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CONNIE AWARDS 2024

Barbara Spector Yeninas , a trailblazer in maritime media and marketing and longtime member of the Containerization and Intermodal Institute ( CII ), passed away on May 31 . She was 84 .

Barbara made extraordinary contributions to CII , first as a board member , and then nearly 40 years as executive director . Her dedication to advancing containerization and intermodal transportation contributed significantly to the organization ’ s influence and prominence in the industry .

These efforts were recognized when Barbara was granted the CII Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 , honoring her extensive contributions and commitment to excellence in the maritime sector .

“ Barbara was instrumental in shaping and advancing CII . A profound trailblazer in this industry , she carved out a unique niche for herself and her company ,” said Michael J . DiVirgilio , member of the CII board of directors and principal at MJ DiVirgilio & Associates .

Founder of Barbara Spector Yeninas Associates ( BSYA ) — arguably the best-known US-based maritime communications agency — her career was marked by groundbreaking achievements that shaped a traditionally male-dominated field , establishing her as a pioneering force in maritime and logistics .

“ As much as Barbara was a powerhouse and trailblazer , she was , first and foremost , a generous , warm and kind friend . While she could be counted on to contribute her unmatched intellect and sassy sense of humor to every conversation , Barbara ’ s true superpower was making everyone she met feel special ,” said Lisa Aurichio , CII executive director and president and CEO of BSYA .

Barbara ’ s innovations and strategic foresight cemented her legacy as a visionary leader in the maritime and logistics sectors . Throughout her career spanning more than 50 years , she demonstrated that in the complex , global maritime industry , leadership requires not only experience but the ability to innovate and adapt to a rapidly changing world .

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“ She was a titan of the industry , and her influence cannot be overstated .”

“ Barbara didn ’ t just crack the glass ceiling . She smashed through it ,” said Chris Brooks , president of CII and executive director of Journal of Commerce by S & P Global . “ She was a titan of the industry , and her influence cannot be overstated .”

Her enduring influence has left an indelible mark on the maritime industry , resonating far beyond the confines of CII .

Barbara ’ s achievements will continue to inspire future generations within a field that she helped to define . n

Written by Ariane Herrera in collaboration with BSYA .

email : ariane . herrera @ spglobal . com

December 2 , 2024 | Journal of Commerce 57