Taking pride in protecting the Bay.
Although Debra lived by the beach while she was in her previous job, she couldn’t wait to get back to Oakland where she was born and raised. Now Debra is a Wastewater Control Inspector and is constantly out and about in the East Bay, where she investigates wastewater discharge from various industrial, commercial and institutional sources.
Not everyone can handle being out in urban and industrial areas all the time, but Debra is tough and does not scare easily. She’s also run into many people who have misconceptions of what an inspector is supposed to look like. “There are not a lot of people doing this kind of job who look like me.”
Debra keeps her focus on carrying out her duties to meet EBMUD’s high standards. She ensures water pollution control laws and regulations are being followed. She also stands ready to problem-solve at the drop of a hat if there’s a high rain event or spill that could trigger pollutants entering the San Francisco Bay.
Debra is proud to be a part of an agency where employees are really committed to their work and their communities – it’s what has kept her here for 23 years. Whether she’s training new inspectors or managing interns, Debra has been reflecting a lot on her future—and EBMUD’s. She encourages youth, particularly women and minorities, to get involved early in this career path that’s ultimately about protecting our Bay Area home.
“Our job is to protect the Bay. This is my home. And you want to take care of where you live. I have tons of nieces and nephews. When I leave here, I want to make sure I leave a clean and safe environment.”