Elpi Petraki
WISTA International (Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association) yesterday elected Elpi Petraki of WISTA Hellas as its new president at its annual normal assembly yesterday in Geneva, Switzerland.
The nominees for the place of president had been Elpi Petraki, operations, chartering & enterprise growth supervisor at ENEA Management, and Alexandra Anagnostis-Irons of WISTA USA, who’s founder and president of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., headquartered Total Marine Solutions.
WISTA International consists of 56 National WISTA Associations (NWA) and every one is represented by its president or a delegate at AGM and casts their vote for his or her nation’s alternative for the president.
“I am truly honored to have been elected as president of WISTA International,” stated Petraki. “Diversity and inclusion in maritime have by no means been within the highlight like at this time and while a lot has been achieved in current occasions, there may be nonetheless an amazing deal to be executed. WISTA International has a strong voice that have to be heard, persevering with to lift consciousness for the unimaginable contribution girls make to the trade.
“I look forward to working with the WISTA NWAs and other international bodies to address how our organization can support evolving objectives – such as decarbonization, digitalization and attracting new talent – and provide equal and equitable opportunities for all.”
The former President of WISTA International, Despina Theodosiou, who held the put up for a five-year time period with two consecutive mandates between 2017-2022, acquired a standing ovation on the assembly.
“After five years, the time has come for me to hang up my hat as President of WISTA International,” stated Theodosiou. “First, I’d like to say a huge thank you to the other members of the WISTA International Executive Committee, who have provided a tremendous amount of support over the years. Secondly, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to the Presidents of the 56 National WISTA Associations for entrusting me to continue to deliver WISTA’s mission. It has been a pleasure to work with you all.”
Noting that WISTA is dedicated to creating change, Theososiou continued,”Looking again on the work now we have achieved inside WISTA International, now we have made each alternative to encourage that change and degree the taking part in subject for everybody. As president, I had the privilege of working with many organizations to assist determine options and promote the advantages range can ship, together with the International Maritime Organization, APEC SEN, Maritime SheEO and the International Chamber of Shipping.
“WISTA was one of many founding companions of the European Commission’s Platform for Change and in 2018, we secured Consultative Status with the IMO. This was a big second for WISTA International, permitting us to formally contribute to discussions associated to rising capability inside the maritime trade by showcasing the unimaginable work girls are endeavor and offering the chance to debate range, inclusion and the empowerment of ladies with the administrations liable for shaping international maritime rules.
“WISTA has been working closely with the IMO to promote greater diversity and inclusion in the maritime industry, which has seen the two organizations collaborate on several initiatives, including the first Women in Maritime Survey. Furthermore, over the last five years, WISTA membership has continued to grow. The number of NWAs has increased from 39 to 56, with new representation established in parts of the world that are more challenging for women. This is down to the incredible amount of work and energy NWAs all around the world have put into addressing industry challenges, supporting others in the sector and being advocates for change. We should all be immensely proud of what we have achieved over the years, especially in light of the challenges faced during covid. WISTA and the drive to create a more diverse and sustainable maritime sector will continue to be a key focus for me moving forward, but for now, it’s time to pass on the baton to the next President of WISTA International Elpi Petraki and I wish her every success in her presidency.”
