WOMEN MAKING WAVES
What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? Outside of boating, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, listening to music, practicing yoga, traveling, tending to my orchids, and experimenting in the kitchen. I believe in balancing a busy professional life with hobbies that keep you grounded and inspired.
SAVANNAH DIPAOLA
SENIOR MANAGER, DIGITAL AND OMNICHANNEL MARKETING, WET
Savannah DiPaola
SOUNDS HIGH PERFORMANCE AUDIO
Education: BSBA, Business Marketing, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Years in the marine industry: 3 years What first drew you to the marine industry? I ' ve always been a beach girl at heart and feel most at home near the water. Being part of the marine industry lets me combine that passion with something I truly love ― music. What drew me in was the opportunity to help enhance unforgettable moments on the water by adding the perfect soundtrack to every adventure. There ' s something really special about contributing to memories made out on a boat. What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? One of the biggest lessons I ' ve learned is that the marine industry is built on pride and passion. Every company takes immense pride in their work, and there ' s a deep respect for the roles and responsibilities across the board. Another important lesson is the value of
accuracy. Never provide an answer unless you ' re completely sure. Boating enthusiasts are incredibly knowledgeable and take their facts seriously, so it ' s essential to be precise and well-informed in every interaction. How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? I hope to inspire more women to feel confident and empowered to pursue careers in this industry. My goal is for young girls to see someone like me and realize that they too can thrive in a traditionally male-dominated field. I learned this trait from my mother, and I want to show that it ' s possible not only to make a meaningful impact but also to truly enjoy the work you do every day. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? My advice is to keep an open mind and embrace every opportunity to learn. Don’ t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Growth often happens when you challenge yourself. Confidence and curiosity will take you far in this industry. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? Outside of boating, I love staying active by working out, soaking up the sun at the beach whenever I can, and catching live shows from my favorite bands.
ASHLEY K. GIST
CONTROLLER, TIARA YACHTS
Education: BBA Accounting, MSA, CPA Years in the marine industry: 10 years If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? My most memorable achievement is when I stepped into the controller leadership role during Tiara’ s sale of Pursuit. As a single mother, there were many late nights at the office with my team and my toddler. However, the experience allowed me to grow both professionally and personally and brought me closer to my team. Since Malibu( the company that purchased Pursuit) is a public company, my previous public accounting experience was crucial during this divestiture. This was the biggest challenge I faced during my career, as well as the most growth I experienced. Adaptability and resilience were
Ashley K. Gist
key during this change and continue to be a very important part of my current role as controller. Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry? As a single mother, navigating a career is difficult in any industry, and the marine industry is no exception. Transitioning from public accounting to a private family-owned business had its own challenges. Additionally, Tiara’ s corporate values are more in tune with my personal work-life balance and family focused values, which has helped cultivate my success in the marine industry while raising my daughter. How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? I hope to inspire other women in the marine industry by leading with authenticity and resilience. Success doesn’ t require conforming to outdated expectations; it comes from embracing your own strengths as you grow. Advocating for other women and celebrating their achievements creates a supportive environment where women are empowered to thrive. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? Advocate for yourself. Don’ t downplay your skills or ideas, and make your voice heard. Keep learning. Keep an open mindset and accept change and challenges. Lastly, celebrate and support other women. As women, we have different experiences and challenges in our careers, especially as mothers. It is important to encourage and support one another!
12 june 2025 www. boatingindustry. com