Our Women Ambassadors

1. Chrysoula V. Patrikiou, Founder & CEO, Potentia World

2. Ayse Asli Basak, Port Captain at Mid-Ship Group | Co-founder, Shefarers Platform

Ayse Asli Basak, Port Captain in Turkey after her sailing career on Supramax bulk carrier ships and ashore as Safety Superintendent. As a certified Marine Inspector, handling supervision of steel scrap shipments in ports of France, Belgium and Turkey and scrap-steel operations on behalf of exclusive customers of Mid-Ship Group LLC. She is very active in Turkish maritime industry as Board Member of Turkish Chamber of Marine Engineers and Vice President of Young Entrepreneurs Council Networking Group in The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges TOBB, Turkey. Selected in “10 Women to Watch List in Shipping” by Young-Ship Oslo & Nor-Shipping venture in Jun’19 in Oslo, Norway. Invited being speaker at “Women Offshore Unite Conference” in Houston, US by IMO and Women Offshore Platform under UNDP as representative of Turkey. Awarded as “Young Gender Balanced Leader of the Year in 2019” by the Professional Women’s Network Global in Dublin, Ireland with her dedicated projects on women in shipping. She is the Co-Founder of “SheFarers Platform” in Turkey which is non-profit and aims to create awareness on women who work at sea and maritime work fields, to promote their careers on board and ashore with mentorship programs. She has Bachelor Degree in Maritime Transport Engineering from Istanbul Technical University, Master’s degree in International Trade & Logistics Management and completed Strategic Management & Innovation Specialization at Copenhagen Business School. She also conducted different academic researches and wrote articles on shipping finance, ship investment, strategic competitiveness of maritime companies, big data, digitalization and innovation in the shipping industry. She has attended many Hackathon events in the global with SheFarers team and her ‘dream project’ ‘SeaCode’ which is an Anti-Harassment App for women in maritime has become the Winner at Women in Maritime Hackathon in 2020 between 56 projects. SheFarers team is now in the developing process of the App with Shell UK team where the project is coordinated and invested by Shell and Hafnia together. Her innovative social projects for the maritime industry is attracted by Google and Medicat’s #SheMakes initiative in 2021 as she is selected between 15 Future Female Leaders in Turkey.

3. Maria Boile, Ph.D., Director MSc in Shipping Department of Maritime Studies, University of Piraeus | Head of Unit, Hellenic Institute of Transport, Center for Research and Technology Hellas | Affiliated Faculty, Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation, Rutgers University

I am a Professor of “Port and Inland Terminal Policy and Management”, Director of the MSc in Shipping and Director of the Quantitative Analysis in Shipping Laboratory, at the University of Piraeus, Department of Maritime Studies; Research Director of Transport Economics and Environment, Maritime and Air Transport, at the Hellenic Institute of Transport (HIT), Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH); and affiliated faculty with the Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) at Rutgers University, US. I have served academic education and research in both the U.S. and Europe, for seventeen and ten years respectively, from several high-level positions. During the course of my career, as a student, as professor in graduate and undergraduate programs, faculty advisor, research team leader and active member in the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) in the New York region, I have had the privilege to work with many highly talented and accomplished women professionals as well as with gifted young women seeking a career path in engineering, maritime transport, shipping or port management, professions where women are underrepresented. I had the honor of serving as a mentor to a few of them, which afforded me a recognition for demonstrated leadership and achievement in the profession and for excellence as a distinguished educator.

4. Chrysoula Argyrou, Legal Advisor, Potentia World

I was born, raised and live in ATHENS. I graduated from the Law School of Athens in 2003. I completed my internship and since 2005 I am a member of the Athens Bar Association. For several years, I worked in small law firms so, I had the opportunity to get familiar with many areas of law. Since 2014 I run my own law firm specializing in civil and commercial law. I have handled various cases and my clientele includes people and companies from both Greece and abroad. Law is my science and my daily routine but I remain an active citizen by participating in local political life trying to make a difference. Also, I have engaged with hobbies such as writing, yoga and playing the piano.

