May 18 is International Day for Women in Maritime. To celebrate, we asked some of the incredible women who work for the Port of Tacoma and The Northwest Seaport Alliance to share insights about their career journeys and what it's like working in the maritime industry.
Michelle Blizzard
Tell us about your role at the Port
I am an Accounting Technician II in the Operations Accounting Group. Specifically, I am the billing team lead and assist with payroll. The billing team is responsible for invoicing customers across all the various business areas and payroll makes sure everyone gets paid timely and accurately. I also serve as the ILWU Local 22 Secretary.
What drew you to a career in the maritime industry?
I wish I had some great story about how I was inspired to apply at the Port of Tacoma 18 years ago because of the draw of working in the maritime industry. The truth of the matter is I answered an ad on Craigslist for an opening in the payroll department. There was another role in the accounts payable department that HR thought I would be a better fit for and I have been here ever since. I will say that the opportunities and the challenges I have worked through are the reasons I have made a career here and along with the benefits and team I work with are the reasons I have stayed and hope to continue here for a long time.
What is your favorite part about working in the maritime industry?
Just learning and understanding the complexities of the maritime industry and to work for an organization that really touches so many industries. It isn’t just moving cargo, it is such a complex economic ecosystem that I learn new stuff all the time. As a represented employee and proud member of ILWU Local 22, being a woman in the maritime industry means a lot and our roles have evolved. I’ve met women who work in every facet of the industry; from hooking logs on Vancouver Island, operating cranes in BC and working large machinery at mines in CA in addition to other administrative staff in roles similar to mine and all are inspiring.
Carol Bua
Tell us about your role at the Port
I am the Communications Director for the Port, leading a talented team of four dedicated communications professionals. Together, we manage the Port’s comprehensive communications strategy, which includes storytelling, news releases, writing, editing, newsletters, media relations, video production, photography, website management, graphic design, and more.
What drew you to a career in the maritime industry?
In 2009, my career took an unexpected turn. After spending the first half of my professional life in communications & marketing for the entertainment industry in Los Angeles (working at 20th Century Fox, MGM/United Artists, RCA Records, and for Henry Rollins), I moved to Vancouver, WA. There, I began a new chapter as the Communications & Public Affairs Manager for Tidewater Barge Lines.
Transitioning from Hollywood to the maritime industry was a dramatic shift. Suddenly, I found myself in a bright orange life vest aboard a tugboat, guiding reporters on journeys up the Columbia River, or in Olympia or DC, advocating for dams, navigation locks and dredging. It was quite the learning curve at first, but I embraced it and a newfound passion for the maritime industry.
My next role was as Communications Director for the City of Vancouver, which fueled my love for public service and the people who serve in these roles. In Vancouver, the port was practically next door to city hall, and I was lucky enough to collaborate with port staff on several occasions.
In early 2020, we started planning our relocation to the Seattle/Tacoma area, and I knew I wanted to continue my journey in the maritime industry, specifically at the Port of Tacoma. I eagerly awaited a communications position to open, and when it did, I jumped! Combining public service with the maritime sector is the perfect fit for me.
Ports are fascinating places. And the Port of Tacoma, in my opinion, is America's most beautiful port! The blend of public service and maritime work is incredibly fulfilling, and I am grateful for the path that led me here.
What is your favorite part about working in the maritime industry?
Several favorite parts: My team and colleagues at the Port. There’s never a dull moment. I get to utilize my creativity. I get to use my problem-solving skills. Working at the Port is interesting, important and has significant impact locally, regionally and globally.
In a nutshell ‒ ports are cool!
Tyra Dieffenbach
Tell us about your role at the Port
As the Senior Manager, Real Estate Leasing & Acquisition, I work with tenants, community partners, and other stakeholders to manage and grow the Port’s industrial and commercial real estate portfolio. I handle lease negotiations, property acquisitions and sales, and help make sure the Port’s property is being used in ways that support the Port’s long-term goals.
What drew you to a career in the maritime industry?
I was drawn to the maritime industry because of its unique intersection of global commerce, logistics, infrastructure, and community impact. Real estate has always fascinated me, and working in a port environment adds an exciting, international dimension to the work. I find the opportunity to contribute to local economic development and job creation while being part of an industry that connects Washington to the world very meaningful.
What is your favorite part about working in the maritime industry?
What I enjoy most about working at the Port is knowing that every project I contribute to plays a role in supporting family-wage jobs, facilitating international trade, and advancing long-term regional planning. I enjoy collaborating with engineers, environmental professionals, planners, and economic developers to bring complex projects to life. It’s truly inspiring to be part of work that carries both local impact and global significance.
Erin Galeno
Tell us about your role at the Port
As the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, I oversee the accounting, financial reporting, contracting, security and compliance activities for the Port.
What drew you to a career in the maritime industry?
I was drawn to the mission of Ports and the opportunity to serve the Tacoma and Pierce County community. Ports provide an interesting mix of public service and engagement with private business.
What is your favorite part about working in the maritime industry?
The incredible people who are committed to the success of the Port, the community and each other.
Nicola Graham
Tell us about your role at the Port
I’m an environmental project manager on the Air Quality & Sustainable Practices team, working on implementing projects under the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy.
What drew you to a career in the maritime industry?
I like working in this hidden world people never think about, solving big, difficult problems.
What is your favorite part about working in the maritime industry?
No two days are the same, things move fast at the port.
Mindi Kellar
Tell us about your role at the Port
I’m the Senior Manager – Water Quality. Our team of three is responsible for maintaining compliance with multiple state permits, coordinating projects that include water quality, supporting our tenants in meeting permit requirements, and protecting the water quality of our waterways in both the North and South Harbors. Because we work for The Northwest Seaport Alliance, we are responsible for all water quality at the Port of Tacoma, and work with our partners at the Port of Seattle to maintain compliance on licensed properties in the North Harbor.
What drew you to a career in the maritime industry?
I never expected to be in the maritime industry but am very excited that this is where I landed. I moved to Tacoma in 2016 and was always interested in the Port – especially driving by on SR509 and seeing the rotating large equipment and cars. I always thought it was such a neat place and wanted to learn more about it.
What is your favorite part about working in the maritime industry?
I love learning, and sharing, how much of an impact the Port has not only on Tacoma, but Pierce County, Washington, and the United States.
Sara Potter
Tell us about your role at the Port
I’m a part of the Port of Tacoma Environmental department’s habitat and permitting division. I manage environmental investigations and lead development of environmental compliance documents for Port projects, to keep the Port operating in a way that’s protective of the environment, wildlife, and community. Right now, my work is focused on sediment investigations as part of the Blair Deepening Program and the design of the East Commencement Habitat Opportunity (ECHO) restoration site.
What drew you to a career in the maritime industry?
I grew up on the water and always wanted to work in a field that studied and improved the marine environment. I worked with ports as a consultant for many years and got firsthand experience in the environmental challenges and opportunities that the maritime industry encounters. During that time, I learned that Ports are physically and financially positioned to benefit the environment in a meaningful way through good stewardship, community partnerships, and the creation of habitat, and I wanted to be a part of that.
What is your favorite part about working in the maritime industry?
There’s a new challenge every day, and we get to be creative, and thoughtful, on how we make things happen. Keeping industry operating in a way that is environmentally responsible is challenging and knowing I’m helping to advance that goal is really rewarding.