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.
This page features a video archive of past Women in the Industry programs, offering on-demand access to insights and conversations from previous events.
Moderated by Michele Goldsmith, 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
Moderated by Michele Goldsmith, 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.
Moderated by Michele Goldsmith, panel included: Navico Group president and Brunswick Corp. chief technology officer Aine Denari, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit planning director Andrea Tetto, Barton Marine CEO Suzanne Blaustone, and Cannes Yachting Festival director Sylvie Ernoult.
Moderated by Michele Goldsmith, 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; Ellen Bradley, Chief Brand Officer and SVP Marketing and Communications, National Marine Manufacturers Association
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.
With Lauren Jones, an accredited Brand Architect, Strategist, and Specialist with a background spanning brand, design, and storytelling. From retail interiors and bespoke furniture to global brand activations and award-winning digital experiences, she has helped shape brands around the world. 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.
Moderated by Michele Goldsmith, panel included: Anne Dunbar, Executive Director of IBEX, North America’s leading marine trade show, Gabbi Richardson, Founder of Yachting Ventures, supporting startups in the leisure marine sector, Helena Lennerstedt, CEO of Humphree, a pioneer in marine technology innovation, Jemma Lampkin, Global Business Director at AkzoNobel Yacht Coatings (Interlux, International Paint, Sea Hawk), Rhoda Schnitzer, former Leadership & Culture Director at Lippert EMEA, keynote speaker, coach, and mentor.
Moderated by Michele Goldsmith, the panel included: Joan Maxwell, President and Co-Founder of Regulator Boats, and Kris Carroll, President of Grady White Boats
With Alicia Rodriguez.
Moderated by Michele Goldsmith, the panel included: Ellen Bradley, the Chief Brand Officer and SVP Marketing & Communications, NMMA; Michelle Dauchy, the Vice President of Customer Experience at Mercury Marine; Michelle Otero Valdes, Attorney and Counsellor at Law, Law Offices of Michelle Otero Valdes; and Stevie Cook, Sales & Marketing Specialist, MRAA.
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.
Moderated by Michele Goldsmith, 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; Rachel Bridges, Director & General Manager, Cummins, Global Marine.
With Alicia Rodriguez.
With Alicia Rodriguez and Michele Goldsmith.
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
With Alicia M. Rodriguez, an award-winning author, executive coach, and founder of Sophia Associates, who guides leaders and entrepreneurs toward purpose-driven growth. Her work blends storytelling, mindfulness, and intuitive insight, helping clients align their lives and work with what matters most. 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.
With Alicia Rodriguez and Michele Goldsmith, vice president and general manager of the Soundings Trade Only Group
With Alicia Rodriguez and Michele Goldsmith.
