Raleigh Water Employee March 2026 newsletter 1

Relentless, Strong & Dedicated: The Women Enforcing Clean and Safe Water

Think about how many people you know who wake up every morning, maybe make a cup of coffee, and prepare for their 9 - to - 5 jobs. Here are some stats to put it into perspective: The U.S. work force consists of millions of people. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women made up 47% of the workforce as of March 2025. However, when looking at the water industry specifically, the story is different. Only 14.9% of workers in that field are women, according to a 2016 study from Brookings. That represents only a fraction of the workers keeping water flowing to our homes. And in honor of International Women ’ s Day, March 8, we ’ re highlighting some of the hardworking women at Raleigh Water who are paving the way for future generations.

The women in Raleigh Water are influential in all parts of the water from water distribution, sewer maintenance at wastewater treatment plants, testing water in the laboratories, finance, human relations, administration, engineers, planners and beyond. Everyone's got their own story and reasons for getting into the water industry, plus what keeps them motivated in their current careers.

We asked them a few questions to get the insider scoop from the pros:

Why are you passionate about working in the water industry? "I ’ m passionate about my role in the water industry because it gives me the chance to protect public health every day. Whether I ’ m helping customers understand their water, responding to concerns like lead and copper, or ensuring reliable lab testing, my work helps strengthen trust and confidence in the water people rely on." - Amy Hamilton

"We need water to survive. That means, clean water is a necessity to maintain our health and routines. Without our Raleigh Water departments working together, our customers would not get the quality water and service that we present every day, and I take pride in being part of that team." - Jodaris Diaz - Hernandez

"My background is in environmental science, and I ’ ve always been driven by a desire to protect and preserve our natural resources. Water is finite, essential to life, and foundational to thriving communities and economies. It sustains ecosystems, supports public health, and fuels economic vitality. Working in the water industry allows me to live at the intersection of people, the planet, and prosperity, ensuring environmental stewardship while delivering essential services that communities depend on every single day. There is something incredibly meaningful about contributing to an industry that safeguards both our environment and our collective future." - Kathleen Jordan

"I am passionate about working in the water industry because it is universal to everyone. I get to work to provide an essential need to the community and it feels great to be able to contribute." - Sophie Jones

"Water is important for everyone ’ s survival. Working behind the scenes to provide safe, palatable drinking water and fire - flow protection is a humble opportunity to serve." - Catherine Willis

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