On May 23, the Port of South Louisiana hosted a Lunch ‘n’ Learn luncheon session in association with the nonprofit organization Women in Maritime Operations, also known as WIMOs. Over 45 members, including nine Port of South Louisiana staff members who are active within the organization, attended the luncheon. Employees from Ingram Barge, St. John Fleeting, Riverlands Resources, ARTCO, ADM, Control Union USA, Associated Terminals, Host Agency, Cooper Consolidated, Port of New Orleans, Crescent Towing and Cargill were present for the event. The luncheon featured an overview of Port of South Louisiana operations followed by a ‘windshield tour’ of Globalplex Intermodal Terminal and the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport.

Founded in 2017, WIMOs aims to bring together women working in marine operations in the Gulf Coast and other coastal regions. The primary purpose of the organization is to connect women within the maritime industry by offering networking opportunities, fostering a stronger community, and creating numerous professional development prospects. WIMOs currently has over 250 members representing 65 companies. In addition to chapters in Louisiana, the organization has associate chapters in Houston, Texas; the Pacific Northwest region; Nashville, Tennessee; the Ohio Valley region and Paducah, Kentucky, with plans to expand even further.

Membership in WIMOs offers many benefits to ladies in the maritime industry, in addition to those stated in the mission goal of the organization. Experienced members with years of service can offer valuable mentoring opportunities to women just starting their careers in marine operations. Sharing these skills, along with educational workshops and events, gives these women a platform to learn and practice in a positive and empowering environment. Besides the Lunch’n’Learn gatherings and tours of WIMOs member companies, the organization conducts presentations at numerous industry conferences and conventions, hosts golf outings, spearheads various community service projects such as blood drives and food pantry donation drives within the many chapter regions, holds quarterly networking meetings, and maintains and updates a thorough membership/company directory and mobile app.

The Port of South Louisiana became a member of WIMOs in June 2018 and we are proud of our female staff’s involvement with this organization. WIMOs not only empowers women, but serves as a shining example of inspiration for everyone within marine operations and the maritime industry.

Paul Aucoin is executive director of the Port of South Louisiana. For more information, call 985-652-9278.