LBUSD Students Attend Women in Trade Event

Students from the Long Beach Unified School District attended the Port of Long Beach’s Celebrating Women in Trade Event, an annual initiative that offers young women from local high schools the chance to interact with women professionals in the logistics industry.

During the lunch event, students engaged with representatives from various businesses to discuss their career paths and attended a panel discussion featuring the Director of Communication Stephanie Montoya–Morisky for Port of Long Beach, Board of Harbor Commissioners President Bonnie Lowenthal, Director Theresa Dau-Ngo for Port Planning Division Long Beach, VP of Sales and Marketing Leanne Andalis from Pasha Group, Director- General Manager Philippa Arno from Hapag- Lloyd, Assistant Director of Trade Elva Muneton for Los Angeles Field Office, Cadet Suzanne Betz for CSU Maritime Academy and Vice President Sabrina Fields for IMC Companies.

LBUSD students were excited to join a group that recognizes and empowers women in the logistics industry while highlighting women's critical roles in the field. The Women in Trade event additionally gives these young women opportunities to network, connect with information booths and listen to firsthand experiences of traditionally male-dominated careers, motivating them to break barriers.

“What really opened the doors for me was speaking to the firefighters. It inspired me to become one and look into that pathway,” stated Alina Cruz from Avalon High School after speaking with the Long Beach Fire Department booth. Elizabeth Fraye, a Pathway Coordinator at Lakewood High, voiced similar praise for the guidance offered at the gathering. “Long Beach is a city within a city, with endless options for students who can have a chance to find a career in their ‘backyard’ essentially.”

LBUSD students that attended included Avalon, Browning, Cabrillo, CAMS, Jordan, Lakewood, McBride, Millikan, Poly, Reid, Renaissance, Sato and Wilson High School. The Women in Trade Event is one of many resources available to students through Long Beach Unified’s partnership with the Port. Learn more about the Port’s educational programs at www.polb.com/education.