To celebrate Black History Month, we are featuring several Philadelphia Water Employees throughout the month. We asked them to share their stories about working at PWD, what they’ve learned during their careers, what inspires them, and what Black History means to them.

David Harris

Customer Service Representative
Customer Information Unit

8 years at PWD
Tell us a little about your PWD career journey. How did you end up in your current position?

Honestly, I went to a job fair. I was leaving my last job, looking for something more stable, and I saw PWD was hiring. I took the test, got an interview, and, believe it or not, I was the only one who showed up. The interview went well, I was very intrigued with what the requirements for the job were, and made it clear that I was interested in working with PWD. I began my PWD career on 12/10/2017.

What’s one thing that people would find interesting about your job that they might not know?

My career at PWD has been a valuable learning experience. Working with different people from different backgrounds has allowed me to gain more understanding as to how people become who they are. Talking to customers who all have different life experiences and unique stories allows me to have empathy and understanding for them and the situations they find themselves in.

What’s the best career advice that you received that you could pass on to a potential PWD employee that wants to do what you are doing?

Make sure you have enough versatility in your mentality to always be open to listening and understanding an opposing view.

How are you going to celebrate Black History Month this year?

I’m going to try and meet with a group of young men and listen to what they are dealing with.

Which African American, dead, or alive, would you invite to your dinner party and why?

Muhammad Ali & Malcolm X

Share an inspirational quote by an African American that motivates you?

“When you go to speak to a man you have to speak the language that he understands” — Malcolm X

Finish the statement: Black History means…

Black History means that America gets a chance to see the GREAT contributions that we have made to this country. Also, it gives US the chance to highlight all of the great things that have been born out of OUR community. This is the greatest country in the world by and large due to the contributions that Black people have made.