Port recognized for excellence in engineering, community engagement, and inclusive workplace practices
Oakland, Calif. – December 18, 2024: The Port of Oakland was honored to recently receive two awards that reflect its commitment to innovation, community engagement, and workplace equity.
American Council of Engineering Companies Client/Agency of the Year
The Port of Oakland received the American Council of Engineering Companies, California (ACEC-CA) Bay Bridge Chapter, Engineering Excellence Client/Agency of the Year Award for 2024. ACEC presented the award at its annual Holiday Awards Program held in Oakland.
ACEC commended the Port’s exceptional support throughout the year, including a presentation to its membership and hosting an Oakland Airport (OAK) tour for the Summer Girls Summit.
“We deeply appreciate receiving the award for the event we hosted with Girls Inc. at OAK Airport,” said Port of Oakland Director of Engineering Emilia Sánchez. “We’re proud of our commitment to ensuring that the youth in our communities can be inspired about pursuing careers and opportunities in STEM and the transportation sector.”
In partnership with BART and Girls Inc. of Alameda County, and organized by the ACEC Bay Bridge Chapter, the Port hosted over 30 high school girls for the ‘Summer Girls Summit: Girls in Motion’ at OAK. The event aimed to empower girls to explore careers in transportation and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Conference of Minority Transportation Officials Public Agency of the Year
The Port of Oakland was also named the 2024 Public Agency of the Year by the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), Northern California. The award was presented during the COMTO Annual Scholarship and Industry Awards Gala in Oakland.
COMTO, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is dedicated to ensuring minorities have full access and participation in the transportation and logistics sectors. The award reflects the Port’s ongoing dedication to equitable workplace practices and diverse workforce support for local businesses.
“It’s a great honor to receive this award. The Port of Oakland is deeply committed to equitable workplace practices that support the diverse workforce in our region,” said Matt Davis, Chief Public Engagement Officer at the Port of Oakland. “We value our partnership with COMTO and thank them for their continued commitment to expanding opportunities and awareness for our local businesses and workers.”
The Port of Oakland plays a key role in creating opportunities for small, local, and disadvantaged businesses in its capital investment programs across all its maritime, aviation and commercial real estate business lines.
About ACEC and COMTO
The American Council of Engineering Companies–California (ACEC-CA) is a 50+ year-old nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the consulting engineering and land surveying professions. Its mission includes protecting public interests and promoting private sector growth and development in California.
The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) has 40 chapters across the United States and Canada. Its members include transportation organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. COMTO’s membership benefits include networking opportunities, training, internships, scholarships, and access to an exclusive international network of transportation professionals.
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits and environmental innovation, as the Port decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports 98,345 jobs in the region and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees the Oakland Airport, the Oakland Seaport and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square, and a publicly owned utility. The Port of Oakland is Everyone’s Port! Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland Airport through Facebook and Twitter, or with the Port on LinkedIn, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.
Media Contacts
Robert Bernardo
Port of Oakland
Communications Director
(510) 627-1401
[email protected]
Marilyn Sandifur
Port of Oakland
Media/PR Manager
(510) 627-1193
[email protected]
David DeWitt
Port of Oakland
Media/PR Specialist
(510) 627-1169
[email protected]