On October 16, 2025, WTS-LA members and guests gathered at Ballast Point Brewing in Long Beach for a vibrant evening celebrating the remarkable women leading the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Against the backdrop of the bustling San Pedro Bay port complex, attendees honored the visionaries shaping the future of maritime trade, sustainability, and community impact in Southern California.

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Setting the Stage: Leadership and Innovation

WTS-LA President Mahsa Pan, Harbor Engineer at the Port of Los Angeles, welcomed guests with a message underscoring the ports’ global significance. The San Pedro Bay complex moves over $300 billion in trade annually, supporting 2.7 million jobs nationwide—including one in eight jobs in Southern California. The ports handle 31% of all containerized international waterborne trade in the U.S., making them a linchpin of the nation’s economy.

Environmental stewardship was a central theme. The Clean Air Action Plan, adopted in 2006, has driven dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The Port of Long Beach was recently named “The Best West Coast Seaport in North America” for the seventh consecutive year and “The Best Green Seaport” in 2025. The Port of Los Angeles secured a $412 million USEPA grant to accelerate the transition to zero-emissions equipment, furthering the region’s commitment to sustainability. 

Honoring Women in Leadership

The evening’s program, sponsored by WTS-LA Platinum Corporate Partner Jacobs, spotlighted the women whose leadership is transforming the ports. Jacobs Vice President of Construction Management, Tony Chemali, recognized these trailblazers for their strategic foresight, collaborative spirit, and dedication to innovation. Their work not only powers the flow of goods but also inspires the next generation of transportation professionals.

Notable honorees included:

• Sharon Weissman and Bonnie Lowenthal, Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners
• Shana Espinoza, Executive Officer to the POLB Board of Harbor Commissioners
• Theresa Dau-Ngo, POLB Director of Port Planning
• Iain Conway, POLB Assistant Director of Port Planning
• Yolanda De La Torre, Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners
• Erica Calhoun, POLA Deputy Executive Director of Finance and Administration
• Stephanie Magnien, POLA Chief of Staff to the Executive Director
• Sue Lai, POLA Assistant Chief Harbor Engineer of Engineering Division 

These leaders are driving forward-thinking policies, clean energy initiatives, and resilient supply chain systems—ensuring that environmental responsibility and community well-being remain top priorities.

Building Community and Opportunity

WTS-LA’s commitment to advancing women and underrepresented groups in transportation was evident throughout the evening. Both ports have been recognized as past Employers of the Year by WTS-LA, reflecting their dedication to staff development and industry leadership. 

As the evening adjourned, guests mingled with the honored leaders, forging connections and sharing inspiration for the future of transportation in Southern California. WTS-LA’s Reception Honoring Women in Leadership at the Ports was a testament to the power of visionary leadership, collaboration, and community. By celebrating the achievements of these remarkable women, the chapter continues to advance its mission of building a more connected, sustainable, and inclusive industry.

Thank you to Jacobs, TY Lin, and Mott MacDonald for sponsoring this program. 

See more photos of the event HERE.