We Work the Waterways Marks New Chapter as Standalone Nonprofit Entity

Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals, Inc. (IRPT) and We Work the Waterways (WWW) are proud to announce a major milestone in their shared mission to grow and support the future maritime workforce. Although We Work the Waterways was officially established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization affiliated with IRPT in April 2024, it will begin operating independently as a standalone 501(c)(3) organization on June 1, 2025.

IRPT has played a pivotal role in helping We Work the Waterways strengthen its foundation. Through staffing support, organizational infrastructure, and a strong network of industry members and partners, IRPT helped elevate WWW from a promising initiative to a thriving, and now, self-sustaining organization.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Aimee Andres, executive director of IRPT and Robert Maxwell, IRPT Board President. “We believed in the mission from Day One – to build awareness of the maritime shipping and logistics industries and to connect young people with real career opportunities. We are incredibly proud of what has been built.”

We Work the Waterways focuses on helping the maritime shipping and logistics industries create meaningful connections in their communities – particularly with students. The organization raises awareness among educators, parents, civic leaders, and school administrators, providing real exposure to maritime careers through interactive, age-appropriate programming. Its mission is simple but vital: build awareness early and often, and make the maritime industry accessible to the next generation.

Read the full press release here!

Read similar articles from Marine Log, American Journal of Transportation, and The Waterways Journal.