A Local Gateway to Global Trade – Participants Go Behind-the-Scenes at Port of Oakland

development6812
Jul 23
1 min read

An immersive summer field trip offered participants a rare look into the industries and careers that power the movement of goods from around the globe into our everyday lives. Participants had the unique opportunity to explore one of the Bay Area’s most vital economic resources: the Port of Oakland.

The day began with a tour of Central Valley Ag Group, where girls learned about the lesser-known but critical role agriculture and biomass play in the port’s activity. They then visited SSA Marine, one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world, where they witnessed massive $10 million cranes moving containers that could hold everything from livestock feed to Costco inventory.

“I never realized how much work happens just to get products to stores,” said one participant. “Now when I see a shipping container, I’ll think of all the people behind it.”

The girls concluded their day with an executive panel featuring women leaders from all facets of the Port, who shared their diverse career paths in maritime business development, environmental science, rail safety, and public works. Experiences like this field trip give youth meaningful exposure to real-world career paths they might not otherwise encounter, sparking both curiosity and the confidence to imagine themselves in roles they may have never considered.

Thank you to WTS San Francisco Bay Area and ACEC CA Bay Bridge Chapter for bringing this field trip to life as part of their “Girls in Motion 2025 Summit,” aimed to introduce and empower girls to pursue careers in transportation.