Her Story
About Marsha
Marsha Morse is a retired captain from Washington State Ferries who built an accomplished career spanning nearly 49 years in the maritime industry. Beginning in entry-level positions, Marsha steadily advanced through the ranks, completing Coast Guard-mandated examinations and earning promotions to second mate, chief mate, and ultimately captain. Her journey reflects remarkable persistence and dedication, particularly as she navigated a traditionally male-dominated industry while balancing her professional responsibilities with raising a family.
Marsha’s educational background reflects her broad curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning. She attended Washington State University, initially studying pre-veterinary medicine before pursuing biology, ecology, and anthropology, and also studied at the Marine Lab in Friday Harbor. She later earned a master’s degree in whole systems design, expanding her understanding of interconnected systems and organizational dynamics. Her professional experience includes expertise in maritime operations, safety audits, and hazardous waste management, complemented by a strong commitment to service and community involvement.
Today, Marsha brings her maritime leadership experience into her work as a Whole Systems Strategic Advisor, providing equine-assisted life coaching and executive coaching. Her approach is informed by volunteer work at Little Bit therapeutic riding stable and continued education in areas including finance, organizational change, and family systems therapy. Across her career and current work, Marsha remains guided by persistence, service, learning, and the belief that meaningful growth comes from understanding people and systems as interconnected parts of a larger whole.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marsha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the values instilled by my family. Growing up with parents who were teachers, I learned the importance of lifelong learning, curiosity, community involvement, service, and staying connected to the natural world.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to accept what I cannot immediately change while focusing my energy on what I can improve. I’ve learned to approach challenges with patience and gratitude, maintaining perspective and continuing to work toward meaningful change.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering male-dominated industries to understand the environment they are stepping into without letting those challenges discourage them. Be prepared, stay persistent, and have confidence in your abilities while navigating established workplace dynamics and continuing to pursue your goals.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in maritime is navigating an industry shaped by male-dominated traditions and rigid hierarchies. At the same time, there are meaningful opportunities for those who pursue professional development, gain experience, remain persistent, and help create a more inclusive industry.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are persistence, service, continuous learning, and a commitment to creating positive change. I believe in leading by example, staying open to growth, and working from within to make a meaningful difference.
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