Elevating and supporting women across the recreational boating sector

The Soundings Trade Only Group’s Women in the Industry program elevates and supports women across the recreational boating sector through leadership visibility, education, and professional development.

The program features panels and events showcasing visionary female leaders from across the marine industry, alongside extraordinary female voices from outside the sector who bring fresh perspective, insight, and inspiration. Through virtual events, in-person panel discussions held at major industry events such as the Miami International Boat Show, and mentorship opportunities, the program provides a supportive environment to ask questions, build skills, and connect with peers — designed to enhance professional capabilities, expand networks, and further career opportunities.

These efforts are complemented by the Women in the Marine Industry International platform, co-produced with British Marine, Metstrade, and Marine Industry News, which adds a global dimension through annual panels and networking events at the Metstrade show, an active LinkedIn community, and collaborative initiatives like the Global Women’s Walk that celebrate contributions and promote diversity across the global marine industry.

Video archive

On-demand access to past programs

This page features a video archive of past Women in the Industry programs, offering on-demand access to insights and conversations from previous events.

2026

Changing Consumer Behavior and its Impact on the Marine Industry
February 13, 2026 · Miami, FL

Changing Consumer Behavior and its Impact on the Marine Industry

Featuring Stephanie Vatalaro, founder of WaveMaker Strategies and former COO of RBFF; Natascia Hatch, CEO of MJM Yachts; Abbey Heimensen, VP of Marketing at MarineMax; and Lauren Beckstedt, Global CMO at Brunswick Corporation, moderated by Michele Goldsmith, VP/GM of the Soundings Trade Only Group. Together they explored the forces reshaping today’s marine consumer — from shifting generational expectations to the growing influence of AI-driven research and omnichannel engagement.

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Inspiring Wellness: Mind, Body, Spirit with Rebecca Walsh
March 11, 2026

Inspiring Wellness: Mind, Body, Spirit with Rebecca Walsh

Rebecca Walsh is a former U.S. Army officer, outdoor leader, and breast cancer survivor who traded leading troops for leading a global movement of women into the outdoors. She is the founder of Hike Like A Woman, a community and guiding platform she launched in 2014 to help women replace self-doubt with “earned confidence” — the kind that comes from setting audacious goals and following through, even when the terrain gets uncomfortable.

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Building the Next Generation of Leaders
June 17, 2026

Building the Next Generation of Leaders

With panelists Carly Hysell, Associate Director of Global PR & Communications at Garmin; Victoria Low, CEO of the Magenta Project; and Caroline Carnahan, CEO & Co-Founder of Springfield Marine Group. Moderated by Michele Goldsmith.

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2025

Women in the Industry Panel Event at MIBS
February 14, 2025

Women in the Industry Panel Event at MIBS

Moderated by Michele Goldsmith, the panel included Michelle Hildyard, Vice President of Operations, Raymarine; Perissa Bailey, Vice President of Technology, Brunswick Corporation; and Amber C. Holm, Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Winnebago Industries.

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International Women’s Day Virtual Event
March 7, 2025

International Women’s Day Virtual Event

Moderated by Michele Goldsmith, the panel included Ann Baldree, Senior Vice President, Chaparral and Robalo Boats; Patricia Becker, Exhibition Manager, Metstrade; Carly Hysell, Associate Director of Public Relations, Garmin; and Megan Lagasse, Marine Director, Tavistock Development & Pier Sixty-Six Marina.

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2024

Women in the Industry Miami Event 2024
February 16, 2024

Women in the Industry Miami Event 2024

Moderated by Michele Goldsmith, the panel included Brenna Preisser, EVP and President Brunswick Acceleration, Chief Strategy Officer, Brunswick Corporation; Kim Sweers, “The Boat Boss,” Owner of FB Marine Group and Founder/Owner of Picked Cherries; and Ellen Bradley, Chief Brand Officer and SVP Marketing and Communications, National Marine Manufacturers Association.

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Avoiding Burnout
March 8, 2024 · International Women’s Day

Avoiding Burnout

With Melina Cordero, the Founder and President of P20, an advisory firm helping organizations build more inclusive, innovative cultures in a post-2020 world. The former Global Head of Retail Research and Managing Director at CBRE, she brings more than a decade of experience leading global teams and advising senior leaders. Melina holds degrees from Yale University, the London School of Economics, and Sciences Po, speaks three languages, and is based in Washington, DC.

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Understanding and Building Brands
June 13, 2024

Understanding and Building Brands

With Lauren Jones, an accredited Brand Architect, Strategist, and Specialist with a background spanning brand, design, and storytelling. Today, Lauren works with impact-focused leaders and founders to grow their organizations by clarifying their story, strengthening their brand presence, and meaningfully standing out in crowded markets.

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2023

Maximizing Time with Guides, Mentors, and Networks
June 14, 2023

Maximizing Time with Guides, Mentors, and Networks

Moderated by Michele Goldsmith, the panel included Ellen Bradley, Chief Brand Officer and SVP Marketing & Communications, NMMA; Michelle Dauchy, Vice President of Customer Experience at Mercury Marine; Michelle Otero Valdes, Attorney and Counsellor at Law; and Stevie Cook, Sales & Marketing Specialist, MRAA.

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Women in the Industry 2023 Leadership Panel
October 2, 2023

Women in the Industry 2023 Leadership Panel

Moderated by Women in the Industry Summit speaker and leader Alicia M. Rodriguez, the panel included Angela Pilkington, COO of Correct Craft; Abbey Heimensen, VP Marketing at MarineMax; Joan Maxwell, President of Regulator Marine; Malin Schwartz, SVP of Volvo Penta; Michelle Dauchy, VP Customer Experience at Mercury Marine; Shelley Tubaugh, VP Marketing at Grady White Boats; and Paulee Day, Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer at West Marine.

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The Women in the Marine Industry International event at METSTRADE
November 16, 2023

The Women in the Marine Industry International event at METSTRADE

Moderated by Michele Goldsmith, the panel included Gemma Gonzalez, Yachting Business Unit Director, Gruppo Boero; Laurie Louvier, Vice President Marketing, Dometic; Michelle Hildyard, Vice President Product Management & Business Development, Raymarine; Nicky Vaux, Partner & Business Development Manager, Empire Marinas Group, and host of The Boat Princess podcast; and Rachel Bridges, Director & General Manager, Cummins, Global Marine.

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2022

The Women in the Marine Industry International event at METSTRADE
November 16, 2022

The Women in the Marine Industry International event at METSTRADE

Moderated by Michele Goldsmith, the panel included Malin Schwartz, Senior Vice President, Volvo Penta; Nona Pedersen, General Manager, Propspeed; Delphine Planes, Vice President of Purchasing, Groupe Beneteau, Boat Division; Barbara Amerio, CEO PerMare Group; and Leontien Moulijn, Franchise Development Manager EMEA, Freedom Boat Club, a division of Brunswick.

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2021

Making Meaning in Your Life
June 3, 2021

Making Meaning in Your Life

With Alicia M. Rodriguez, an award-winning author, executive coach, and founder of Sophia Associates, who guides leaders and entrepreneurs toward purpose-driven growth. She is the award-winning author of The Shaman’s Wife, Everyday Epiphanies, and Manage Your Life Before Life Manages You, and leads transformative retreats that inspire self-discovery and lasting change.

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