How five female technicians found the work they love
By Jaclyn Vincenti ABYC Marketing Coordinator
Women have a growing place in the marine industry – not just in numbers , but in the range of their occupations . We see more women every day encouraged to learn more , get involved , and seek out what they love to do . Need proof ? Here are five women using the knowledge from their marine service technology schools as launch pads into their dream career . Working all across the country , these women send a clear and unified message to others : there is a place for you in the marine industry .
Ashley Ripley
The Pathfinder
Ashley Ripley Skagit Valley College ( Mt . Vernon , WA ) Ashley Ripley is all about using her specific capabilities and finding new places for herself in the marine industry . She co-owns Mocean Yacht Charters , which initially ran bareboat charters and now specializes in transporting expedition yachts that need work before delivery .
Beyond her career moves as Mocean evolved , Ashley enrolled in the Marine Maintenance Technology program at Skagit Valley College . “ The more I know , the more I can utilize my skill sets .” She has also picked up writing manuals for businesses , yacht owners , and Mocean ’ s own vessels , something she would not have expected to enjoy as much as she does . Ashley continues to find herself surprised by how uncomplicated marine systems can be when she takes the time to learn in areas that play to her strengths .
Her best advice to women seeking a career in boating is to think about what they enjoy doing day-to-day and see where there might be a need for that in the industry . “ There is so much room in this field for growth , accountability , and all types of people ... Women see things that men don ’ t , we plan and think differently ,” she says . As she continues to grow in the marine industry , Ashley is excited to “ continue to learn , chase my passions , and see where the wind takes us .”
The Doer
Gabriella Inman Great Lakes Boat Building School ( Cedarville , MI ) Gabriella Inman has not let her time in the classroom slow down her work in the field . Accepted as the first female student in the Marine Service
Technology ( MST ) program at Great Lakes Boat Building School , Gabriella found technician work while attending classes that led to her current position as a Service Technician at Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales in Holland , MI . She has been in the industry formally for two years , but started performing small tasks as a teenager : cleaning out the bilge and checking and replacing spark plugs . To Gabriella , however , these responsibilities weren ’ t small ; they became her calling . By shadowing her father ( another Marine Technician ), she says , “ I fell absolutely in love with working on boats and decided I wanted to make a career out of it .”
A recent graduate of Great Lakes Boat Building School , she is an ABYC Master Technician , and wants to increase her knowledge in various marine systems . Her drive stems from making a difference for others . To Gabriella , marine service technology work is a way to provide others with the best experience on the water .
Gabriella ’ s advice to women entering the marine industry ? “ You and your coworkers are not
Gabriella Inman www . boatingindustry . com june 2024
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