By Adrienne Hurst ABYC Marketing

Coordinator

Most of these women have changed careers from positions as crew members , stewards , even hair stylists , and their experiences in navigating the waters of marine services could help set courses for the next generation of students . Each of these women found themselves at a crossroads , then found a career that not only pays the bills but fulfills their passions . With examples like these , maybe you can too , and make some waves along the way .

ABYC Master Technician & IYRS Dean of Education IYRS School of Technology & Trades Newport , Rhode Island

ABYC Certifications : Marine Electrical Marine Systems Marine Diesel Engines

Lisa Esposito grew up sailing the Long Island Sound with her family , leading her to enroll in a semester aboard a tall ship through the Sea Education Association program while pursuing an under- graduate degree from Trinity College . During this time , Esposito realized she wanted to work on sail boats . So for the next decade or so , Esposito bounced between teaching and sailing jobs . When the pandemic hit , Esposito found herself teaching in Italy . “ It was really weird ,” she said . Esposito packed up and headed home to the States where she enrolled in the Marine Systems Program at IYRS School of Technology & Trades ( Newport , R . I .). Many of her friends and peers in the marine industry studied there and used that education to move from crewing roles into engineering roles .

Esposito is not only a recent graduate , but also the Dean of Education at IYRS . During her time as a student , Esposito unsurprisingly found her knack for marine electric and electronics . “ I kind of knew I wasn ’ t going to love engines because I had been shoved in engine rooms before . But the electrical side was fun , like complicated LEGOS ,” Esposito said . After a little under the year working as a marine-electronics technician , she returned to IYRS as an instructor with ABYC Master Technician credentials as well as several other certifications through NMEA . “ It felt like the two things I had been bouncing between for years could finally be combined into one .”

Esposito shared some advice for other women who may be considering a career in the marine services . “ Go for it ,” she said . “ Identify the things you think may be a challenge and find the right support . Find a mentor .”

“ There is so much work to be done and it is so fun . If you really want to see the fruits of your labor at the end of the day , working in the marine industry is great for that .”

Shore Power Marine Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding Port Townsend , Washington

ABYC Certifications : Marine Electrical

“ Trust yourself , believe in yourself , and stick to your passions .”

Erika Ensminger started her career in commercial fishing , primarily out of Alaska . After nine years of that , “ I was at a crossroads deciding if I wanted to get my own fishing boat or start my own business ,” said Ensminger . “ Fishing got me started . During off seasons I worked in various boatyards and from there made connections and just got to know people .”

Ensminger decided that a certificate or education in marine services would be helpful down either of those paths . So , she went back to school and graduated from the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding ’ s Marine Systems program in the

46 june 2023 www . boatingindustry . com