For Women’s History Month, City Experiences salutes Captain Liana Harrison, the only female captain aboard NYC Ferry. Bay Ridge, Brooklyn native, Harrison was featured on a Spectrum News NY1 interview for International Women’s Day about her important role getting New York commuters where they need to go.

As the only woman at the helm of NYC Ferry, she says, “More women should get on board if it’s what they want to do. It’s about what you can do not what you are. So, if you have any desire to get into it, don’t let it stop you.”

Harrison started as a deckhand with NYC Ferry in June of 2018 and worked regular shifts while studying Art and Photography at CUNY College of Staten Island. She received her degree in 2020, and while she still has the eye for art, she was promoted to NYC Ferry Captain in March of 2021.

The New York skyline serves as Liana’s daily “office” and, in true photographer fashion, she loves seeing it in different lighting, various weather conditions, and at all times of the day. From her perspective, for the best “silhouette view” of NYC, she recommends black buildings against a golden sky.

“[The NYC Ferry is] a beautiful way to get around, and it saves people a load of time,” Harrison says. “I know especially people who live out in Rockaway and up far in the Bronx, it really just cuts the travel time in half.”

Harrison’s work with NYC Ferry felt especially important in the past year, continuing, “It was really great to get essential workers where they had to go during the pandemic, as well.”

For Women’s History Month, Harrison leaves us with these words of encouragement, “Don’t let anything stop you and just do whatever you feel passionate about.”

You can find Captain Liana Harrison aboard the NYC Ferry continuing her passion at the helm.