Honouring and celebrating the women who serve and lead on board

Across cultures, ages and continents, women on board Logos Hope and Doulos Hope are leading and serving, each with their own story, challenges and personal breakthroughs.

In this article, you will read about the faith stories and journeys of some of these amazing women.

Madalena from Portugal

“I simply came willing to serve wherever I was needed,” says Madalena (Portugal), talking about how she felt when she first joined as a crewmember nine months ago.

After some time on board, Madalena stepped into her role as events team leader, which involves coordinating and overseeing events for the public. She describes her role as, “leading people, creating unity in a multi-cultural team and helping each person feel confident and supported in what they do.”

Leadership roles can be challenging, but Madalena feels that her journey in leading the events team has helped shape her as a person.

“Leadership has stretched me, exposed my weaknesses, taught me how to learn from my mistakes and pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she says.

The personal growth she has experienced through leading a team means Madalena encourages other women to take advantage of any opportunity, regardless of how scary it might appear. She says, “Leadership is not about personality type; it’s about availability and obedience… It’s about faithfulness and loving others.”

Summer from South Korea

Summer (South Korea) has been on board for nine months and works in the galley (the ship’s kitchen). After joining as a crewmember, Summer was offered the position of galley team leader.

“I thought it was a really good opportunity for me because I didn’t have any experience as a team leader of people from different nationalities,” she says.

Back home, Summer had led a team in her church, but as she says, “In Korea, it was all Koreans.” Leading a team of different nationalities proved to be a new challenge.

“At first, I had a really hard time understanding my team,” she says. But reflecting on what she has learnt from this role, Summer says, “Prayer is the foundation, I think, for leadership. It’s important to pray and rely on God.”

Through leading the galley team, Summer feels she has learnt how to engage with people from different backgrounds. “I learnt empathy in leadership,” she says, “how to empathise with people from different cultures and their different situations.”

Irina from Russia

“God is the one who helps me when I don't know what to do,” Irina (Russia) says.

After working in human resources at home, she joined as a crewmember and was able to continue using her professional skills on board. Irina learned to listen to people and allow God to help her relate to others.

“I always ask God to give me wisdom on what to say, so that I can relate… Without God, I know I don’t understand…” Irina explains.

Trizenia from South Africa

In February, Trizenia (South Africa) joined Doulos Hope as managing director.

“Initially, I tried to avoid the position because I felt the role was too big for me,” she admits. Yet she realised it was not about being competent, but about being ‘readily available to be used by God.’

Coming into the role, Trizenia’s heart was to grow in authenticity in leadership. “For me, it’s about fully embracing who I am,” she shares.

She also feels that good leadership is about learning from others. “I am always learning. I am always inspired by the stories of others around me, and I am very aware that interacting and living in community with others continues to grow and shape me as well,” she says.

As the director of Doulos Hope, Trizenia hopes her “story of impossibilities” will be a source of inspiration to other women.

“As many before have been first and have opened doors for the rest of us to follow, I am trusting that my story will also open doors for many women,” she says.

Happy International Women’s Day!

We are grateful to each woman who has been and is a part of the Ship Ministry – whether through their service on board, on shore or by supporting the work in prayer, financially and encouraging others to join!