Team Member Spotlight: Latonia Wilson

From Apprenticeship to Leadership

In 2002, Latonia Wilson began her journey at DWSD as a Mechanical Millwright Apprentice. Today, she leads a team of Mechanical Maintenance Technicians at GLWA. Over the past decade, GLWA has evolved in many ways, from company size to infrastructure, but one of the most valued developments, Latonia says, is leadership. 

“There’s more thought put into it, more trainings, and more care into how they’re trying to mold the leadership, which transfers to the workers.” 

A decade ago, a leadership role wasn’t in Latonia’s career trajectory, but the past ten years at GLWA shifted her perspective. Over time, she developed a sense of self-assuredness that has been pivotal to her success as a Team Leader. Today, the trust and rapport Latonia has established with her team has cultivated an environment for an efficient crew that values her leadership.

The Next Ten Years

“What excites me in the next 10 years is longevity with my team,” she said. “Growing them, making them better, allowing them to see their goals through, and helping them get to the next level.” 

Latonia has had many moments of self-doubt over her 23-year career in the water sector, but endurance, perseverance, and reminding herself of her own worthiness are the virtues that have empowered her to persist. For fellow women in the water industry, especially those experiencing the same feelings of self-doubt that Latonia once did, she leaves behind this powerful sentiment:  

 “You were chosen for a reason—prove them right.”