2025 Finalists

Rosie O’Donnell is Chief Project Leader at Yachts for Science, connecting private yachts with marine research initiatives worldwide. With 30+ years in yachting—from offshore racing to youth sailing programs—she drives collaborations that advance ocean conservation and create meaningful impact at sea.

Sophie Spicknell is News Editor at SuperYacht Times, based in Amsterdam. She leads editorial coverage of superyacht news, features, and human-centered stories, highlighting innovation, design, and industry voices. Sophie is passionate about inclusivity, mentorship, and shaping a transparent, diverse yachting community.

Charlotte van de Kerk leads ESG at Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw | Feadship, embedding sustainability across yacht building. She develops governance frameworks, drives supplier and value chain collaboration, and integrates environmental and social priorities into operations, shaping a forward-thinking, responsible yachting industry.

Barbara Amerio is CEO of Amer Yachts, a leader in semi-custom superyacht construction. She’s a three-time elected President of Italy’s superyacht sector, an EU Trade Ambassador, and VP of Steamiamoci. A sustainability advocate, she drives innovation and growth in the global yacht industry.

Liz Schmidt is a seasoned leader with over 17 years of experience across the nonprofit and maritime industries. She is the Executive Director of Women Offshore Foundation and Captain Sandy’s Charities, and a Business Partner and Director of Operations at Shipyard Supply USA. Through these roles, Liz champions workforce development, operational excellence, and advocacy for diversity in the marine sector.

Jill Bobrow is a renowned journalist, editor, and author with a distinguished career in the superyacht industry spanning several decades. She was the Founding Editor of Boat International USA, Editor-in-Chief of ShowBoats International, and Editor-at-Large for Yachts International.