We have the pleasure of featuring four Philadelphia Water Department employees for Black History Month. We asked them to share their stories about working at PWD, things they have learned during their careers, and what Black History means to them. Enjoy!
Saundra
Digital Customer Service | City Council Constituent Liaison
Years at PWD: 10
Tell us about your PWD journey, how did you end up in your current position?
I started in the Customer Information Unit and now I am in Public Affairs assisting customers in a different way via social media, email, and I’m assisting constituents via City Council.
What’s one thing that people would find interesting about your job?
Helping to resolve customers’ issues.
If you had the opportunity to meet with the Water Commissioner, Randy Hayman, what’s one thing you would tell him that you love about working at PWD?
Working for Water has allowed me to learn about our water and the infrastructure, which is fascinating.
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?
Customer Service can be quite complex in any given situation. It is best to not take anything personal because you are only there to help get some resolution.
How are you celebrating Black History Month?
Visiting the African American Museum.
Name an African American, dead or alive, whose story inspires you. Why?
Harriet Tubman. Because not only did she escape slavery, but she also helped and led others to freedom as well. This journey in life is not always about us, but how and what we can do for others.
Finish the statement: Black History means…
We are Great, We are special, and We are Chosen.
Aaron Kirkland
Grounds Maintenance Superintendent, Green Stormwater Operations
Years at PWD: 9+
Tell us about your PWD journey, how did you end up in your current position?
I started at PWD in 2015 as a Community Apprentice after serving in PowerCorps PHL, where I was introduced to Green Stormwater Infrastructure GSI maintenance. At that time, Green City, Clean Waters was four years into its 25-year plan, and PWD was ready to invest in an in-house maintenance program. What began as a small team of three maintenance workers has since grown into a full-scale operation with over 30 staff. With that growth, our scope of work has expanded from overseeing just a few green systems to maintaining nearly 600 stormwater management practices across the city. I worked my way up through the ranks as a Grounds Maintenance Worker 1, Crew Chief, and Supervisor gaining hands-on experience in every aspect of GSI maintenance.
With each role, I learned more about the complexities of stormwater management, workforce development, and the need for strategic long-term planning. Today, as the first Superintendent of the Green Stormwater Operations unit, I oversee the City’s first municipal program dedicated to both the aesthetics and functionality of GSI. Over the last nine years, I’ve played a key role in building out this program, not just in terms of operations but also in developing staff, creating processes, developing trainings, and ensuring that our work makes a lasting impact.
What’s one thing that people would find interesting about your job?
The interesting thing about building a unit from the ground up is the opportunity for innovation. I spend a lot of time developing a strong team culture and expanding our staff’s skill sets. In maintenance, you never know what problems will arise, but every new challenge is an opportunity to find better ways of doing things.
Grounds maintenance has gone beyond just picking up trash and cutting grass. We have developed a GSI Maintenance Series that combines LMS Learning Management System and hands-on training to teach essential skills such as seeding, tree planting, masonry, and interpreting site plans. We’ve also continued collaborating with our apprenticeship program, helping recruit talent from different pools across Philadelphia. Most of our team has moved up through the ranks. Seeing people start with little experience and grow into leadership roles has been one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
Another interesting part of my job is how often we engage with the community. Our work is highly visible, and we regularly interact with residents who are curious about what we do. Over the years, we have educated people about how GSI benefits neighborhoods and why keeping these systems clean matters. We’ve even had other cities visit our headquarters to meet with our crew members and learn from our program as they develop their own GSI maintenance teams. As a representative from Buffalo Sewer put it, “Aaron, what’s the sauce? How do y’all make this happen?”
If you had the opportunity to meet with the Water Commissioner, Randy Hayman, what’s one thing you would tell him that you love about working at PWD?
Fortunately, I’ve had the opportunity to meet Commissioner Hayman. The first time, he invited mentors to lunch who were guiding apprentices, and I was honored to be selected. PWD has a culture of resilience. The department is full of talented people across many units who take pride in their work. Every day isn’t full of pats on the back and high fives, but when the time comes, hard work gets recognized. And with that recognition comes opportunities to learn, grow, and move forward. I appreciate that PWD invests in its employees. I started as an apprentice and, over the years, I’ve been able to grow, take on leadership roles, and enroll in the tuition reimbursement program to take evening courses. I’ve seen the same happen for so many others who have taken advantage of those opportunities to advance and develop new 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?
First, I would advise that you find a mentor. I was lucky to be under the leadership of Gerald Bright, who taught me to not look for accolades but to let my work speak for itself. Through that and many other experiences, I learned that you don’t lead by title or position. Good leaders lead through service.
I learned this lesson during the COVID shutdown when I had just begun working in an Acting Supervisor role. I didn’t expect to be acting, I thought I would get the permanent position. The parameters of what I could do as a leader were blurry, and at times, it was frustrating. But that experience taught me that leadership isn’t about having a title. It’s about stepping up, adapting, and making sure the job gets done. A lot of times, we chase positions we’re not really ready for, but the preparation is in the process. Taking pride in your work, staying consistent, and always looking for ways to add value will open doors. When the opportunity comes, you won’t just get the position, you’ll be ready for it.
How are you celebrating Black History Month?
