PWD Women’s History Month Spotlight: Sarah Stevenson

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

As part of the leadership team at PWD, I have the privilege of getting to work with every division across this amazing department. No two days are alike, but I help drive decision-making in a direction that (hopefully!) moves PWD forward. Some interesting priorities include working on legislation and regulation from all levels of government that impacts us, helping with our emergency response planning, strategizing how to position PWD for future success, and maintaining strong relationships in and outside of City government.

Some of my previous roles were Chief Integrity Officer for the City of Philadelphia, Acting Water Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner for Government Affairs and Policy, Enforcement Director, and Assistant City Solicitor.

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

Be open to opportunities that you might not have considered. I started my career with the City as a lawyer for PWD. By being open to new and challenging projects, I was able to navigate different roles in management and leadership.

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

Being a mom of young kids is hard – period. It’s challenging to keep home and work separate, especially being on call 24/7. However, the City of Philadelphia, and PWD in particular, is a great employer.

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?

There are so many! Family, teachers, coaches, professors, colleagues, mentors, teammates, friends – my goal is to be a link in the chain for future women leaders. I’ll mention two women leaders I’ve had the privilege of working with – my predecessor as the City’s Chief Integrity Officer, Ellen Mattleman Kaplan, and the City’s first (and so far, only permanent) woman Water Commissioner, Debra McCarty. Ellen and Deb both set very high standards, and I continue to draw lessons from each of them.

Share your favorite inspirational quote by a woman…

My high school lacrosse coach deeply instilled the concept of never quitting, even in the face of a half mile hill after a 5-mile run in Valley Green. Even if you had to slow way down, we never stopped running up that hill. “Do not stop!”