Let’s get into this Black girl magic!
Over the last few years, there’s been a much-needed call for diversity in the cruising industry. While we don’t typically see many Black women heading ships, they are there.
Belinda Bennett is from a small island called St. Helena, which sits between South America and South Africa. She got her start at the age of 17 on a small ship that was the means for people on her island to get to other islands.
Her climb to the top wasn’t easy though. During training as a cadet, her chief officers made the journey difficult by forcing her to do more than other cadets.
However, this didn’t stop her.
Belinda made her way into the yachting industry, but realized that wasn’t where she was meant to be. She eventually made her way to the ship she has worked on for the last 14 years, The MSY Wind Star.
She started as a second officer in 2005, then went on to become chief officer. In 2016, Belinda became captain of the ship that sails through the Caribbean in winter and Europe in summer.
“I had goals in life, which I’ve succeeded at, and I’m a very strong woman. Being a woman, you have to work extra hard to prove yourself — even more than a man. Some men might not like that, but that’s the way it is. I’m driven. I wanted to be captain, and so, I am,” Belinda told Forbes.
Worldwide, the percentage of female officers is only 5.4%. So, when it comes to inspiring her female staffers, Belinda has this to say: “When you put your mind to something, and you really want something, you will work for it. And if you really really want it, no matter what obstacles come in your way, you can overcome those obstacles.”
We love to see it. Continue paving the way and breaking borders Captain Bennett.
Related: Meet The Founder Of The World’s First Black-Owned Cruise Experience