Rachel Gordon is the director of policy and communications at Public Works. After working for decades as a newspaper reporter covering the City Hall beat, she made the switch to public service. She talks about the similarities between working as a journalist and handling the department’s communications, reflects on her lifetime connections to San Francisco and highlights the importance of talking to people to learn their stories.

DiJaida Durden is the deputy director for Operations at Public Works. Rising up through the ranks as a cement mason in a male-dominated field, Durden had to deal with pushback from her male colleagues and supervisors almost from the start. But despite the many hurdles and challenges, she kept persevering. Durden reflects on a trailblazing journey and talks about the obstacles women face in the workplace.

Julia Laue is the principal architect and bureau manager for the Bureau of Architecture at Public Works. An Oregon native whose initial short-term move to San Francisco ended up stretching into decades, Laue’s love for the City and its spectacular architecture and natural beauty runs deep. But in the traditionally male-dominated profession, there were challenges, too, from enduring catcalls on job sites to getting disrespected by male peers. Laue talks about the need for women to step up and not shy away from being more assertive, shares tips on preparing for a job interview and highlights the importance of showing empathy as a manager.

Jasmine Kaw is a landscape architect with Public Works. With a background in the nonprofit world, Kaw views landscape architecture as a field that can influence the greater good and empower communities. She talks about why she believes leadership transcends job titles and “is in all of us,” recounts the obstacles she faced as a woman in the profession and explains why self-reflection is important.

Jennifer Marquez is the finance manager for Public Works. Having left the Philippines at age 17, she recounts her journey from the hospitality industry to Public Works, details her passion for learning and explains why it’s important to cultivate an environment where her team members feel comfortable disagreeing with her.

Christine Tang is a civil engineer and project manager within the Building, Design and Construction division. She recounts how her recreational online gaming skills during college helped her land an internship with Public Works, reflects on bridging cultures as a Chinese American and talks about the power of tapping into your emotions.

Natasha Reed is an associate engineer with the construction management division in the project controls and assurances group. A former student-athlete in college, Reed reflects on the challenges of studying engineering while growing into a leader on the court, talks about her winding career path — from McDonald’s to the Navy to Public Works — after graduating at the height of the financial crisis and highlights the barriers women of color often face in the workplace.

Jocelle Alberto is the acting IT applications manager for Public Works. Working in a field long dominated by men, Alberto talks about the challenges women can face trying to be heard and taken seriously working in information technology. But through it all, the long-distance runner continues striding toward growth and opportunity.

Laura Tanigawa is the acting bureau manager for the Bureau of Construction Management within the Building, Design and Construction division. Having spent more than 30 years in the industry, Tanigawa talks about why she thinks she has “the best job in the whole city,” shares what she wishes she had known when she first started out and reflects on our purpose in life.

Lesley Wong is the section manager for the hydraulics section within the Bureau of Engineering. From tagging along with her dad to help him replace light fixtures and outlets when she was a little girl to studying with her mom who learned PowerPoint just so she could be a resource, Wong talks about the impact family has had on her – then and now. She highlights the importance of speaking up in the workplace and showing humility as a leader.