September 2021
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY Patricia Velasquez Commercial Director, Macosnar Corporation Tell our readers about your current work. What exactly do you do? I work in my family’s business, Macosnar Corporation (Marine Consultants, Surveys and Naval Register). It is a Recognized Organization and Classification Society authorized by the Panama Maritime Authority and other Maritime Administrations. We have a law firm, Maritime Lawyers Bureau, where I also work, which provides all types of legal services to the maritime industry. We assist renowned clients across Asia, Europe and America, providing top-tier solutions related to Ships Registration, Corporate and Financing as well as International Fishing Licenses and Registration in Regional Fisheries Management Organizations. I am currently an ISO Project Leader for the TC8 WG14 for Empowering Women in the Maritime Industry and a member of the Board of Directors of the Panama Maritime Authority.
What have been some make or break moments in your career?
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One of the breaking glass ceiling moments was when my sister and I became Directors of the company, at an early age, empowered by my father to make business decisions independently; and also focusing in the marketing area that enlarged the scope of services we offered, making our company a maritime one-stop-shop offering solutions in surveys, technical and legal consultancy, certifications and trainings.
Why is gender balance and having a more diverse workforce important, especially in senior management teams? Men and women have different strengths. Together they bring excellent contributions to the board as in ideas, perspectives and experiences which widens viewpoints and opens dialogue. That can also translate into creating richer solutions, obtaining better results and maximizing productivity, innovation and creativity leading to better ways to solve problems in companies.
What one piece of advice would you give any aspiring women leaders reading this?
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