Under the name “Propelling Them Forward,” Red MAMLa Dominican Republic, with the valuable collaboration of the Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM), organized a gathering dedicated to women’s leadership and participation in the maritime and port industry.

The event took place on Monday, September 7, at the Naval Officers’ Club of the Dominican Republic Navy, bringing together representatives of the Executive Committee and members of our association; national authorities; and professionals from companies and organizations connected to the maritime, port, and logistics sectors, including APORDOM, INPLOG, CMA CGM, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, A.P. Moller–Maersk, DP World, DR Trade, and HIT Puerto Río Haina, among others.

Ana Scarlen Ramírez Maldonado, Permanent Representative of Red MAMLa in the Dominican Republic, delivered a warm welcome message, followed by the panel “Propelling Them Forward: Dominican Maritime Women Yesterday and Today,” moderated by Commander Julissa Cordones Morillo, Honorary Member of Red MAMLa. The panel featured Roshelyn Mora Ricardo, Alternate Member; Carla Isabelle González Jiménez, Associate Member; and Nellys Sánchez, CEO of N&S Consulting.

The discussion brought forward professional experiences, challenges, and lessons learned that reflect the evolution of women’s participation in the Dominican maritime-port sector, as well as the importance of building networks capable of supporting and strengthening that growth. The participants also shared experiences and perspectives on the journey women have taken within an industry traditionally characterized by a predominantly male presence, placing particular emphasis on the opportunities that now exist to enter new professional, technical, and decision-making areas.

During the dialogue, Red MAMLa President Magdalena Santos particularly emphasized the need to bring the maritime industry closer to new generations of women and girls, showing them that it offers a broad field in which to build a professional career.

She also called for stronger support and collaboration among women, promoting a community made up of highly competent professionals. She emphasized that the goal should not simply be to obtain positions based on representation quotas, but to ensure genuine opportunities for entry and professional growth founded on skills and merit: “…we want the opportunity to belong to the industry and hold professional and senior management positions based on professional merit, because we deserve to be there.”

A vision shared by Julia Luz Marina Muñiz Suberví, President of the Board of Directors of the Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM), who encouraged participants to trust in their own abilities and be willing to take on challenges when new opportunities arise.

“Believe in yourselves; opportunities exist, they arise, and when they present themselves, we must accept the challenge and demonstrate the capabilities and professional value that make us deserving of positions of greater seniority and responsibility,” she said.

From the perspective of the Dominican Maritime Authority, Captain Plinio A. Ramírez Mejía, Commander of the Port Captaincy and Maritime Authority of the Dominican Republic Navy, highlighted the importance of moving toward increasingly greater female participation in the technical and operational areas of maritime activity.

In his remarks, he expressed his hope to: “…see more women serving as Port State Control Inspectors, conducting vessel inspections, and working aboard the ships and vessels of the Navy and throughout the maritime-port sector,” thus highlighting the importance of women’s empowerment in creating opportunities for growth in roles traditionally performed by men.

Finally, attendees participated in a networking session that provided an opportunity to continue the conversation, establish new connections, and share experiences.

More than simply a gathering, “Propelling Them Forward” left a message that extends beyond this event: to continue creating opportunities, connecting generations, and bringing together talent and expertise so that more women can find, develop, and advance their place within the maritime and port industry of Latin America.

#ProudlyMAMLa

Photography: @emmanuelvaldezp