Elizabeth Simenstad
About Elizabeth Simenstad
Elizabeth Simenstad is the founder of Sea Sisters, a nonprofit organization established in 2016 that promotes the recruitment and retention of women in the maritime industry. She also works as a Tractor Tug Operator Trainee at BAYDELTA MARITIME INC. and has extensive experience in various maritime roles.
Work at Sea Sisters
Elizabeth Simenstad has served as the Founder of Sea Sisters since 2016. Under her leadership, the organization became a tax-exempt nonprofit in 2019. Sea Sisters focuses on promoting the recruitment and retention of women in the maritime industry. The organization engages with the community through various initiatives and advocacy efforts aimed at supporting women in maritime careers.
Current Employment at BAYDELTA MARITIME INC.
Since 2019, Elizabeth Simenstad has been working at BAYDELTA MARITIME INC. as a Tractor Tug Operator Trainee. This role follows her previous position as a Deckhand at the same company from 2016 to 2019. Her experience in these roles contributes to her extensive background in maritime operations.
Education and Expertise
Elizabeth Simenstad graduated from the University of Washington in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Russian, Central European, East European, and Eurasian Studies. She furthered her maritime education at the Pacific Maritime Institute, completing the Workboat Academy from 2010 to 2012. She holds a USCG-issued 1600 Ton Master Upon Oceans and a Master of Towing Upon Oceans license.
Background in Maritime Industry
Elizabeth Simenstad has a diverse background in the maritime industry, having worked in various roles. She served as Chief Mate at Crowley Maritime from 2014 to 2016 and as 2nd Mate from 2013 to 2014. Additionally, she worked as a Deckhand at Foss Maritime Company from 2010 to 2012. Her extensive experience spans multiple locations, including Valdez, Alaska, Jacksonville, Florida, and Seattle, Washington.
Advocacy and Community Engagement
Elizabeth Simenstad is actively involved in advocacy for legislative changes in the maritime industry. She has written about the impact of personal and health struggles on her maritime career, including her experiences with pregnancy loss. Through personal essays and updates on the Sea Sisters website, she aims to destigmatize discussions about mental health struggles and engage with the community.