Charting New Courses: Port of Hueneme’s Global Trade & Logistics Students Set Sail Toward Bright Futures
30 Oxnard Union High School District students graduate from the Port of Hueneme’s Spring 2026 Global Trade & Logistics Class
Port of Hueneme Contact: Zach Baliva
Director of Communications & PIO
zbaliva@Portofh.org
(805) 616-6881
PORT HUENEME, Calif., May 14, 2026 – It was a moment of pomp and circumstance at Oxnard College last week as families, educators, and Port leaders honored local students for completing the Port of Hueneme’s Global Trade & Logistics (GTL) class and taking an important step toward future careers in trade, transportation, and logistics.
The Spring 2026 GTL graduating class.
The award-winning program, offered in partnership with the Oxnard Union High School District, introduces local juniors and seniors to pathways in maritime, supply chain management, and related fields. Through hands-on learning, dynamic presentations, and real-world exposure to Port operations, students gained valuable insight into one of Ventura County’s most vital economic drivers.
Over the course of the 12-session program, students learned directly from Port staff, customers, and community partners about imports and exports, goods movement, cargo systems, safety and security, and the wide range of existing and emerging careers available across the industry.
Misha Osorio speaking at the Spring 2026 GTL graduation.
“My experience in GTL has been amazing—I didn’t know there were so many resources right here in the backyard of our hometown. I gained a lot of friends, knowledge, and the courage to speak up and be a leader!” said Misha Osorio, a graduate of the Spring 2026 GTL class.
The GTL program is part of the Port’s broader workforce development efforts, including its S.P.E.E.D initiative, which focuses on creating educational and career pipelines for area students and families. Through partnerships with schools, colleges, industry leaders, and community organizations, the Port continues investing in a “whole family” approach to economic opportunity, helping students access meaningful careers while strengthening the regional workforce pipeline.
“The Global Trade & Logistics program is about opening doors for local students and showing them that rewarding careers exist right here in our community,” said Jason Hodge, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Harbor Commissioners. “Through programs like GTL and S.P.E.E.D, we are helping students build confidence, develop professional skills, and connect to real opportunities that can positively impact not only their futures, but the economic strength of the entire region.”
President Hodge addresses the Spring 2026 GTL graduates.
The Port’s investment in workforce development extends beyond the classroom. Following each GTL session, one standout student is selected to join the Port team as an intern based on their enthusiasm, engagement, leadership, and commitment throughout the program.
“The Global Trade & Logistics program gives students a behind-the-scenes look at industries in their backyard that power our economy, impact the communities, and connect businesses to the world,” said Kristin Decas, CEO and Port Director. “This class is designed to show students what’s possible and strengthen the local workforce so Ventura County continues to thrive.”
The Mariachi Inlakech performing at Spring 2026 GTL graduation.
Importantly, the program is already producing real outcomes. Several former GTL participants have gone on to secure internships, pursue higher education in logistics and related fields, and obtain employment within the regional workforce and maritime industry.
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About the Port of Hueneme
The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. Five locally elected Port Commissioners govern the Port. The Port consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. Ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $2.8 billion in economic activity and creating 25,000 trade-related jobs. Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $236 million in direct and related state and local taxes, which fund vital community services. In 2017, the Port of Hueneme became the first port in California to become Green Marine certified and was voted the Greenest Port in the U.S. at the Green Shipping Summit.
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