Exploring Innovation and Sustainability at the Fall 2025 Portside Community Academy

This fall, the Portside Community Academy, hosted by the Port of San Diego, opened its doors to an inspiring group of participants eager to learn, connect, and shape the future of our maritime community. Among the attendees was Joy Wolf, Founder and CEO of Global Conservation Leaders, who joined the group for an unforgettable experience focused on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.

The Academy isn’t just an educational program—it’s a gateway to understanding how the Port is transforming operations and communities for a cleaner, greener future. Participants had the unique opportunity to engage directly with the Port’s technology leaders, explore cutting-edge solutions, and gain insights into initiatives that will impact generations to come.

“The Portside Community Academy illuminated the incredible conservation work shaping the Port of San Diego’s future. It reminded us that sustainability is not just a goal—it’s a shared journey of innovation and stewardship. Together, we have the power to create a thriving, resilient port that sets a global example for generations to come,” Joy observed over the course of the Academy.

What Makes the Academy Special?

The curriculum was designed to immerse participants in the Port’s most forward-thinking projects. Here’s a glimpse of what attendees explored:

• Maritime Clean Air Strategy
  How do we achieve cleaner air in the maritime industry? Through innovative technologies and bold strategies that redefine sustainability.

• Maritime Industrial Impact Fund
  This fund is all about enhancing community well-being—because progress should benefit everyone.

• Investments in Clean Technology
  From shore power systems to zero-emission cranes, tugboats, and vehicle fleets, participants learned how these investments are driving change.

• Neighborhood Trucking Solutions
  Reducing trucking impacts on neighborhoods is a priority, and the Academy showcased initiatives making this possible.

• Operations Bus Tour
  Seeing is believing! Attendees toured two active maritime terminals to witness cargo handling in action.

• Bay Tour Experience
  A daytime bay tour offered firsthand views of sustainability initiatives transforming our waterways.

Learning, Networking, and Community

Beyond the curriculum, the Academy provided a space for meaningful conversations. Participants connected with Port staff for technical insights and engaged with fellow community members who share a passion for progress. It was a chance to expand networks, exchange ideas, and learn from both industry experts and those with lived experience in our neighborhoods.

The Portside Community Academy is a movement toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. And with leaders like Joy Wolf joining the conversation, the momentum for positive change continues to grow. For more information about future sessions, visit the Port of San Diego, Portside Community Academy.

Portside Community Academy Fall 2025 Graduates