The Port of Seattle this week announced that it remains steadfast in its mission to promote economic opportunities, environmental stewardship, and equity for the residents of King County, despite what it calls increasing attacks on its core values.
Bookda Gheisar, Senior Director of the Port’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, emphasized this commitment in a recent “Equity in Action” newsletter, urging continued unity and resolve.
The Port says that its values — Respect, Anti-racism and equity, Integrity, Stewardship, and Excellence (R.A.I.S.E.) — guide its efforts to advance trade, travel, and commerce while fostering inclusion and sustainability.
However, Gheisar noted mounting challenges, including attacks on voting rights, environmental protections, and marginalized communities, as well as anxiety following recent political developments.
“Regardless of your feelings about the recent election, the history is undeniable,” Gheisar said, citing previous rollbacks on environmental progress and immigrant rights. “Our assignment is unchanged. We will continue to advance equity through an intersectional racial equity lens and create a Port that is welcoming for all people.”
Gheisar also addressed the ongoing recovery from a ransomware attack that disrupted the Port’s IT systems in August. Despite setbacks, she expressed optimism about the Port’s ability to maintain its equity efforts and resume regular communication with the community.
Below is full text of Gheisar’s announcement:
“Standing Firm in Our Values”
“Dear Friends,
“It is an incredible honor to serve the residents of King County as a member of the Port of Seattle’s Executive Leadership Team. I am grateful to be part of a mission-driven and values-centered organization.
“As a reminder, the mission of the Port of Seattle is to promote economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner. We advance this mission by steadfastly committing to our R.A.I.S.E. values — Respect, Anti-racism and equity, Integrity, Stewardship, and Excellence.
“But, as many of us have experienced during the past months and even years, there have been a growing number of attacks on our values. We have witnessed attacks on our environment, voting rights, the rights of women, the rights of immigrants, the rights of trans and LGBTQI+ communities, and, in general, efforts to advance fairness, inclusion, and belonging.
“In many ways, the recent election results have produced anxiety, fear, and concern for our communities and the people we serve. Our freedoms are at risk. Our future is uncertain.
“Regardless of your feelings about the recent election, the history is undeniable. The last time President Trump was in office, we saw the administration roll back progress on environmental sustainability, we experienced an attack on immigrants through the Muslim ban, and we witnessed consistently sexist and racist rhetoric from our nation’s highest office.
“From my perspective as the Senior Director of the Port’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, our assignment is unchanged. We will continue to embed our values in all that we do for the people of our region. We will continue to advance equity through an intersectional racial equity lens. We will continue to create a Port that is welcoming for all people. Inside and outside of our organization, we will fight for justice, fairness, and freedom.
“We do not do this work alone. We have the support of the Port of Seattle’s leadership, the wisdom and insight of our community, and partnerships reaching across our communities and state.
“I look forward to working together as we stand up for our values, create a community where everyone belongs, and drive an economy where both people and the environment are healthy.
“In Unity,
“Bookda Gheisar
“Senior Director, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion“P.S. This is our first Equity In Action newsletter since we experienced a ransomware attack in late August. Our teams are working hard to get all our systems back online, including our website, but without a website to host blogs, community events, and other content, it’s been challenging to share newsletter updates. All that said, we’re making great progress in reinstating our IT systems, and we’ll be resuming regular monthly newsletters soon.“