5. Capt. Gina Darsaklis, Captain Class ‘A”, Springfield Shipping Co. Panama

Cpt. Gina is a diversified and multilingual maritime Officer, she is active in shipping industry since 2007 and has 7 years sea service. Currently, she holds Captain License, her experience and qualities in combination with her studies are aligning with the demands of industry. Her studies are not limited in Maritime Industry, she also has a diversified academic background from several high ranked academic institutions including: a Bachelor degree In Shipping Law and Marine Insurance, TMSA relevant Studies and, Leadership certifications from HEC Paris and MIT, along with various certifications on Ships chartering and  cargo operations. Currently, she is attending the ICS’s shipping professional program. With a combination of strategic methodologies, formal training, and comprehensive hands-on experience, she well positioned to provide valuable analysis to aid in the development and maintenance of operational flow. Cpt. Gina is also a member of WISTA Hellas, Propeller Club of Piraeus, ALLY Energy and Women Offshore.

6. Katerina A. Mahera, Director of Sales Med l Africa Q88 Llc

Katerina has more than 20 years of experience in the maritime industry predominantly in Business Development / Sales and Commercial positions for a variety of shipping companies (Restis Group, Minerva Marine, and Central Marein & Seavent Tankers).  She has lived and worked in the United States where she held the position of Snr. Operations Manager for Hudson Analytix. She holds a Bsc Maritime Transport & Logistics, a Msc in Shipping Management and is a member of WISTA Hellas and Piraeus Propeller Club. In 2021 launched her new venture with her brother MaritimEvents.  Outside of the shipping world, she loves spending time with her 4 children and teaching yoga.

7. Eleni Letoni, Communications, Sales & Marketing Coordinator – Greece, Cyprus & Malta at Bureau Veritas

I was born in Athens in 1984 and grew up in the north part of Evia Island and as a result my childhood memories are inextricably linked with the sea. I moved to Athens in 2002 in order to study Business Administration at the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB). In 2006 I started working as Sales & Marketing Executive in a Luxury Goods import company and in 2007, a few months after graduating from University with Honors, I was promoted to Senior Brand Manager for Greece and Cyprus. In 2010 I moved to London and studied at City University, obtaining an MA at Cultural Policy and Management with Merit in 2011. I spent two years working as a Managing Director at a non-for-profit cultural foundation, organizing educational programs at schools, research projects on Modern Greek History, book editions and production of history documentaries. In 2013 I started my career in Shipping, joining the Bureau Veritas Piraeus team as a Sales & Marketing assistant. I had the privilege to be trained and work by the side of Mrs Paillette Palaiologou, a characteristic example and role model of a successful woman in Shipping. In 2018 I was promoted to Communications, Sales and Marketing Coordinator for Greece, Cyprus and Malta, a position I hold to this day.

8. Marta Ponis, Technical Director North Europe – RINA

I am a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer, truly passionate of shipping and committed to work in this industry for a better future of the next generations. I started my career as technical superintendent on board Ro Ro vessels, chemical tankers and bulk carriers. Then I passed to Safety & Quality up to DPA and CSO roles. Working for a medium/small Ship Management Company for my first 10 years of career, gave me the opportunity to learn and grow a lot. In 2014 I decided to move abroad and to join Stolt Tankers BV in Rotterdam as Project Manager of the New Building and Innovation department. I discovered there a complete new world of technologies, R&D and the famous ‘future fuels’. Being part of the shipping transformation toward zero carbon really motivated me. I worked at the project for LNG bunkering vessels for AVENIR and we took delivery of the first vessel in October 2020. LNG is not the solution for the zero carbon but indeed is a huge step forward and helping the technologies, the industries to look at alternative options. In the beginning of 2021 I decided to fully dedicate my profession to special projects and shipping decarbonization. This is when I joined RINA as Technical Director North Europe dedicated to future shipping projects. In the same time I had two beautiful children, now 2 and 5 years old. I am proud to work for their future and diversity integration is part of this. As a woman in shipping I strongly believe that mentoring and supporting each other is a must. But also that we need to be together in this, women and men.

