Tiara Yachts’ Michelle Seneca Named a 2024 “Women Making Waves” Recipient by Boating Industry
June 18 2024 - 11:28AM
Tiara Yachts, a family-owned manufacturer of American-made luxury
watercrafts celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, today
announced that Director of IT, Michelle Seneca, has been selected
as a winner of the 2024 Boating Industry’s Women Making Waves
award.
As a valued member of the Tiara Yachts team for
more than three decades, Michelle began her career as executive
assistant to David Slikkers, president and eventual CEO of S2
Yachts. As her reach into the organization grew, she found a
passion for technology, continued her college education, received a
leadership role within the team’s IT department, and ultimately
became the first woman to join the Senior Leadership team.
“When I first came to work at Tiara, I took notes
at the Senior Leadership meetings. Today, I’m a member of the
Senior Leadership team and I’m able to influence and contribute in
a greater way to the success of the company,” said Seneca.
In her role, Seneca successfully implemented an
enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, making Tiara Yachts
one of the first marine industry manufacturers to integrate
automation technologies to boat production lines. In return, Tiara
Yachts has increased production efficiencies, empowered marine
industry craftsman to focus on the art of the build, and strengthen
customer satisfaction.
However, one of the things she’s most passionate
about is mentoring other young women to pursue an education in the
male-dominated IT field.
As of 2022, women held only 28% of computing and
mathematical roles in the US (Zippia). Furthermore, women accounted
for only 18% of computer science degrees (Bureau of Labor
Statistics) and half of women pursuing tech industry positions drop
out by the age of 35 (Accenture). Seneca feels privileged to have
grown Tiara Yachts’ IT department with nearly half the team being
females.
“Being able to shape and inspire young women in
technology and the marine world is really rewarding. I'm grateful
to be a part of Tiara’s team and I look forward to witnessing the
future of women in the marine industry,” continued Seneca.
The Women Making Waves award honors the women in
the industry who have and continue to contribute to its success,
propel its growth and lead their individual organizations to
success. Tiara Yachts’ Quality Manager Fawn Filley-Myers received
the recognition in 2023.
“Michelle’s dedication to Tiara and to uplifting
women in the marine industry is truly inspiring,” said Tom
Slikkers, CEO and President of Tiara Yachts. “Her efforts and
implementations have propelled Tiara’s practices to a new level of
performance, streamlining the way we do things without compromising
quality, creativity, or craftsmanship. I look forward to watching
her continue to grow in her career and to witnessing how she
continues to shape the future generation of women in the marine
industry.”
The full list of 2024 recipients can be viewed on
Boating Industry’s website and within the latest print issue. To
learn more about Tiara Yachts, please visit tiarayachts.com.
About Tiara Yachts
Tiara Yachts, headquartered in Holland, Michigan,
is one of the oldest privately held boat manufacturers in the
United States and celebrates their 50th Anniversary in 2024. The
Tiara Yachts model line includes inboard vessels from 39 to 60 feet
in the Coupe and EX lines. Outboard powered Tiara Yachts models
range from 34 to 48 feet in three distinct Series: Luxury Sport
(LS), Luxury Crossover (LX), and Luxury Express (LE). For more
information, please visit tiarayachts.com.
Media Contact Alysa
Kirn akirn@lambert.com 586.354.4669
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1021adee-147a-4da9-b80e-0d3b27a57db7