PWD Women’s History Month Spotlight: Laura Williams & Daphne Segers

For Women’s History Month, we are introducing you to some phenomenal women working at the Philadelphia Water Department, making a difference every day and doing extraordinary things in their careers.

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What do you do at PWD and what is something that people would find interesting about the job?

Laura: I am one of the Executive Assistants for Operations Administration Unit and I oversee the ordering and maintaining of the Departments vehicles and radios. This would include administering the installation of the EV chargers around the department. I supervise the payment of the utilities (gas and electric), Advanced Metering Infrastructure, and Five9 software bills. I am also the first approver for many of the department’s purchase orders. I also help with managing HR related hiring needs within the Ops Administration’s unit.

Daphne: My assignment is to process the gas and electric invoices for the Water department. I also process the Advanced Metering Infrastructure invoices.

People might also be surprised to know that part of your job is to help coordinate PWD employees to assist with city-wide snow removal efforts. What are some of the challenges that you faced making this happen?

Laura: Working round the clock to make sure that the streets have PWD coverage. Trying to figure out how to be prepared with supplies to be “locked-in” and not knowing how long that will be. And then trying to get back to “normal life” and sleep once it was over.

Daphne: When there is a snow event, we arrive before the snow falls and cannot leave until the streets are passable. Sometimes that means we are onsite for several days. We were onsite for the storm in late January for 4 days. Also, we must bring everything we need with us – food, toiletries, etc.

Since you have been coordinating PWD snow efforts, can you share any interesting stories or events that were memorable during a snowstorm?

Laura: A memorable moment would have to be when we were locked in for 4+ days straight during the blizzard of 2026. Also, knowing that I have a part in the city’s cleanup efforts is a good feeling.

Daphne: A couple of years ago at the Sanitation headquarters at Delaware and Wheatsheaf, the microwave in the kitchenette caught on fire and filled the building with smoke. Fortunately, it was a weekend, so the building was not fully occupied. Once the microwave was unplugged and the fire was put out, we were able to continue working. Of course, the windows had to be opened to let the smoke out. We had to finish the workday with the windows fully opened, all wrapped up as if we were working outside.

What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself looking to work in your career field?

Laura: Be kind to yourself. It may not seem like it but the work that you are doing is making a difference. You are part of a bigger plan.

Daphne: I would advise myself to get my degree before entering the workforce.

Do you think there are any barriers for women wanting to do your job? If so, how did you overcome them?

Laura: PWD is full of engineers and sometimes those that work (in) administration seem to get overlooked. I remember that I am part of the bigger picture, and all positions are needed and necessary. I show up every day trying to be the best version of me that I can.

Daphne: I would say the barriers are the civil service process in general. Too many jobs do not necessarily require a degree but according to Civil Service they do.

Here’s your chance to give a special shout out to a woman in your own life, at work, or in your community who has served as a role model or mentor – who’s getting your praise?

Laura: One of my longest and dearest friends, Lisa. She has shown me how to never give up no matter what life throws at you, and it is ok to start over if you are not happy where you are.

Daphne: My mom was my role model. She was a great example of a person who worked hard and was very resourceful. I am proud to be a reflection of her.

Share your favorite inspirational quote by a woman…

Laura: “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible!’” – Audrey Hepburn

Daphne: “Sometimes things fall apart, so that better things can fall together.” – Marilyn Monroe