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.

Valerie Sheppard

Employee and Labor Relations Analyst
Human Resources

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

My undergraduate degree is in Human Resources, and I’ve always wanted to work in Human Resources. In PWD, I’ve worked in Safety, Hiring, Transactions and now Labor Relations. I enjoy assisting employees with their questions and issues and get excited when I can see the results of hard work.

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

Labor Relations is not just about disciplining employees, it also involves employee rights, mediation, negotiation, conflict resolution, strong communication and analytical skills.

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?

Always strive to excel at whatever job you’re currently doing. Doing this sets the groundwork for future opportunities to learn more, do more and to potentially promote.

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

During the month of February, I intentionally dine and shop at Black-owned businesses in and around my community.

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

I would love the opportunity to share a meal with our former First Lady, Michelle Obama, simply because of her strong character, self-confidence, grace, and compassion. She emulates these characteristics so easily and these are all characteristics that I hope to fully emulate one day.

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

“There is no magic to achievement. It’s really about hard work, choices, and persistence.” – Michele Obama

Finish the statement: Black History means…

Black History means recognizing the significant contributions to society of Black/African American people while acknowledging their profound impact on world history, culture, and progress in the past, currently, and in the future.