Port Milwaukee hosts first-ever ‘Port Leadership & Career Summit’

It was all hands on deck as Port Milwaukee and sustainable building solutions leader Holcim US hosted middle and high school students from Future Urban Leaders at the first-ever Port Leadership & Career Summit on Tuesday, May 7.

The Leadership & Career Summit provided aspiring young leaders with hands-on experience and exposure to the wide variety of career options available in the maritime industry, including the military and government.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson kicked off the event, encouraging students to consider and pursue a career in maritime, of which most young adults do not have a lot of awareness. Mayor Johnson also highlighted Port Milwaukee’s vital role from an economic and tourist perspective for the City.

“Port Milwaukee is an economic engine in our city. It increases commerce and adds value,” Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. “I want everyone, particularly young people, to understand the career opportunities available at the port.”

Students had the unique opportunity to climb aboard the S.S. Alpena, the oldest self-powered vessel on the Great Lakes, chartered by Holcim. Tours of five terminals on Jones Island allowed participants a first-hand look at vessel operations and the various support services behind the scenes needed to ensure smooth port operations.

The day’s event also included a leadership panel with industry leaders, including Port Director Jackie Q. Carter, who shared their educational backgrounds and career paths, offering advice on developing skills and experience as they begin their professional journeys.

“Port Milwaukee is excited about opportunities to introduce students to a diverse range of career opportunities,” Port Director Jackie Q. Carter said. “With the Leadership & Career Summit, the goal was to inspire and empower local students, by offering valuable insight from industry professionals to broaden their horizons to new possibilities for a successful future.”

“Holcim is proud to support educational opportunities in our communities, particularly for young up-and-coming leaders,” Jared Stull, Vice President of Supply Chain for Holcim US, said. “We hope the Leadership & Career Summit participants had fun learning about our maritime supply chain and are inspired to consider joining us one day.”

“We are honored to be a part of Port Milwaukee's community outreach initiative, as it aligns with our organization's goal of exposing young people to the vast world of careers this city has to offer,” Darnell Hamilton, Executive Director of Future Urban Leaders, said. “We enjoyed engaging in a day of knowledge sharing with industry leaders who operate on Jones Island.”

U.S. Coast Guard Commander Gregory Knoll and Port tenants Michels, Kinder Morgan, and Logistec also participated in the summit.