IYRS School of Technology & Trades has announced the Women’s Maritime Leadership Academy (WMLA), a new six-month program to develop women leaders across the maritime industry and related sectors.
The academy will launch in 2027 as the IYRS Maritime Leadership Institute’s (MLI) first signature program, bringing together emerging and mid-career professionals for leadership development, mentoring, peer learning, and practical workplace application.
The program addresses what IYRS describes as an opportunity to strengthen the maritime industry’s talent and leadership pipeline. According to the 2024 IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey, women accounted for just under 19% of the maritime workforce sampled and 16% of the surveyed private-sector workforce, excluding seafarers.
“WMLA is designed to help close that talent pipeline gap by investing in women who are ready to grow,” said Kristin Urbach, managing director of the IYRS Maritime Leadership Institute. “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.”
Participants may come from 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 sectors connected to the blue economy.
The curriculum will progress from “Setting the Course” and developing self-awareness as a leader to “Leading the Crew,” “Navigating Change,” “Expanding the Horizon,” and “Charting What’s Next.” Topics will include communication, team leadership, strategic thinking, decision-making, change management, executive presence, stakeholder engagement, and career advancement.
The academy will include two, three-day immersive sessions at the IYRS campus on Newport Harbor. The first, scheduled for May 2027, will focus on leading oneself and others, while an October “Lead Forward Leadership Summit” will conclude the program. Between the in-person sessions, participants will take part in leadership development, workplace application, peer learning, and structured mentoring with leaders from the 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 leave the academy with a personalized Leadership Action Plan, an expanded professional network, a mentoring relationship, and strategies for applying their leadership skills within their organizations. IYRS said the program will also give employers an opportunity to invest in high-potential talent while supporting leadership development, succession planning, engagement, and retention.
Applications and additional details for the inaugural 2027 academy are expected to be announced shortly.
