- Established in May 2018, this National Wista Association was built to complement our already outstanding Latin-American Wista Associations, as part of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International). Aiming to raise the participation of women in the maritime sector, ensure female professional progresss, and lead the empowerment of women around the world. All topics that are currently in the eye of all International Organizations. Including the commitment to eradicate all forms of discrimination and gender gaps that might still exist in the modern world. Wista comprises a remarkable network of women occupying executive and leading positions with presence all over the world. Over 6,000 female professionals, all working together to support and assist each other to reach common goals and to guarantee a more even future for the next generation of women.
- WISTA USA, founded in 1997, is among the largest National WISTA Associations (NWAs) worldwide, with 900 members spread across twelve regional Chapters: Connecticut; Delaware River & Bay Area; Florida; Great Lakes/Midwest; Hampton Roads; New England; New Orleans; New York / New Jersey; the Pacific Northwest (Alaska, Washington, and Oregon); Texas; Washington, DC Metro; and West Coast (California and Hawai’i). WISTA USA members represent all facets of the maritime industry, including shipowners, charterers, operators, brokers, bankers, insurance professionals, attorneys, analysts, and government officials. WISTA USA’s main goals are providing networking and educational opportunities for our members. In pursuit of these objectives, our various regional Chapters hold periodic meetings, seminars, and social gatherings throughout the year, occasionally in conjunction with larger marine industry events. In addition, the WISTA USA Annual General Meeting takes place each spring, and the International Conference, open to all WISTA members worldwide, takes place each fall. All of these events – whether local, regional, national, or international – provide tremendous networking and educational opportunities for our members and thereby enhance the benefits of membership in the organization. Visit WISTA USA online at https://wistausa.com
Creada en 1974, la Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International) es una organización global que conecta a mujeres ejecutivas y tomadoras de decisiones en todo el mundo. WISTA International sirve como conector para su red de más de 6.000 mujeres profesionales de todos los sectores de la industria marítima.
62 países apoyan una Asociación Nacional WISTA (NWA), cada uno de los cuales a su vez es miembro y está guiado por WISTA Internacional. Las NWA brindan redes nacionales y regionales, oportunidades comerciales y de desarrollo de habilidades, visibilidad corporativa y también facilitan las relaciones dentro de la industria. A escala global, los miembros de WISTA tienen acceso a una red increíblemente diversa de ejecutivos en el campo del envío y el comercio a quienes pueden llamar para obtener referencias, conexiones, consejos o colaboraciones comerciales. WISTA Uruguay fue fundada en 2008 por la Sra. Karen, Solveig y Kirsten Schandy, la Dra. Gabriela Vidal y la Sra. Nadia Nedelchev, y fue la primera NWA fundada en América Latina y Sudamérica. Empezamos con 5 miembros y hoy somos 35 miembros y seguimos aumentando. Tenemos el honor de contar con nuestra Vicepresidenta Beatriz Argimón, como Miembro de Honor. El Puerto de Montevideo es una bahía natural y está estratégicamente ubicado sobre el Río de la Plata. Es la principal puerta de entrada al MERCOSUR (Mercado Común del Sur) compuesta por Argentina, Paraguay, Brasil y Uruguay, y el principal hub de la región. El año 2023, la Asamblea General Anual se llevó a cabo en Uruguay coincidiendo con nuestro cumpleaños número 15. Podemos afirmar que dicho AGM resultó un éxito: compartimos días de interesantes exposiciones del ámbito marítimo regional, networking, eventos culturales, finalizando con un gran festejolleno de actividades. En nombre de WISTA Uruguay agradecemos la importante convocatoria de miembros de diferentes países. Si necesita contactarnos, envíe su mensaje a wistauy@gmail.com. ¡Gracias!
- Formed in 1974, the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International) is a global organisation connecting female executives and decision-makers around the world. WISTA International serves as a connector for its network of more than 6,000 female professionals from all sectors of the maritime industry. 62 countries support a National WISTA Association (NWA), each of which in turn is a member of and is guided by WISTA International. NWAs provide in-country and regional networking, business and skill-building opportunities, corporate visibility, and also facilitate relationships within the industry. On a global scale, WISTA members have access to an incredibly diverse network of executives in the shipping and trading field on whom they can call for referrals, connections, advice or business collaborations.
- On 29th and 30th of May of 2009, all the board members of WISTA International were in Turkiye in order to support the Turkish women from different areas of the marine sector who have been working for a long time to establish a WISTA branch in Turkiye. WISTA decided to hold this year’s annual board meeting in Turkiye on 29th of May in order to support the newly founded WISTA Turkiye. The main goal of the association is to allow women working in this industry to share their day-to-day problems, experiences and ideas by creating solidarity. Since the members of this organization come from diverse areas of the marine sector, the opportunity and freedom of seeing someone else’s point of view on various events are provided.
- WISTA The Netherlands Welcome to WISTA The Netherlands – a vibrant community of women shaping the future of the maritime industry.
As part of the global WISTA International network, we bring together female professionals in leadership and decision-making roles across all maritime sectors—from shipping and shipbuilding to finance, law, offshore, and logistics. Together, we build connections, exchange knowledge, and support one another in driving meaningful change. Who We Are Founded in 2000, WISTA The Netherlands now proudly includes nearly 200 members, all active in management-level positions across the Dutch maritime sector. Our members represent a diverse range of disciplines, ages, and experiences—but what unites us is a shared commitment to empowering women and advancing the maritime industry. What We Stand For At WISTA The Netherlands, we aim to:
- Inspire, energize, and empower women across the maritime sector
- Promote competence, leadership, and visibility of women at every career stage
- Attract new talent and make maritime a compelling career path for the next generation
- Foster open, transparent communication and manage expectations in a supportive environment
- Explore new forms of leadership and influence that reflect today’s evolving workplace
- Maintain the quality and integrity of our network while embracing innovation and change
- A broad and diverse national network across the maritime value chain (shipping, ports, offshore, shipbuilding, services, law, finance, and more)
- Direct links to 5,100+ professionals in 60+ countries via WISTA International
- Exclusive access to company visits, workshops, speaker events, and networking opportunities
- A platform for career development, mentorship, and visibility
- Invitations to the WISTA International Conference, where 300–400 professionals gather to share insights on innovation, sustainability, leadership, and maritime trends
- Monthly newsletters, curated content, and an online member directory to help you stay connected and informed
- Maritime officer with onboard employment
- Leading business (department) and/or transformation
- Researcher/expert in any subject within maritime
- Completed 3 years of active YOUNG WISTA membership
- Recommendation from another WISTA member (incl. motivation by this WISTA member)
- YOUNG WISTA is our membership for aspiring members who have prospects of and/or the opportunity to progress to an influential/leadership position.