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Writer's pictureCharli K. Matthews

Meet Daveda Quinn, Chemist and Clean Water Enthusiasts



What does Empowering Women in Industry mean to you? Empowering Women in Industry means that women will have an opportunity to share, mentor, and encourage other women to have a voice in the job market, be able to help others succeed, and motivate one another.


How did you get started in your field? I got started through an internship. I was in college working on my Bachelor of Science Degree, awaiting clinicals, and I saw a summer position posted at the City of Saginaw Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). I interviewed for the internship and I was accepted. I was offered a job, soon after and I took it. I worked at the Water and WWTP in various positions for twenty two years before I retired. Then I accepted a new job as the Industrial Pretreatment Supervisor(IPP) in Jackson, MI. After several years, I was promoted to Chemist/IPP Supervisor. It's been thirty two years now, and I love it.


What do you love most about your job? What are you most proud of? Working with a great group of people who love water, water treatment and making sure it stays clean. I enjoy educating and training students and the community about the importance of the water. I travel near and far to teach others about the importance of our most treasured resource: Water. Recently I was asked to make a STEM related video of women in the Science field. It aired on WKAR - Curious Careers and can be found on PBS. Here is a link: https://vimeo.com/msucas/review/310428918/3207351edc


What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work?

Follow your passion! If a STEM related career is for you, find opportunities to volunteer in organizations near you, like AWWA, MWEA, Water for People, WEF and find a college near you to get an education in a water/wastewater career, science or engineering.


Anything else to add? I have been working in this field for thirty two years and when I started I was told by a teacher in college to give up, that I could not achieve because of the color of my skin. I am an achiever, I have always had to work harder, do more, just to be accepted into the room as a woman, a black woman, and as a leader. This month I will accept an Award as the Educational Professional of the Year at the Michigan Water Environmental Association (MWEA) in Boyne Mountain, MI. Thank you for allowing to tell my story.

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