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.

Joy Wilson

Engineering Supervisor 2
Planning & Research

12 years at PWD

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

I joined PWD in December 2013 as a Graduate Civil Engineer in the Development Services Unit. I spent five and a half years in the Stormwater Plan Review group, where I conducted technical reviews of private development projects in the City of Philadelphia to ensure compliance with PWD’s stormwater regulations.

In 2019, I transitioned to the Linear Asset Planning group within the Planning & Research Unit as an Engineering Specialist. I was promoted in 2021 to Engineering Supervisor 1 for the Sewer Planning group, and in 2022 I assumed the role of Engineering Supervisor 2 for the Sewer System Planning branch of Linear Asset Planning. Sewer System Planning includes both the Sewer Planning and Flood Risk Management groups.

In my current role, I oversee all aspects of identifying, planning, and developing preliminary designs for capital sewer renewal and flood risk management projects under the direction of the Linear Asset Planning Manager.

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

One part of my job involves reviewing video footage from inside the city’s sewers to assess their condition. People would be surprised to learn that some of these sewers were constructed well over 100 years ago and still remain in great condition.

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?

Two pieces of advice come to mind. First, develop your network. Building relationships across the department will open doors to opportunities. Second, take the time to master at least one core skill related to the work in your field. Having a strong technical foundation builds confidence and makes you a resource that others can rely on.

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

Black history is something we talk about regularly at home, so Black History Month is a chance for me to be even more intentional. I plan to participate in local events around the city to help deepen my understanding and appreciation of the history I already value year round.

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

Trailblazing women in STEM such as Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Dr. Mae Jemison might seem like the obvious choices for me as a Black woman in civil engineering. However, I would choose Harriet Tubman. I would want to understand the depth of conviction that drove her to repeatedly risk her life for the freedom and safety of others. Her courage, selflessness, and unwavering sense of purpose continue to inspire me.

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

I love this quote by Shirley Chisholm. “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”

Finish the statement: Black History means…

Black History is an essential part of American history. It is interwoven throughout our nation’s timeline, and the full story deserves to be understood — the achievements, the challenges, and everything in between.