T. Parker Host (Host) welcomed a group of mentees from Son of a Saint to Avondale Global Gateway, providing them with an inspiring, hands-on exploration of the maritime industry. The visit gave the young men an in-depth look at the diverse career pathways within this vital sector, reinforcing the importance of workforce development and community empowerment.

During the field trip, Host team members led the mentees on a comprehensive tour of Avondale Global Gateway, showcasing the range of careers available at the port and highlighting the maritime industry's critical role in global commerce.

Following the tour, the mentees heard from Host employees representing various fields within the company about their career journeys, and the skills, education, and training required to succeed in their respective roles. This workforce development panel offered invaluable insights into the many rewarding opportunities within the maritime sector.

Participants in the panel included:

  • Amanda England, Vice President and General Manager,
  • Devin Jackson, Terminal Manager,
  • Kara Werneke, Director of Human Resources,
  • Mervin Rapp, Customer Service Manager and
  • Carrie Cooper-Grubbs, Commercial and Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Manager.

“During my visit to Avondale Global Gateway, I learned about various job opportunities in the logistics industry. The career advice we were given was great,” said Robert, a Son of a Saint Mentee. “I learned that you need to get back up after making mistakes. I also learned that you can start at the bottom and work your way up, and about what it takes to succeed in a big company like this.”

This event builds on the ongoing partnership between Host and Son of a Saint, a New Orleans-based nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of fatherless boys through mentorship, support, and education. Earlier this year, Host sponsored a Son of a Saint mentee with a $20,000 donation, helping to provide the guidance and resources necessary for personal and professional development.

"At Avondale Global Gateway, we are honored to partner with organizations like Son of a Saint, whose mission to uplift and empower young men perfectly aligns with our own values of people, service and integrity," said Host Chairman and Chief Executive Office Adam Anderson. "Through this partnership, we aim to foster positive change in South Louisiana by equipping the next generation with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in our industry and beyond.”

"Mentorship plays a transformative role in shaping the future workforce, especially in industries like the maritime sector, where the transmission of knowledge, skills, and values is key to long-term success," Anderson added.

Through initiatives such as the Son of a Saint field trip and the $20,000 sponsorship, T. Parker Host remains dedicated to creating positive change in South Louisiana. Host is proud to support programs that nurture future leaders, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for the region.

"We sincerely appreciate the Host team for providing our mentees with an impactful visit to Avondale Global Gateway. Experiences like this, which offer immersive career development and mentorship opportunities, play a vital role in opening doors to new career paths and possibilities for our mentees,” said Bivian "Sonny" Lee III, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Son of a Saint. “The Son of a Saint team is deeply grateful for our partnership with Host and excited to continue collaborating to make a positive impact on the South Louisiana community."

Host purchased the former Avondale Shipyard in 2018 and spent several years transforming it into its current state. Since its opening in 2022, Avondale Global Gateway has played a pivotal role in attracting new industries to the region and facilitating the movement of millions of tons of cargo annually. Under Host’s leadership, the site has been revitalized into a multimodal logistics hub, featuring five docks, a connection to the Union Pacific rail line, and easy access to I-10.