The City of Tampa is celebrating Women’s History Month by recognizing the dedicated women breaking barriers in the city’s solid waste department. 聽After a challenging hurricane season last year, it is only fitting to spotlight the women who keep the City of Tampa clean and beautiful every day.
” In every city department, women have made their mark and contribution in countless ways to Tampa’s growth and success,” said Mayor Jane Castor. This month, we want to take a moment to honor the women in our Solid Waste Department, especially those out in the field, boots on the ground, making a difference in our community”.
Meet Tampa’s “Fabulous Five” in Solid Waste:
- Richele Jenkins: The first woman automated side loader driver for the City of Tampa. She operates trucks with mechanical arms that lift and empty trash bins.
- Trekina Hall: A committed driver keeping Tampa’s waste collection system running smoothly.
- Christine Matthews: A tractor-trailer and special equipment operator at the McKay Bay Transfer Station.
- Emani Johnson & TaNesha Jones: Service attendants who play a critical role in ensuring the efficiency of solid waste operations.
Dubbed the “Fabulous Five,” these women embody resilience, skill and dedication in an essential industry.
In 2020, the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) reported that women made up just 1% of the 116,000 solid waste workers in the U.S. Fast forward to 2022, women truck drivers in solid waste continued to grow, increasing to 13.7% in 2022.
The City of Tampa is committed to increasing opportunities for women in solid waste by offering competitive pay, excellent benefits and opportunities for advancement.
“This field offers a path to success for those ready to take the wheel,” said Director Larry Washington. “We encourage women across Tampa to explore careers in solid waste and join our Fabulous Five in paving the way and shaping the future of this industry.”