PWD Black History Month Spotlight: Noella M

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.

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

I worked as a summer trainee with Planning & Research while in college. After graduation I worked in different areas such as animal care & research, with children, and some retail. I returned back to PWD as a Science Technician at one of the wastewater plants before becoming an Environmental Biologist in the Aquatic Biology Lab.

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

Our lab is open 7 days a week to ensure that our water is free from certain health concerning bacteria and monitors algae.

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?

If possible, work some internships/co-ops, ask questions and be curious, and connect professionally.

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

I am celebrating black history this month by continuing reading books on black historical figures to my son and continuing learning more myself. Also attend some community events.

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

That is a really tough but insightful question. There are many to choose from. I would choose Billie Holiday. Not only was she a talented performer, but she used her music to address social injustices.

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

“Walls turned sideways are bridges” – Angela Davis

Finish the statement: Black History means…

Black History means knowing that our history is a huge foundational part of American History and we matter.