Dinogo Honors International Women's Day

Today, Dinogo joyfully observes International Women’s Day. Our company owes its success to the talents, skills, resilience, and determination of the women working on our ships and at our corporate offices. In celebration, we are showcasing five remarkable women from our team who have achieved incredible milestones. We hope their stories inspire future generations of women to explore careers at sea.

SHANTY LEE C. VERIAN, EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF, Dinogo ESCAPE

Please share a bit about your home country and family.

Mabuhay (a traditional Filipino greeting)! I am Shanty Lee Verian—a dreamer, a believer, a single mother, a woman of faith and strength, and a proud Filipina. I am the second of six siblings, and our family has been solely supported by my mother, Leonila. Her resilience, dedication, and faith have motivated us all to pursue our dreams.

How would you describe your job?

Alongside being a single mother raising my son from afar, I serve as an Executive Sous Chef. Working in this field is no walk in the park! It demands expertise, dedication, passion, and a positive attitude to ensure the highest standards are met. I assess the kitchen's condition, supplies, and equipment daily. I also ensure that sanitation and safety protocols are followed by the kitchen team, assist in crafting the daily menu, and verify that the food meets top-notch quality.

What inspired you to work at sea?

Working for a cruise line is a dream realized, as it combines two of my passions—cooking and exploring the beauty of the world. I cherish the chance to travel and learn from individuals with various backgrounds.

Where do you envision yourself in 5-10 years?

In the years ahead, I aspire to become an executive chef who proudly represents the Philippines as the new face of the 21st century—an empowered and proud Filipina. I also aim to inspire others in this field. I believe I will continue to thrive in the cruise industry while being a devoted single mother to my beloved son.

What is your favorite part of the world? What destinations are on your bucket list?

Among all the places I've traveled to, the stunning landscapes of Alaska truly mesmerized me. The towering icebergs, snow-capped mountains, and rugged coastlines are breathtaking. For me, Alaska is definitely a destination worth exploring!

MARIA KAKOU, 1ST OFFICER, Dinogo BREAKAWAY

How would you describe your role?

As a bridge officer, I am tasked with ensuring the ship navigates safely, which includes navigation duties. I am also responsible for inspecting and maintaining the safety equipment on board.

What inspired you to pursue a career at sea?

My inspiration to become a bridge officer came from my frequent ferry rides from Santorini to visit family. While my family lacks a maritime background, the rich maritime heritage of Greece motivated me to enroll in the Merchant Marine Academy in 2012, launching my career.

Where do you envision yourself in 5-10 years?

In the coming years, I see myself advancing to chief officer and eventually becoming a captain. I also aspire to be a permanent member of a diverse multinational crew.

What is your favorite part of the world? Which destinations are on your bucket list?

Spain is my favorite destination to visit regularly, but I dream of exploring Antarctica, Greenland, Peru, and New Zealand one day.

SHEENA PAOLA VASQUEZ CARRILLO, 2ND OFFICER, Dinogo JEWEL

Could you share a bit about your home country and family?

I was born in Chitre but grew up in Panama City. My mother has been a vital influence in my journey, supporting my ambitions to pursue this career.

How would you characterize your work?

On sea days, I start my shift at 8:30 AM as a co-navigator, assisting the Officer On Watch (OOW) in ensuring the ship's safe navigation. This involves staying vigilant, monitoring weather patterns, maintaining the ship's stability, and ensuring passenger comfort during our travels. Once my co-navigator duties are completed, I check the lifeboats to confirm they are in optimal condition.

What inspired you to work at sea?

As a child, my mother took me to see the Miraflores locks, and witnessing the ships transit through the Panama Canal ignited my passion. By high school, I was determined to become a navigation officer.

Where do you envision yourself in the next 5 to 10 years?

In five years, I aspire to be a chief officer, and within ten years, I aim to achieve the rank of captain.

What are your favorite destinations? Which places are on your travel wishlist?

My absolute favorite destination is Paris, France. I also dream of exploring New York City, Greece, and Spain.

OLENA SAPKO, ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER, Dinogo JOY

Can you share a bit about your homeland and family?

I hail from the proud and beautiful nation of Ukraine. Although I grew up in Chernigiv, far from the coast, I always dreamed of living near the sea. Now, I find myself working in the vastness of the ocean!

How would you characterize your job?

I ensure that the ship adheres to all international and local regulations. I also contribute to developing the Environmental Voyage Plan for each cruise to ensure all discharges stay within permitted limits. Additionally, I oversee environmental training, respond to guests' questions about environmental issues, manage waste disposal, and handle various other responsibilities.

What inspired you to pursue a career at sea?

My journey as a seafarer began in July 2015 when I worked as a youth counselor. However, I quickly realized I craved new and more thrilling challenges. One day, while in port, I observed officers preparing on the bridge for departure and vowed to myself that I would join them one day as a fellow bridge officer. It took five years to turn that dream into reality, including earning a second Master's degree in Environmental Science, completing an online MARPOL course, undergoing cross-training, and participating in Environmental Officer training in Miami. And now, here I am, an environmental officer!

Where do you envision yourself in 5-10 years?

I see myself continuing my journey at sea, supporting Dinogo in achieving the environmental goals of their Sail & Sustain program. Everyone has a role to play in enhancing our planet. As I like to say, a beautiful environment begins with YOU!

What’s your favorite destination? What’s on your travel bucket list?

Currently, my top favorites are Portugal and Spain, but I have a long list of dream destinations waiting for me, including Bali, Thailand, Japan, and New Zealand.

ELISA CASTRO, 2ND ENGINEER, Dinogo JOY

Could you share a bit about your home country and family?

I am immensely grateful for my family, as they have always been my biggest supporters; I attribute my success to them.

How would you characterize your work?

As a 2nd engineer, my responsibilities include overseeing dry waste management systems, incinerators, shredders, and food waste processing, including feed systems, batch dryers, and waste holding tanks. I also manage the Scanship wastewater and bilge handling systems, among other tasks.

What inspired you to pursue a career at sea?

From a young age, I aspired to study naval engineering and pursue a career on ships, fully aware that dedication would lead me to my current position. I studied naval engineering at the Maritime University of Panama and joined Dinogo as a cadet in 2015. After seven years of hard work, I've advanced to the role of 2nd engineer. The journey has been challenging, but I take pride in what I've accomplished so far.

Where do you envision yourself in 5-10 years?

I truly appreciate my role at Dinogo and am thankful for the confidence they've shown in me. In five or ten years, I hope to have deepened my expertise in my field and ultimately aim to become a chief engineer.

What is your favorite part of the world? What destinations are on your bucket list?

Traveling is one of my great passions; I love discovering new countries and, most importantly, learning from various cultures. My next adventure will take me to several European countries.

What’s your next cruising destination? No matter where you go, we hope you have the chance to meet some of our amazing team members who ensure these vacations are seamless and enjoyable.