several reasons to carry on with the event; after cancellations and delays, we have waited long enough for this highly anticipated retreat, and mom certainly would have wanted us to come together and enjoy a beautiful weekend on the California coast, celebrating sisterhood, celebrating our love for all things maritime, networking and building new friendships.
I find myself coming back to a thought I often have these days: the thought that ten years ago, I never could have imagined we would have this powerful, beautiful network of women to turn to when we need help. This community is incredible, and it was built by people who want to see women in the maritime industry not just stick it out and survive, but flourish and enjoy the life and opportunities this industry provides.
Sea Sisters is all of this and more, and the importance and value of this organization cannot be measured. It has been a piece of my heart, and I know my mom loved it as much as I do. She was immensely proud of me; she was proud of all of us. I will always do everything I can to honor her memory, and that includes dedicating my time and resources to the betterment of my community the way she did.
I thank you all sincerely for your support.
Love,
Elizabeth