Port of Oakland appoints its first woman Director of Engineering

Oakland, Calif. – October 12, 2023:  The Port of Oakland has appointed Emilia Sánchez as its new Director of Engineering. Ms. Sánchez joined the Port in February as an Engineering Project Manager. She is the first woman and first Latina to serve in this leadership position at the Port.

Ms. Sánchez spent over a decade at BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), where she served in various positions. She managed the development of the Hayward Maintenance Complex, managed the BART Headquarters Tenant Improvement in Oakland, worked on the Earthquake Safety Program and the Oakland Airport Connector.

Emilia Sánchez is the Port of Oakland's new Director of Engineering. Ms. Sánchez is the first woman and first Latina to serve in this leadership position at the Port.

Ms. Sánchez brings to the Port’s Director of Engineering position a depth of experience combining technical engineering background with expertise in managing multi-discipline, cross-functional, stakeholder engaging teams and projects. Her integrated skill sets are ideal for delivering the variety of projects the Port will undertake in its transition to a zero emissions port.

“I look forward to drawing upon my experience in managing large projects with my varied educational foundation and a personal commitment to the community,” said Port Director of Engineering Emilia Sánchez. “I was born and raised in Oakland and am excited to oversee the planning and implementation of projects that will deliver cleaner operations to protect our environment while improving the Port.”

Ms. Sánchez earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of California, Berkeley, in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Construction Management from California State University, East Bay. She holds a California Professional Engineering license and a Project Management Professional Certificate. Ms. Sánchez is a member of the Society of Women Engineers and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Her appointment falls during National Hispanic Heritage month.

About the Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits and environmental innovation, as the Port decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports 98,345 jobs in the region and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees Oakland International Airport, the Oakland Seaport and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square, and a publicly owned utility. The Port of Oakland is Everyone’s Port! Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook and Twitter, or with the Port on LinkedIn, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.