9. Zoe Alexandra Upson, Director at Oceanblu Commodities Recruitment – Founder of WOMEN TOGETHER

10. Mitalee Sharma, Mental Health Counsellor , Coach and Consultant

Mental Health Counsellor , Coach and Consultant with an experience of working closely with people at Group and Individual level understanding their pain points at personal and professional front and helping them work through what needs to be addressed. I hold an expertise in working with people suffering from Addiction and Relationship issues helping them with coping strategies. I believe in partnering with people who look to transform their lives and relationships to improve their emotional wellbeing. I have an experience of working with corporate companies like Puma , Infosys and a reputed Organization Development (OD) and HR Strategy Consulting firm called Vernalis. I am a software engineer and professional social worker by degree. I am also a certified ICF coach and a counsellor. I believe in connecting with people genuinely at non-judgemental and humane level. I firmly believe that an individual should keep exploring themselves and work on themselves to become best versions of themselves.

11. Maria M. Tripolitis, General & Marketing Manager of PIRAEUS MARINE SERVICES S.A.

Maria M. Tripolitis is, since 2014, the General & Marketing Manager of PIRAEUS MARINE SERVICES S.A., a trading company located in Piraeus that offers technical services and spare parts to well established shipping companies across the globe. In 2019 it was assigned to her the position of General Manager of MARILIA IKE as well, a sister company of PMS S.A. Her first contact with the shipping industry was during her studies, where through her summer break she worked for two years at the cruise booking department for the account of Epirotiki Line of Mr. Potamianos. Apart from the above, since 2011 she also works as a Speech & Language Therapist at her private office in Agia Paraskevi. She and her siblings are also owners of a real estate management company of Airbnb apartments in Athens and Maria, as the director, is responsible for their management. Since September 2004 to June 2007 she studied Single Psychology in Cambridge and holds a second class Bachelor degree. Afterwards, she widened the scope of her studies and since September 2007 to June 2011 she studied Speech & Language Therapy in Edinburgh, where she became top of her class and received a first class Honors Bachelor degree. Her origins are from Chios island but she grew up in Agia Paraskevi in Athens. She is also the Special Secretary of the Chios Marine Club and member of the Propeller Club of Piraeus and of Wista Hellas. She is well known for her well-organized character, her determination, her persistence and her outgoing attitude. She loves her work and she enjoys to assist other people. She specializes in the Marketing and Human Resources departments and she is well recognized for her ability in promoting each company. Her goal is to improve PMS S.A. operational quality combined with team efficiency to gain the best outcome for their clients. Recognized as a business woman who deals with many different things in her daily routine (many people call her ‘multitasker’), her free time is limited due to her extremely demanding every day program, but when she is free, she loves to relax with aerial-silk workout and Pilates or participate in choreographies of contemporary dance.

12. Saleha Shaikh, Founder & Head Co-ordinator, MUI-WW

Founder & Head Coordinator at the Women’s Wing of the Maritime Union of India, the Welfare Arm for Seafarers’ families and designated cell for Women Seafarers, Saleha is spearheading a Community Support System for Merchant Navy families, where she is handling grievance redress, addressing harassment of members, offering guidance related to personal, family, work, financial and legal matters.   As a Certified Life Coach and Women Empowerment Facilitator, she is passionate about bringing changes in attitudes and mindsets in the maritime industry by way of educational seminars, debates and deliberations. Empathetic with high Emotional Quotient and excellent Interpersonal and Communication skills, she is an innovative individual, seeking to address challenges by way of strategic solutions. This innovative streak led her to establish and head the ‘Dynamic Consultants’, a Maritime Solutions company in Istanbul, Turkey. Winner of the Star Woman award in India, she was recently felicitated by the prestigious Nautical Institute, UK for her exemplary work for Merchant Navy families in India during the Covid induced pandemic. An avid reader, Saleha enjoys travel, photography and Soap Making.

13. Kelly Margariti, Operations Manager at Franman

7 years of experience in Maritime industry. Holds BA in Computer Science from University of Wales and MSc in Shipping from ALBA Graduate Business School. Born and raised in the island of Naxos and lives in Athens for the past 12 years. Specialize in Maritime Security regarding safeguard of cargo, crew and passengers in changing environments through High Risk Areas around the globe. Also focus on intelligence-led security risk management and compliance. Member of International Propeller club of the United States, Port of Piraeus & WISTA Hellas