August 14, 2025
Taxi drivers are a vital part of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) community, getting travelers where they need to go while keeping the airport and our region moving. Now, a new partnership between the Port of Seattle and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is creating opportunities for on-demand taxi drivers who serve SEA Airport to grow their skills and pursue their career goals — if and when they choose.
Career navigation tailored for drivers
Starting this summer, SEA taxi drivers can work with career navigators to receive culturally competent and multilingual support, available through IRC to explore pathways in port-related industries including aviation, maritime, construction, and green jobs. Drivers get support for tasks like:
- Creating resumes and practicing interview skills
- Completing job applications for roles at the Port and SEA Airport and other employers
- Participating in port-related job training programs, such as Airport University
- Touring Port sites, or visiting the Port Jobs office or training programs to see opportunities firsthand
This program is voluntary and is designed to add tools to drivers’ existing skill sets and help them become employed in port-related industries. For drivers who want to strengthen their current taxi business, the program can help them learn more about Seattle’s tourism industry or enhance their day-to-day work. During its first year, the program’s goal is to provide career navigation services to 50 taxi drivers.
Built on community feedback
This initiative was launched in February 2023 when the Port of Seattle Commission adopted Order 2023-03, directing the Port to explore and develop workforce programs for interested taxi drivers. The Port worked with nonprofit Serve Ethiopians Washington to conduct surveys that assessed drivers’ interests and held a training and resource fair to share opportunities with the community.
“We recognize the vital role that taxi drivers play in supporting operations at SEA Airport, as well as the unique challenges they face in advancing their careers and building long-term economic stability,” said Rosa Kombwa, IRC’s Economic Empowerment Program Manager. “Many of these drivers are immigrants and refugees with incredible resilience, skill, and determination, yet they often lack access to career advancement opportunities. This program goes beyond employment navigation — it’s about fostering economic stability and creating opportunities for our communities to thrive. We’re eager to work with the airport’s taxi drivers and guide them toward sustainable career paths with the Port that align with their skills and aspirations.”
How drivers can connect
The program is designed to meet the unique needs of SEA’s taxi driver community. IRC’s Career Navigator, Rediet Getahun, is available at the drivers’ rest stop two days per week, with flexible meeting options at coffee shops, the IRC office nearby, or wherever drivers feel comfortable. Communication will also take place via WhatsApp, flyers, and word of mouth to reach drivers where they are. Services will be available in Somali, Amharic, Punjabi, Spanish, English, and other languages commonly spoken by SEA taxi drivers.
For those exploring careers outside of Port sectors, IRC can provide referrals to other programs, including commercial driving and healthcare career pathway programs or self-paced job readiness training through Upwardly Global, an IRC partner offering English language support and digital skills training.
“As one of the region’s largest economic drivers, the Port has a duty to foster economic growth and well-being for our communities — including SEA taxi drivers who often have little access to traditional career support,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed. “This program gives drivers the tools to explore new opportunities, strengthen their existing skills, and build more stability for themselves and their families. When we invest in their success, we invest in our economy.”
Learn more
SEA on-demand taxi drivers interested in exploring these services can reach out to IRC’s Ryan Smith at [email protected] or (360)200-8969.
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