PORT OF LOS ANGELES EARNS EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR, INNOVATIVE PROJECT AWARDS
WTS-LA, Global Organization Dedicated to Advancement of Women, Honors Port Achievements
Nov. 14, 2024 – The Port of Los Angeles was awarded two top honors this week at the annual event of WTS-Los Angeles (WTS-LA), an international organization dedicated to creating a more diverse, inclusive and equitable transportation industry through the global advancement of women.
The Port was named “Employer of the Year” for its significant efforts to advance women within its ranks and in the transportation field overall. In the WTS-LA project category, the Port was awarded the “Innovative Transportation Solutions” top honor for its recently completed Pier 400 On-Dock Rail Expansion, a multi-year $73 million construction project with a team of women engineering professionals at the Port in key leadership positions.
“Congratulations to the Port of Los Angeles on being awarded the 2024 WTS-LA Employer of the Year and Innovative Transportation Solutions award,” said WTS-LA Board President Heather Anderson. “This outstanding achievement reflects the Port’s unwavering commitment to advancing women in transportation, as well as their dedication to both their employees and to the industry. WTS-LA is grateful for the Port’s long-time support of our chapter and our board, and we join you in celebrating this exceptional recognition.”
“The Port of Los Angeles is honored to be recognized for its efforts to advance women, promote their career growth and foster an inclusive work environment,” said Los Angeles Harbor Commission President Lucille Roybal-Allard. “This commitment to women in leadership and empowerment is evident throughout the entire Port organization.”
“Providing clear pathways for career development and progression has helped ensure that talented women continue to thrive and contribute to their full potential at our Port,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “Without their significant contributions, we would not be the organization we are today.”
The Port employs numerous women in high-level management positions across all divisions, including several among its senior leadership team. At the nation’s busiest trade gateway, women frequently lead large-scale engineering and construction projects, manage substantial financial portfolios, and hold leadership roles in external maritime and transportation organizations. Women also represent 37% of the Port’s professional engineering workforce, nearly double the national norm. Approximately 13% of Port Police officers are women as well.
From planning to design to construction, more than 10 women at the Port contributed to the winning project, the Pier 400 On-Dock Rail Expansion. Completed in June 2024, this infrastructure improvement upgraded and expanded the intermodal rail storage yard near the Port’s container terminal operated by APM Terminals. The improvement will greatly improve cargo flow, reduce emissions and boost the overall safety of roadways surrounding the port complex. It is also forecasted to eliminate approximately 1,200 truck trips per-day on nearby roadways and the region’s highways by 2040, as demand for rail increases in the future.