November 4, 2026
In October the Port of Seattle’s Duwamish Valley Community Equity Program was recognized for outstanding work in community engagement at the International Association for Public Participation’s (IAP2) North American Conference in Vancouver, B.C.
The Port was awarded Program of the Year for Respect for Diversity, Inclusion, and Culture for its work in the Duwamish Valley in partnership with the Port
Community Action Team (PCAT). The judges noted that since Commission adopted the program in 2019, “the Port has been transforming its relationship with historically underserved communities in South Park and Georgetown, and its program is a powerful model for embedding equity into public participation.”
Community members serve as co-designers, helping shape policy, strategic priorities, and investments. The program combines multilingual engagement, compensated community leadership, and measurable outcomes in workforce and small business development, environmental health, and community capacity.
"Being recognized for the Diversity, Inclusion, and Culture award affirms what we've long believed: real public participation starts with deep listening and equitable collaboration,” said Sally del Fierro, Director of Community Engagement at the Port of Seattle. “The Duwamish Valley Community Equity Program prioritizes co-creation with our neighbors and centers those who have too often been left out of decisions shaping their communities. This award belongs to our community partners as much as it does to the Port of Seattle."
Learn more about the Duwamish Valley Community Equity Program
Photo caption above right: PCAT member Maribel Pastor and Sr. Program Manager for Duwamish Valley Engagement, Charmila Ajmera, pose with IAP2 award.
