In this “ Women Making Waves ” edition , Boating Industry interviewed three leaders from different segments of the marine industry -- all former WMW recipients – who share insights and recommendations for those navigating a fulfilling career .

BI spoke with Melissa Danko , the 2015 “ Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year ” and 23-year Executive Director of the Marine

By Wanda Kenton Smith

Trades Association of New Jersey ( MTA / NJ ). Gail Kulp is a 19-year veteran with 12 years as Executive Director of the Sea Tow Foundation and seven previously with the National Association of State Boat Law Administrators ( NASBLA ). Abbey Heimensen has worked 13 years for retail powerhouse MarineMax and is VP of marketing ; she leads a team of 35 .

Boating Industry ( BI ): How would you describe career opportunities today in the marine industry ? Melissa Danko ( MD ): Not only are there more women working in our industry , but there are so many more opportunities available now . There was a moment during a National Marine Trades Council meeting a few years back when I realized that I was at a table with more women leaders than men ; this wasn ’ t the case when I began in 2001 . During my tenure , I ’ ve been honored to work with the first woman president of our board , and at the moment , our second .

While our industry does continue to be very male dominant , there is an increased awareness of the value that women bring to the workplace such as new perspectives , innovative solutions and a fresh , unique mindset . This awareness has created new opportunities and opened doors for women across all sectors of the industry . Additionally , there are many more tools and resources available

Melissa Danko , Executive Director , Marine Trade

Association of New Jersey

to assist women in the workforce such as mentoring programs , networking opportunities , discussion groups , seminars and meetings . Women are supporting women : sharing their unique challenges , successes , experience , and knowledge . Gail Kulp ( GK ): The opportunities are endless , from entry-level positions to the president , CEO or chair of major companies . I know many women who have raised children or are currently raising children while working in full-time , high-level positions . There ’ s nothing holding women back . Abbey Heimensen ( AH ): We tend to think of boating and immediately think of sales . And while sales are very important , the opportunities go way beyond . We have STEM positions within the OEMs , Human Resources , Accounting , Service , Finance and Insurance , Real Estate Management and of course we can ’ t forget all the options within Marketing !

BI : What do you enjoy most about your marine industry career ? MD : I absolutely love working in an industry that represents fun , adventure , and joy ! I take tremendous pride in knowing that everything we do helps people enjoy time on the water . Some of my most precious memories are the ones I have made with my family on our boat .

I also love the diversity of my work which includes governmental relations and lobbying , education and training , public relations , event planning , fundraising , producing boat shows ( which has been incredibly challenging !), research and writing , and directing the day-to-day activities . Every week is different , and the work is never boring . The people I interact with are interesting and I ’ ve learned so much from them all . AH : I truly love my career and can ’ t imagine doing anything but promoting the boating lifestyle . When I was a little girl , traveling for the summer with my grandparents to Okoboji , Iowa (# 1 tourism destination in Iowa !) I knew I wanted other people to feel the way I did when the oaks parted , and I saw that magical lake ... the way I felt when we stepped on the boat for the day skiing , swimming , and cruising . My career path has afforded me the wonderful luxury of being able to deliver that feeling to millions of people .

Gail Kulp , Executive Director , Sea Tow

Foundation www . boatingindustry . com june 2024

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