For much of maritime history, the women helping to keep the industry moving were rarely the ones standing in the spotlight.They coordinated operations, managed logistics, developed policy, mentored young professionals and led organisations through periods of change. Their influence was often substantial, but not always visible.On June 6, however, the spotlight belonged entirely to them.As the Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) Jamaica Chapter celebrated its tenth anniversary at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel, the occasion became more than an awards ceremony. It was a celebration of progress, a recognition of excellence, and a powerful reminder of how far women have come in one of the world's most traditionally male-dominated industries.The women honoured represented different generations, different disciplines and different stages of their careers. Yet together, they told a single story: one of barriers broken, opportunities created and leadership that continues to reshape Jamaica's maritime sector."This year's awards are a powerful affirmation of the excellence and leadership of Jamaica's women in maritime," said WiMAC Jamaica President Valrie Campbell."Each awardee reflects the progress we are making to ensure women are visible, valued and leading at every level."The evening also carried special significance as WiMAC Jamaica marked a decade of advocacy, mentorship and professional development. Over the past ten years, the organisation has worked to expand opportunities for women across the maritime industry while building a community of support for both established professionals and emerging leaders.Few individuals embody that journey more clearly than Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester, recipient of the Excellence in Maritime Leadership Award.A respected shipping executive, President of the Shipping Association of Jamaica, Chair of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica and Chief Executive Officer of Seaboard Freight and Shipping Jamaica Limited, Robertson-Sylvester has spent decades helping to shape the industry both locally and regionally. Her election as the first female President of the Caribbean Shipping Association in 2003 remains a landmark achievement in regional maritime history.Yet despite her many accomplishments, her message on receiving the award focused firmly on those coming behind her."To the young women here, and those who are just beginning to find their footing in this industry: you are exactly where you are meant to be," she told the audience."This sector needs your talent, your perspective and your ambition."That focus on creating pathways for others was reflected throughout the evening's awards.The Impact Award was presented to Jodi Munn-Barrow, Secretary General of the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control, whose work over the past sixteen years has strengthened maritime safety, environmental protection and regulatory compliance throughout the Caribbean.While much of her work takes place at the policy and governance level, its effects are felt throughout the region."The Impact Award for me is just knowing that the work that I do has an impact with respect to protecting our seafarers, protecting the marine environment and making shipping much safer for the Caribbean," she said.For Kemica Young, recipient of the Rising Star Award, the recognition represented a different stage of the leadership journey.Young's career at Kingston Wharves Limited began in 2015 as a seasonal warehouse worker. Through determination, resilience and a commitment to excellence, she steadily advanced through the organisation's ranks, becoming Warehouse Manager earlier this year and the first woman in the company's history to hold the position.The evening's Unsung Hero Award honoured another vital dimension of industry success.Bulah McCain, administrative officer at Seaboard Freight and Shipping Jamaica Limited, was recognised for nearly four decades of dedicated service and professional excellence. Her award highlighted a reality often overlooked in discussions about leadership: industries succeed because of the countless professionals whose work happens quietly and consistently behind the scenes."Administrative work often happens behind the scenes," McCain noted. "This recognition brings visibility to the critical role that office professionals play in sustaining the industry's effectiveness."The evening also included a special recognition for Nicole Wickham, founding member and immediate past president of WiMAC Jamaica, whose leadership helped guide the organisation through some of its most challenging periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic.As WiMAC Jamaica enters its second decade, Campbell says the organisation remains focused on expanding opportunities, strengthening professional pathways and championing the next generation of women leaders.If the first ten years were about creating space, the next ten may be about something even more significant: ensuring that women's leadership in maritime is no longer remarkable because it has become expected.