by John A. Huguley – Freelance Writer

Since the 1970’s, The Port of Tacoma has embraced diversity in the workplace by employing talented job applicants from multicultural backgrounds as well as seeking out qualified women
and minorities to help their vision for the future. Both past and present employees discuss their experiences working at the Port.

Bernice Griffin began her service at the Port of Tacoma in 1997 before retiring in 2014 as the Ports the EEO/Diversity Coordinator. During Ms. Griffin’s tenure at the Port, she helped launch programs designed to reach out and employ talented individuals from multiple backgrounds.
Griffin says, “management had the vision to make the workforce reflective of the community.” With the blessings of management, the port commission, and the executive team, Griffin and her
fellow staff were able to work with local labor organizations, technical colleges, nearby Native American tribes, and job fairs to recruit new employees. The goal was to seek talented people
while broadening the perspective of what good talent looks like.
Some of the positions at the Port require skilled journey level workers; these positions include
carpenters, electricians, equipment mechanics, and plumbers. To meet the requirements of the maritime industry for these journey level positions, Bernice Griffin and her team launched an
apprenticeship program with the goal to increase the number of women and minorities at the
port.
While working in the Human Resources Department, Griffin also managed a diversity training
program which started in the early 70s and continues to this day. Among other events, she led
Black History Month and Martin Luther King Day celebrations which occurred while she was
employed there.
Bernice Griffin is exceptionally humble and wants it to be clear that several pioneers came
before her, who did wonderful things at the Port of Tacoma to increase the number of minorities
and women. She says, “it took a community of folks with diverse talents and experiences to help
the port develop and grow – and to make a difference.” Griffin goes on to say, “if it were not for
the leadership, her team would not have been able to do all the things that were accomplished.”;
concluding with, “the People are the Key,” they were the reason she stayed until retirement.
Today the Port of Tacoma employs about 200 people consisting of administration, maintenance,
security, and skilled traits. It offers training and development opportunities. The Port continues
to work in the community as well as on social media to help make people aware of new job
openings.
Louis P. Cooper Jr. is the current Senior Director of Security and Labor Relations. Cooper has
served in multiple positions at the Port over the last 15 years. During his time at the Port he has
seen positive improvements, in terms of diversity, inclusion, and equality – but also understands
there’s still work to be done. Cooper expressed that moving forward the Port and its
management, “must continue to be deliberate in their mission to the people that reflect this

community.” Cooper finishes by saying, “we need to reengage in the things we were committed
to doing years ago – when it comes to cultural events, diversity, and inclusion.”
Christine Disnute is the Ports current Facilities Management Specialist. She joined the team in
December 2017. Disnute says, “there is lots of diversity in management,” and, “since I’ve been
here, the Port has made big strides to make the workplace more diverse.” Disnute is optimistic of
the progress and goes on to explain how her diverse upbringing helps her to be successful at her
job.
Christine Disnute is a woman of color. She recently finished her MBA program and hopes to
apply it to helping the Port grow in an ever-expanding industry. Disnute would like to one day
move into executive management where she can also do more for diversity at the workplace.
Disnute concluded with, “I love working for the port and take pride in everything I do.”
Founded in 1918, the Port is located on the Tacoma waterfront at the South East corner of the
Puget Sound, it supports more than 29,000 jobs and generates $3 billion in annual economic
activity. It is among the largest container ports in North America, and a major center for
automobile shipments, bulk, breakbulk and heavy-lift cargoes.

About: John A. Huguley – Freelance Writer