IYRS new Women’s Maritime Leadership Academy for Next Generation of Women Leaders

IYRS School of Technology & Trades today announced the Women’s Maritime Leadership Academy (WMLA), the first signature program of the IYRS Maritime Leadership Institute (MLI). Launching in 2027, the six-month leadership experience will bring together women from across maritime and related industries to strengthen their leadership capabilities, expand their professional networks, and prepare for greater leadership responsibility.

The Academy responds to a significant talent and leadership pipeline opportunity across the maritime sector. According to the 2024 IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey, women represented just under 19% of the maritime workforce sampled and only 16% of the surveyed private-sector workforce, excluding seafarers. As employers work to attract, retain, and develop the talent needed for the future, WMLA will help strengthen the pipeline by preparing more women to advance into positions of increasing responsibility and leadership.

“The maritime industry needs a strong pipeline of talented leaders ready to navigate change, lead people, and drive organizations forward,” said Kristin Urbach, Managing Director of the IYRS Maritime Leadership Institute. “WMLA is designed to help close that talent pipeline gap by investing in women who are ready to grow. We are combining leadership development, self-awareness, mentoring, industry connections, and practical application so participants leave prepared to take the helm of their next leadership opportunity.”

Designed for emerging and mid-career professionals, WMLA will combine leadership development, individual self-awareness, structured industry mentoring, peer learning, and real-world workplace application. Participants may represent boatbuilding and repair, marine technology, advanced composites and manufacturing, shipyards, ports and waterfront operations, marine trades, education and training, government, supply chain, professional services, and other industries connected to the maritime within the blue economy.

The Academy will take participants through a progressive leadership journey—from Setting the Course and understanding themselves as leaders to Leading the Crew, Navigating Change, Expanding the Horizon, and Charting What’s Next. Participants will strengthen skills in communication, team leadership, strategic thinking, decision-making, change management, executive presence, stakeholder engagement, and career advancement.

The program will be anchored by two immersive three-day leadership experiences at IYRS on Newport Harbor, beginning with a May intensive focus on leading self and others and concluding with an October Lead Forward Leadership Summit. Between the Newport sessions, participants will engage in leadership development, workplace application, peer learning, and structured mentoring with accomplished leaders from maritime and related industries.

“IYRS has always been focused on preparing people with the skills industries need, and the Women’s Maritime Leadership Academy extends that commitment from technical education into leadership development,” said Kern Maass, President of IYRS School of Technology & Trades. “Developing the next generation of leaders is essential to building a strong maritime workforce. By connecting talented women with leadership development, mentors, industry expertise, and the extraordinary maritime community here in Newport, we can help employers build the leadership pipeline they need for the future.”

Participants will complete the Academy with a personalized Leadership Action Plan, an expanded professional network, a meaningful mentoring relationship, and practical strategies they can immediately apply within their organizations. For employers, WMLA provides an opportunity to invest in high-potential talent while strengthening leadership development, succession, engagement, and retention.