The event will be hosted by Nicky Vaux, known to many as The Boat Princess — an industry champion, podcast host and co-owner of Australia’s Empire Marinas Group. A dynamic voice for women in the marine industry, she is a passionate advocate, experienced marina operator, and international speaker, bringing energy, insight and relatability to every conversation.

Nicky will lead a powerful and honest discussion with a panel of accomplished women from across the industry, offering the audience tangible insights and practical takeaways they can put into action straight away. 

Captain Claire Thompson - Commanding Officer, Aircraft Carrier - HMS Queen Elizabeth

Captain Claire Thompson has forged an extraordinary and distinguished career in the Royal Navy, commanding multiple vessels and undertaking critical operational deployments around the world. Her leadership experience spans conflict zones, strategic missions, and key shore-based appointments.

Currently serving as Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth — the UK’s flagship aircraft carrier — Claire brings compelling insight into leading under pressure, driving operational excellence, and challenging the norms of traditionally male-dominated environments.

Recognised with an OBE in 2022, her journey is one of determination, resilience, and inspiration.

Sarah Donohue - Marine Stuntwoman, Powerboat Champion, Conservationist, Speaker

With a career that fuses adrenaline and advocacy, Sarah is one of the marine world’s most fascinating voices. A former European powerboat champion, she is also a commercial diver, marine conservationist, motivational speaker and stuntwoman. Her latest work includes doubling for Cameron Diaz in the Netflix’s movie ‘Back in Action’ and serving as a stunt specialist for 007-themed productions.

Sarah also champions sustainability and youth education, advocating for ocean conservation through her diplomas in marine biology and environmental outreach. As one of the few women Commissioners in the UIM (Union Internationale Motonautique), she’s a role model for breaking boundaries in marine motorsport and beyond.

Claire Abraham - HR Officer, Navico Group (Brunswick Corporation)

With more than 20 years in marine operations, Claire now channels her passion for people and processes into HR at Navico Group – part of the Brunswick Corporation. She is an award-winning advocate for workplace inclusion and co-leads Brunswick’s Women on Water (WoW) Employee Resource Group, helping create a supportive and connected culture across the company.

In 2022, Claire was recognised with the WoW Inspiration Ambassador Award for her ongoing contributions to gender equity. A mother of two daughters, Claire brings both personal and professional perspective to the conversation on inclusive leadership and opportunity in the marine sector.

Kate O’Sullivan – Joint Managing Director and Owner, ADPR

Heading up the award-winning PR agency ADPR, Kate oversees a diverse client portfolio and a talented, close-knit team. With a career spanning global corporations, innovative start-ups and fast-growing SMEs, Kate is driven by a mission to help businesses thrive through the power of strategic storytelling and authentic engagement.

As a qualified Personal Performance Coach, she brings a unique blend of business acumen and mindset coaching to her work - supporting individuals to set bold goals and realise their full potential across career, wellbeing and life. Named in Southwest Business Insider’s ‘42 Under 42’ list of influential entrepreneurs, Kate brings expertise in strategic growth, people development, and storytelling that drives change.

New for 2025: Support Girls’ Education Worldwide

This year, Women in Marine joins forces with our sister event, Women in the Marine Industry International, to support Room to Read, a global non-profit organisation dedicated to ending illiteracy and gender inequality.

Through its Girls’ Education Program, Room to Read equips young women with the mentorship, resources, and life skills needed to complete their education and create brighter futures. We’re inviting all attendees to consider making a donation in support of this vital work.

To find out more and make a donation visit https://www.roomtoread.org/   

Together, we can help girls across the world stay in school and become the leaders of tomorrow.