I started this month by attending the National Freedom Day Association’s Luncheon, which honors the signing of the proclamation that led to the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery. Being part of the wreath-laying ceremony at the Liberty Bell and hearing reflections on freedom is always a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made and the rights we continue to uphold. This year was especially meaningful for my family as we had the opportunity to present a scholarship in memory of my late aunt, Patricia Frazier, to a young man starting college as part of the National Freedom Day Association’s Scholarship Luncheon. Honoring her legacy in this way was a reminder that Black history is not just about the past, it’s about what we continue to build for the future. Beyond that, I use this month to reflect on the contributions of Black leaders, both past and present, and to give back in ways that matter. Black history isn’t just something to recognize in February, it’s something to carry forward in how we live, work, and lead every day.
Name an African American, dead or alive, whose story inspires you. Why?
Stephen Smith truly inspires me because, in the face of opposition, he refused to let what seemed impossible at the time stop him from making it possible. He was born into slavery and worked to buy his freedom at 21. His captivity did not prevent him from building a successful lumber and coal business, along with real estate ventures, becoming one of the wealthiest Black men of his time. Even when white mobs vandalized his office, tried to force him out of business, and burned down a public hall he built for Black people, he stood his ground. What intrigues me most about him is that even after achieving wealth, he never forgot those still in bondage. After moving to Philadelphia, he used his success to fund the Underground Railroad, support Black churches, and establish institutions like the Stephen Smith Home for the Aged, which still stands today. His legacy is a reminder that true success isn’t just about what you accomplish for yourself but what you do to lift others up.
Finish the statement: Black History means…
PERSEVERANCE.
Kinya R.
Water Customer Care Assistant Manager
Years at PWD: 27
Tell us about your PWD journey, how did you end up in your current position?
I started at PWD in 1998 as a Service Representative. I learned a lot about the world of water. I was a young lady surrounded by a group of wise, working women who helped to shape me, not only as a worker but who also imparted a lot of wisdom. I continued that journey for several years, promoting to a Collection Customer Rep, a Supervisor, and an Assistant Manager. It’s been a long journey, and I only hope that I’ve been as much of a good example to those that came along after as much as those before me.
What’s one thing that people would find interesting about your job?
I don’t know if they find it interesting, but I believe most people enjoy my sense of humor.
If you had the opportunity to meet with the Water Commissioner, Randy Hayman, what’s one thing you would tell him that you love about working at PWD?
I would tell him how much I love to help and educate people; how much I love to understand and see how all things work together and help make things happen and get results. I always say an educated customer is the best kind. I think when you know better, you do better; you move better; you live better. That goes for our external customers, as well as our internal customers. Those we work alongside every day. Those at PWD and those at other city agencies. Knowledge and understanding are powerful things. Knowing how you do your job and understanding how the other parts go together to make things work is invaluable to helping get things done.
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?
It may sound cliché, but I’d just urge anyone working, anywhere, to always do your best. Know your limitations and only be concerned about the things that you can do and the things you can control. Maintain a positive attitude and take pride in your work. That is its own reward. People will see you, even if you don’t notice, and the rest will come.
How are you celebrating Black History Month?
I’ll celebrate at various events throughout the city and at my church.
Name an African American, dead or alive, whose story inspires you. Why?
Well, I initially thought of Nelson Mandela, but he’s African, not American, so I’ll say Barack Obama. I believe these two are similar, yet in different times, though their paths did cross. They are men who overcame adversity. They fought for equal rights and social justice. They longed for days of fair and equal treatment and economic equality as well. Men of character and integrity, moving about with class, grace, and dignity. Looking for, seeking, and pursuing the good in all people, even those that meant them no good. Although my platform is nowhere near as large as either of these men, both lives are inspiring to me, and I aspire to model these characteristics, wherever I have an opportunity to do so.
Finish the statement: Black History means…
Black history is every day that I look in the mirror. It means an opportunity to highlight our ancestry, our contributions to, not only this country, but also to the world. It means a time to reflect, celebrate, and forge on.
Anthony Pompey
Executive Assistant to the Water Commissioner
Years at PWD: 12
Tell us about your PWD journey, how did you end up in your current position?
Many moons ago, I transferred over from the Law Dept. and landed on PWD’s Executive Row. Somehow, it stuck.
What’s one thing that people would find interesting about your job?
That I still have it. (😃 Just kidding.) My job has allowed me to learn the inner workings of PWD in a special way, as I deal with each Division/Unit (and other City Departments) in one way or another. I’ve met some great people in the process.
If you had the opportunity to meet with the Water Commissioner, Randy Hayman, what’s one thing you would tell him that you love about working at PWD?
I’d tell him to give his Assistant a raise. 😉 After that, I’d thank him for being a part of PWD history.
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?
Be organized, adaptable, reliable, relatable… all of the “bles”. Know your roll. Know your value. Have a good time.
How are you celebrating Black History Month?
My birthday happens in Black History Month, so I was literally born to do this! In addition to that, I’ve been reading more, learning and re-learning more. I feel like I should be doing more community-wise, so something in that realm is on the horizon.
Name an African American, dead or alive, whose story inspires you. Why?
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is on a roll right now. Professional/educational accomplishments aside, I admire her courage in the face of adversity. She calls out fallacies, corruption, racism, sexism, and everything in between. She’s fearless.
Finish the statement: Black History means…
Being part of a never-ending resilient people.
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