This is the first in a two-part series celebrating women chasing their dreams from sea to sky in honor of Women’s History Month. The second section features women flying in aviation careers.

To celebrate Women’s History Month, the Port of Seattle caught up with four Pacific Northwest-based women who made a splash in the maritime industry and shared it all on their social media channels. We look forward to women with a bright future in the industry. With enviable photos documenting their worldwide adventures at work, these women offer a glimpse of where a career in maritime can take you. Read on (and follow along) to learn about their journeys, what they love about their jobs and industries, and their advice for other women looking to make the leap.

Bri Dwyer, @bri.dwyer, commercial fishing photographer

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a commercial and lifestyle photographer in the commercial fishing industry. My journey in commercial fishing began in 2015 when I moved to Dutch Harbor, Alaska and has evolved into this amazing career where I get to share this unique industry through visual storytelling.

2. How long have you worked in the fishing industry and what was your journey into your current role?

I started working on boats in 2017 as a deckhand on a tender during the salmon season in Bristol Bay. I happened to have a camera with me and fell in love with photographing fishermen. My work as a deckhand was short-lived and I became known as a photographer in the industry after that. My experience working on boats helped me along the way, because I was a trusted friend of the industry and some fishermen could relate to behind the camera. I have been fortunate enough to have the access I have to various fishing and coastal communities.

3. What has surprised you the most about the maritime industry?

The maritime industry employs some of the most hardworking and humble individuals. I am always inspired by the dedication to conservation, the respect for the harvest and the unique relationship with the water everyone seems to have. Something about the salty air gives a deep connection to the sea.

4. What would you say to young women who are interested in getting started in maritime?

For young women interested in the maritime industry, there are so many ways the water can take you. Be open to all possibilities and maintain strong relationships.

McKenna Peterson, @mck_p, Commercial fishing

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a professional big mountain skier, commercial fisherman and captain of the F/V Atlantis.

2. How long have you worked in the fishing industry and what was your journey into your current role?

I grew up on my father’s fishing boat, the F/V Atlantis, purse seining for salmon in Alaska and sardines off the coast of Washington. I have been fishing all my life. In 2017 I took the helm of Atlantis and have been running the operation ever since, fishing for salmon in Southeast Alaska. Fishing and family go hand in hand. My sister, Dylan, is my first mate; we keep the operation going together.

3. What has surprised you the most about the maritime industry?

Having spent over 30 years on a boat (six as captain) I am constantly amazed at how much more there is to learn. My mind is always engaged. I don’t think fishing will ever become monotonous work and that’s what I love about it.

4. What would you say to young women who are interested in getting started in maritime?

Working in the maritime industry is a beautiful way to earn a living. The work is engaging and challenging, and there is always something new to learn. Being at sea is empowering in a way that leads to independence and self-confidence, and gives you tools that you can use in all aspects of life. If you are the type of woman who enjoys hard work in an exciting environment, I recommend looking into the maritime industry.

Rachel Pagonis, @rachelmayatsea, Cruise Safety Officer

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a cruise ship safety officer, which means I am third in command and responsible for the readiness of the ship, all firefighting and lifesaving safety equipment, and everything else related to onboard safety.

2. How long have you worked in the cruise industry and what was your journey into your current role?

I started working on cruise ships in 2016 with Celebrity Cruises and have been with them ever since. They gave me the opportunity to come and work for them as a newly qualified officer of the watch after completing my three year cadetship. It was then a combination of gaining experience on board and then returning to Maritime School to get my chief mate’s licence, and after that, my captain’s licence, which allowed my promotions through third, second, first, chief, and now safety officer.

3. What surprised you the most about the maritime industry?

To this day, I am amazed at the size and scope of the maritime industry. In addition to the 80,000 merchant ships on the water that all require crew, there are millions of people who work for the industry either directly or indirectly – from those working for the ports, to the supply of the ships, logistics, insurance, law, training, etc. It really blows me away.

4. What would you say to young women who are interested in getting started in maritime?

I would say exactly the same thing to any young woman as I would to a young man, because gender does not define your ability to pursue a seafaring career. Do your research, ask questions, understand what is involved and be honest with yourself if you are able to cope with the negatives of the job – long periods away from home, potential seasickness, long hours etc. If you are, then I can guarantee that the positives far outweigh the negatives – travel the world, take responsibility from a young age, earn high salaries and do rewarding work with clear progression routes, to name just a few!

Esther Young, @biosail, sailor

1. Tell me a little about yourself.

I love traveling by sailboat and using the wind to explore the world.

2. How long have you been sailing and how was your trip?

I have wanted to sail since I was a child, but getting to where I am now was a long road. I’m from a small town near the Great Lakes and Finger Lakes in New York, and I often saw sailboats out on the water. No one in my family sailed or was interested in it. I had a friend tell me about living on a sailboat and traveling, and I think that’s when the seed was planted. It seemed like an inaccessible activity with an entry cost I couldn’t afford. In college I met a friend whose family had a Lightning sailboat and we went sailing every time I visited. Pulling away from the dock with sails felt like magic; I was hooked.

When I was in Seattle in 2010, I found a whole sailing community as well as people who had sailed around the globe. I learned that sailing might be available to me after all. In 2017 I started looking for sailboats to buy and available mooring. Everything fell into place quickly after that. In 2019 I had a sailboat and a slip!

3. What has surprised you the most about the maritime industry and the sailing environment?

The sailing cruising community is incredible and global! The female cruising community is also fantastic and welcoming! People want to help and they look after each other. I was surprised to learn that this is not just a Seattle community; it is a global community. You can be anywhere and sailors will come together to help each other.

4. What would you say to young women who are interested in getting started in maritime and/or learning to sail?

Go for it! Taking a sailing course will teach you the basics of sailing and introduce you to others who are interested in sailing. Talk to people and ask questions. Join the sailboat racing groups. They ALWAYS seem to need crew. Attend community events such as slideshows and fundraisers. Don’t give up and get some affordable foulies, comfortable boots and gloves!