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career pro? le at a certain point, women have to ? gure out how to navigate the world and across the many different sectors of our indus- around those obstacles. I have never been a fan of quotas; they try – from ship owners and operators to charterers, managers, are well-intended but can set people up for failure.” agents, suppliers, insurers, brokers, and attorneys. Add to this

Harrison continues, “I don’t want an opportunity just be- the fact that WISTA has a presence in 34 countries (and count- cause I’m a woman. I want to earn it – and if I don’t, the ing), and you can just imagine the opportunities for network- opportunity should go to someone who does. My biggest chal- ing that the organization offers. Many of these women, none lenge has been overcoming the fear of being wrong. That fear of whom I would know were it not for WISTA, have become stymies growth. I’m still working on the biggest success part; my good and trusted friends and mentors. And I actually got hopefully it lies ahead.” my ? rst job at Crowley through a WISTA connection.”

For women aspiring to the maritime industry, Parker Har- Beyond her personal engagement, Harrison also points to rison’s advice is simple: Never, ever pass up an opportunity to the value that WISTA brings the global maritime community learn. She adds, “The people you will meet along the way all at large. She explains, “Shipping seems to be a peculiarly frag- come from different backgrounds and have different experi- mented industry in which like entities with similar interests ences, styles, and perspectives, each of which can be valuable tend to stick together but do not always relate well to mem- to you. Never say ‘that’s not my job’, even if you think it isn’t, bers of other groups. WISTA provides a forum that transcends and do not get down into the mud when disputes arise (and those invisible divisions and allows women in the many differ- they will). Be respectful but don’t be a pushover. Do not take ent segments of the industry from around the globe to connect yourself too seriously. And remember that good humor is as in a way that no other organization does.” She continues, and effective as anything when it comes to breaking the ice, per- asks, “How else, for instance, might an SSQE professional in suading people to buy in, and ultimately getting results.” the Paci? c Northwest meet and have the opportunity to in-

As Parker Harrison is concerned, the opportunities are there teract with the CEO of a Dutch ship owning and managing for the taking. But, she says, “You have to know they’re there, company? Those lives are not otherwise likely to intersect, but and the biggest challenge to attracting talent to our industry WISTA provides the platform that makes those connections is the fact that most people either don’t know it exists or just possible.” don’t understand how important it is to their lives. I think that our industry as a whole does a poor job of marketing itself to Looking Back & Ahead the general public. As a result, young men and women search- Parker Harrison’s well-rounded education and varied career ing for a good career have no idea of the opportunities available path have delivered the Crowley Vice President to an enviable to them in our industry. This needs to change. I’ve often won- position in industry, but that doesn’t stop her from wondering dered why our industry doesn’t do Public Service Announce- what might have been or what more she can learn. “I do wish ments the way the coal, natural gas, and oil industries do.” I had sailed, though; having the real world experience would have provided invaluable perspective,” she admits, and along

The WISTA Connection with that says, “I’m thinking about arranging a ride-along on

As WISTA USA’s Membership Secretary, a member of the one of our ships to get an idea of what our of? cers and crews

Board of Directors and the current WISTA USA Nominations deal with on the job. That’s one of the great things about work-

Committee Chair, Parker Harrison is heavily invested in this ing for Crowley – the learning never stops.” group and clearly believes in its value to the maritime commu- Summing up a personal and professional life is pretty hard nity. It is also a major time commitment – one which Harrison to do. Arguably, it is impossible. Nevertheless, we asked Park- does not shy away from. “I believe so strongly in WISTA’s er Harrison to take a stab at it. Her response neatly describes mission – the advancement of quali? ed and talented women what drives most us – regardless of gender – to the waterfront in the maritime industry – that the time investment is one I’m in the ? rst place. “Each day, I get the opportunity to work with happy to make,” she says, adding “We are contributing to the dynamic, talented, and driven people in an industry that I ? nd advancement of our industry by building a formidable network endlessly fascinating. There is always more to learn, so it is of talented, competent, and successful women in shipping.” never boring. Who could resist that? I am also intrigued by the

WISTA is a networking organization for women at manage- fact that our industry is largely invisible, despite how vital it ment level in the maritime industry. For Parker Harrison, how- is to the world economy generally and our everyday lives in ever, WISTA has meant so much more. “The connections and particular.” You get the idea that Harrison is already ? guring friends I have made in and through WISTA are unmatched; no out how to turn the last part around. If so, we wouldn’t bet other organization offers the same caliber of people around against her. 26 Maritime Professional 3Q 2015| | 18-33 Q3 MP2015.indd 26 9/18/2015 9:46:10 AM