Mark Knoy, then-President of AEP River Operations, envisioned a way to celebrate and educate the public about America’s working rivers. That vision became the seed for RiverWorks Discovery (RWD), a public outreach initiative aimed at inspiring appreciation for the maritime industry.

RiverWorks Discovery made its debut of bringing river stories to life at the Tall Stacks Festival in Cincinnati, OH. The program captivated festival goers by giving them an interactive look at America’s waterways.

• Errin Howard came aboard to lead the exhibit, driven by a deep passion for maritime education that first took root during her involvement with the Tall Stacks Festival. Her dedication to sharing the rich history of America’s inland waterways continued to grow, shaping the direction of the initiative.
• McGinnis Inc. stepped up as the first in-kind supporter, contributing staff to assist at events. This marked the beginning of a strong alliance among industry partners, uniting them with a common purpose.

Ingram Barge Company brought RiverWorks Discovery to the Dragon Boat Races in Nashville, TN, helping expand the program’s presence beyond its Cincinnati debut. As one of the largest and most respected carriers on America’s inland waterways, Ingram’s support signaled industry-wide confidence in the mission and opened doors to new communities eager to connect with their working rivers.

American Electric Power River Transportation (AEP) joined Errin in reaching new host cities along America’s rivers. Each new community brought local companies, fresh audiences, and new opportunities to highlight the industry’s impact.

Cincinnati Bulk Terminals became the first company to invest financially in RiverWorks Discovery, providing crucial early funding that made it possible to participate in more local events. Their support not only validated the program’s mission but also set an example for other industry leaders to step forward. With this boost, RWD could expand its presence beyond one-off appearances, building momentum for a growing calendar of community outreach and education.

The Waterways Association of Pittsburgh recognized the power of reaching students early, they approached RWD about creating educational content for high schools. Partnering with the National Energy Education Development Project (NEED), RWD developed a classroom curriculum linking energy, commerce, and our nation’s rivers.

With support from AEP River Transportation, Ingram Barge Company, and Crounse Corporation, RWD rolled out the “Energy and Our Rivers” curriculum for middle and high school students.

AEP River Operations gifted RWD to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, IA, providing a permanent base for the program.

RWD launched the first-ever Who Works the Rivers career exploration event in Pittsburgh, PA, partnering with the Waterways Association of Pittsburgh and the Port of Pittsburgh Commission. Hosted aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet, the event gave students a direct connection to maritime professionals and career opportunities.

In 2012, RiverWorks Discovery received the White House Champions of Change Award for transportation innovation. This rare recognition spotlighted the program’s ability to connect communities, inspire future maritime professionals, and elevate the importance of America’s working rivers on a national stage. This honor validated years of grassroots outreach and positioned RWD as a trusted voice in the conversation about the future of maritime transportation and workforce development.

RWD’s “A Journey of Imagination and Exploration of America’s Waterways” exhibit toured 15 U.S. cities, sharing the maritime story nationwide. In Washington, DC, Congressman Thomas Massie hosted the exhibit in the Rayburn Foyer, alongside a luncheon for members of Congress and Waterways Council Inc. (WCI).

With the support of Associated Terminals and Turn Services, RWD launched an interactive Prezi presentation designed to make maritime education more dynamic and accessible. This new tool allowed audiences to explore the industry visually, sparking curiosity and making complex topics easier to understand.

Who Works the Rivers was reimagined into an interactive, station-based career awareness event where students experience maritime skills firsthand. This new career program gave students a tangible taste of life on the waterways, connecting learning to real career opportunities.

When the pandemic paused in-person events, industry partners including ACBL, Turn Services, Canal Barge, Ingram, and Associated Terminals stepped up to create online videos and digital content. These kept the mission alive and engaged more than 1.25 million people nationwide by the end of 2021.

RWD formed its first-ever Advisory Council, bringing together influential leaders from across the maritime sector. This diverse group was tasked with providing strategic guidance, sharing industry expertise, and helping open new doors for partnerships and programming. The council united voices from multiple corners of the industry to ensure that RWD’s initiatives would stay relevant for years to come.

In December 2023, Errin Howard stepped into a contract role with Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals (IRPT) to lead a workforce outreach initiative. Building on years of work promoting river-based careers, this move set the stage for what would soon become We Work the Waterways (WWW).

In January 2024, the initiative was officially reintroduced as We Work the Waterways (WWW), now operating under the IRPT umbrella. Errin and the Advisory Council got to work right away on a rebranding that represented more than just a simple name change. It embodied a stronger, more cohesive identity aimed at elevating maritime careers across all of our nation’s waterways. Errin and the Advisory Council continued to lead the charge in crafting WWW’s vision and mission statements, anchoring the initiative in purpose and clarity. Their work laid the foundation for PROPEL, which is a guiding framework that champions People, Resources, Opportunities, Partnerships, Education, and Leadership-a slogan that brings a call to action that reflects the building of a resilient, inclusive maritime workforce.

In early 2024, WWW broadened its scope beyond inland rivers to embrace all navigable waterways—rivers, coastal ports, harbors, and the Great Lakes. This expansion opened doors to new partnerships, industries, and communities, setting the stage for a true national workforce initiative that embodies the full breadth of America’s maritime sector.

By April 2024, WWW secured its 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation, giving the organization the legal standing and structural stability to operate independently. With this framework in place, WWW could chart its own course, attract new funding, and scale its programs to meet the growing demand of maritime workforce development.

In April 2025, WWW officially began operating as a standalone nonprofit, carrying forward its mission with an even broader geographic and industry focus. This milestone marked the culmination of several years of growth, preparation, and vision, which positioned the organization to chart its future.

By May 2025, WWW concluded its affiliation with IRPT, stepping confidently into autonomous leadership. With this move came full authority over strategy, partnerships, and operations, ensuring the organization could act swiftly and decisively in pursuit of its mission.

In spring 2025, WWW welcomed a dedicated full-time team of three to lead operations, develop new programs, and deepen outreach efforts. This strengthened staff capacity providing more opportunities to connect with students, industry partners, and communities nationwide.

In June 2025, WWW formed its inaugural Board of Directors, blending the wisdom of Advisory Council veterans with the fresh perspectives of new leaders. The Advisory Council continued to play a vital role, offering insight and guidance as the organization navigated this next chapter.

In July 2025, WWW unveiled its first-ever Impact Report, a pivotal step toward greater transparency and compelling storytelling. The report spotlighted the organization’s expanding national presence, hands-on student engagement, and the growing alliance of maritime industry supporters. Together, these achievements strengthen the case for sustained investment in cultivating the future workforce of the maritime sector.

WWW is steadily expanding its footprint across the maritime shipping and logistics sector, spanning inland waterways, coastal ports, harbors, and the Great Lakes. This broadening scope enables the organization to engage more students, cultivate new partnerships within the industry, and deliver meaningful career pathways to communities nationwide.

Today, WWW stands as a recognized national leader in maritime career awareness, workforce development, and industry engagement. By inspiring the next generation of mariners and maritime professionals, WWW is helping ensure the strength, sustainability, and vitality of the industry for decades to come.