KEMBA SOLOMON
REGULATORY AFFAIRS MANAGER, YAMAHA U. S. MARINE BUSINESS UNIT
Education: BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee State University and Penn State University Years in the marine industry: 4 Years Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies: American Honda Motor Company – Quality Engineering Manager What first drew you to the marine industry? I was initially drawn to the marine industry by its rapid evolution at the convergence of advanced technology, sustainability and user experience. This transition allowed me to build upon the technical foundation I developed within the automotive and power equipment sectors, while stepping into an arena defined by unique engineering and regulatory challenges. My time in automotive instilled the discipline of large-scale systems engineering, while the power equipment sector fostered a deep appreciation for product durability and real-world user needs. The marine industry synthesizes these disciplines in a way that is complex, compelling, and incredibly rewarding. What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? The most defining lesson has been the absolute necessity of strategic stakeholder collaboration. In a diverse and impartial ecosystem, understanding varied priorities and facilitating alignment is critical to driving meaningful progress. Both current and proposed regulations shape our landscape, and response and preparation require unified, proactive industry engagement across many types of stakeholders. Quantitative and qualitative insights inform our data-driven decisions, and we must constantly navigate competing priorities. Learning to balance an industry-wide, collaborative response with the realities of competition has been my greatest, and most rewarding, lesson to date. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? One of my most memorable achievements in the marine industry was successfully influencing regulatory policy by bringing real-world operational insights directly to decision-makers. I had the opportunity to present testimony that clearly articulated the downstream impact of proposed regulations- impacts that were not fully understood during the drafting process. By translating complex operational realities into compelling and actionable insights, I helped regulators recognize potential unintended consequences and adjust the regulation accordingly. Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry? Why or why not? Navigating a career in the marine industry certainly comes with its unique set of challenges, but my journey was made significantly smoother due to two critical factors: visibility and support from Yamaha. Being a part of an organization that actively champions my visibility helps to prepare and position me well to access and maximize key opportunities. Their unwavering support provides the resources and trust I need to succeed. A strong corporate culture is critical to long-term career success. How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? I hope to inspire other women in the marine industry simply by being visible, authentic and accessible in my journey. Representation matters. When women see someone who has successfully navigated challenges, built a robust career and who continues to evolve, it reinforces what is truly possible for their own pathway. Leadership is not just about visibility; it’ s about stewardship. I’ m deeply committed to sharing the insights I’ ve gained along the way by openly discussing both the successes and the challenges to help pave a smoother, more accessible road for those following behind me. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? My biggest piece of advice is to embrace the risk and take the chance, even when you do not feel entirely ready. Forgo being afraid to try new things and intentionally step into growth edge spaces. Even in the face of fear – I encourage them to take the chance. It’ s precisely in those moments of discomfort that you discover your true potential. By leaning into these challenges, you can accelerate your professional development and learn profound lessons about yourself as you evolve into a leader. What is your favorite place to go boating? For me, the perfect boating destination isn ' t a specific coordinate on a map, but rather a profound moment in time: it is that precise moment when land finally disappears from view. When you can no longer see the shore, it forces a beautiful reliance on yourself and your capabilities. In those spaces, I love to convene with the marine environment, whether that means navigating open water or exploring the vibrant, untamed world of reefs. Being entirely immersed in that vast environment is incredibly grounding. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? Outside of boating, I place a strong emphasis on maintaining a well-rounded and fulfilling life. I enjoy golfing, which provides both a competitive outlet and an opportunity to connect with others. Traveling is another passion of mine, as it allows me to experience new perspectives and cultures. I’ m also deeply committed to volunteer work because giving back to the community is important to me both personally and professionally. Staying active through regular exercise, including swimming, helps me maintain balance and focus. Additionally, I’ ve developed an appreciation for woodworking, which offers a creative and hands-on way to unwind.
www. boatingindustry. com june 2026
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