Posted on August 4, 2025
A DredgeWire Exclusive by Peter Bowe, Publisher, DredgeWire
“A hard work ethic will take you far.”
That’s what an enthusiastic Errin Howard told DredgeWire Publisher Peter Bowe.
Howard is Executive Director of We Work the Waterways (WWW), a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Alongside Director of Programs and Operations Pam Maxwell and Director of Marketing & Outreach Nikki Fondren, she leads a dynamic team committed to introducing the next generation to careers that keep America’s rivers, ports, and maritime infrastructure running.
While WWW formally became an independent nonprofit in 2025, its outreach began in 2006. Since then, the team has partnered with maritime companies and educators across the country to reach more than 1 million individuals.
In early 2024, the organization rebranded under its new name and rapidly scaled its mission: to make maritime careers visible, accessible, and appealing to students and educators nationwide.
A Mission Focused on Exposure
We Work the Waterways isn’t a recruiter; it’s a connector. The organization introduces middle and high school students to career paths in shipping, logistics, dredging, vessel operations, ports, shipyards, engineering, conservation, and maritime technology.
“We make sure students, teachers, and families know these careers exist,” Howard explained. “We’re helping set the stage for successful recruitment across the industry.”
Industry Interaction Days: Turning Interest into Inspiration
WWW’s signature program is Industry Interaction Day—live, hands-on events that bring students face-to-face with professionals, equipment demonstrations, and real-world maritime experiences.
These events often include in-school presentations, digital career guides, and career exploration tools that integrate maritime industry awareness directly into schools.
For example, in Vicksburg, MS, hundreds of high school seniors toured the Maritime Training Center at Hinds Community College, visited the Lower Mississippi River Museum, and met with a marine supplier—experiencing the river industry in action.
Errin Howard of WWW speaks to students from five schools in Baton Rouge, LA – February 2025
Impact That Scales
According to its 2025 Impact Report, We Work the Waterways has achieved the following milestones since its 2024 relaunch:
- Engaged over 250 individuals and organizations, including employers and government agencies
- Reached nearly 20,000 students across 11 states
- Introduced thousands to careers in ports, dredging, vessel operations, logistics, and conservation
A student in Louisiana summed it up:
“I had no idea all these jobs existed. Now I’m thinking about going into diesel mechanics.”
Voices from Leadership
“At Industry Interaction Days, you can watch the lightbulb moments happen,” said Dawn Lopez, a WWW Board member. “Students walk in unsure and walk out knowing there’s a place for them—on our rivers, in our ports, on vessels, and across our supply chain. I see firsthand how transformative this is—not just for students, but for the entire maritime industry.”
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, WWW is building toward becoming the go-to resource for maritime career awareness. Its plans include:
- More partnerships with schools across inland and coastal states
- In-class curriculum and teacher training
- Mentorship, internship, and apprenticeship connections
- A digital career hub with videos, webinars, and career exploration tools
Advocacy & National Alignment
In 2025, WWW staff traveled to Washington, D.C. to support the SHIPS Act, federal legislation that underscores the importance of maritime infrastructure and workforce development.
WWW also backed the TWIC Efficiency (TWICE) Act, which streamlines the process for Transportation Worker Identification Credential applicants—helping reduce barriers to employment across secure maritime, energy, and logistics sectors.
By staying engaged in federal policy, WWW ensures its grassroots programming aligns with national priorities—filling talent gaps and expanding access to high-demand maritime careers.
With strong partnerships, measurable impact, and a mission rooted in education, We Work the Waterways is opening doors to maritime careers and strengthening America’s maritime future.
DredgeWire believes our maritime community is fortunate to have WWW helping solve one of the industry’s greatest challenges: building the workforce pipeline of tomorrow.
We Work the Waterways: https://weworkthewaterways.com/
