New municipal port director makes history as first woman and person of color to hold position

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- History was made in the city of Milwaukee, as the new municipal director, Jackie Carter, is the first female and person of color to hold that position.

On Thursday, a teary-eyed Carter assumed her position for the Milwaukee Port.

"When you come from circumstances I came from growing up in the inner city, there's a lot of statistics that tell you what you could be, what you can't be. This is huge," said Carter.

The port, which plays a big economical role in Milwaukee, covers Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic's area. She stressed the importance of this role in the city and believes Carter is the right person for the job.

"The more that we can have the City of Milwaukee reflect and mirror our community that we serve, what a way to welcome our international visitors to the port," said Alderwoman Dimitrijevic.

Carter said she already has plans on how to make the port more successful.

"My vision is to be able to reach out to more businesses so they understand what we do, how we can support them and see if there's a way for us to connect," said Carter.

She said she hopes her new title helps encourage other girls who look like her to dream big in the city of Milwaukee.