Celebrating the Trailblazing Women of ALCOSAN
This Women's History Month, we invite you to embark on an inspiring and reflective journey that highlights the empowering women of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority. These remarkable individuals have forged a path for future generations in the wastewater industry. Their stories serve as a reminder of the incredible impact women can have as vital agents of change. We are proud to share their inspiring journeys today and beyond.
Who is Barbara?
Barbara Thoennes was born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin. She lived temporarily in Florida at age 11 before returning to her hometown after graduating high school.In 1967, a simple trip to the unemployment office turned into a lifelong calling. "The girl I was talking to said, ‘I’ve got something here, but you might not be interested,’" Ms. Thoennes remembered. But when she heard it was at a wastewater treatment plant, she didn’t flinch.
As the only woman working at the Racine wastewater facility then, she collected samples, ran lab tests, and answered phones—all while building friendships with her coworkers and fishing on her lunch breaks beside Lake Michigan. In that moment, she didn’t just find a job—she found her purpose.
A New City, A Familiar Calling
When her husband received a job offer in Pittsburgh, Ms. Thoennes made the move without hesitation. She didn’t know how to contact the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN), but she didn’t give up. With persistence and a phone operator's help, she found her way back into the field she loved. Her journey with ALCOSAN began in 1974 as a lab assistant/technician, earning $600 a month. From there, her résumé became a roadmap of growth and grit: shift laborer, dispatcher, vacuum filter helper, truck shipment operator, and field inspector, to name a few. She worked with 80,000-pound trucks and navigated the demanding work of the Main Pump Station—all at a time when many still believed these were “not women’s jobs.”
Changing the Culture from the Inside Out
Ms. Thoennes didn’t just perform her duties—she transformed the perception of what women could do in wastewater. When she arrived at ALCOSAN, the lab employees were not unionized. She was proud to be the first woman to enter through the union, opening doors for others to access the same rights and protections. She spoke honestly about the physical demands of the work: the heavy machinery, the long hours, and the technical precision required. But for her, the job was never about proving anything to others—it was about doing the work well. Through it all, Ms. Thoennes was never alone. One of her guiding lights at ALCOSAN was Arletta Scott Williams, whom she remembered fondly: “She was very fair—she was a great supervisor.”
A Love for the Work—and the City
Ms. Thoennes’s love for wastewater treatment was matched only by her love for Pittsburgh. “The very best thing that ever happened to me was going to Pittsburgh”, she shared. She embraced her adopted city with open arms, from the hills and trees to the restaurants and neighborhoods. Living in Beechview, she enjoyed being close to the stadiums and cultural attractions. Compared to flat Racine, the steel city’s landscape was a refreshing change—and its people, she says, were even better. “I hope that place never changes.”
Barbara as a Voice for Women and Girls in Wastewater
Ms. Thoennes’s story is a powerful reminder that trailblazing doesn’t always mean taking giant leaps—it means showing up, speaking up, and making room for others to rise. She proved that women belong in every room, every truck, and every lab. And she encouraged other women to take the leap: “If you can do the job, do it” she said. She helped pave the way for future generations.
Barbara on Life After Retirement
Ms. Thoennes retired from ALCOSAN in January 1997, capping off a career filled with breakthroughs, friendships, and hard-earned progress. But retirement didn’t slow her down. She took on part-time jobs to stay active and eventually moved to Stuart, Florida, to be closer to her family. Today, she continues to serve others by volunteering for hospice care and sharing her time and compassion with those who need it most. She also enjoys the quieter moments—caring for her cat and reflecting on a life lived fully and intentionally.
Who is Shelly?
Rochelle “Shelly” Bradshaw’s story is not just one of resilience—it is a masterclass in perseverance, purpose, and breaking barriers. From her roots in Pittsburgh’s Hill District to 33 years of dedicated service at ALCOSAN, Ms. Bradshaw’s journey is a testament to the strength of character, the value of hard work, and the power of representation.
Her connection to ALCOSAN began before she could even imagine it would shape the rest of her life. Like most people, she had never thought much about what happened after a toilet flush—until she started working summer jobs with ALCOSAN in high school in April 1977. In September 1978, at 18 years old, Ms. Bradshaw became a full-time custodial laborer at ALCOSAN, officially planting the first seeds of a groundbreaking career. As she saw it, this position was more than just cleaning—it was a doorway. It gave her access to union protections, upward mobility, and a path to higher-paying, skilled positions across the plant. In July 1981, Ms. Bradshaw became the first woman to work as a laborer in Interceptor Maintenance. In this role, she crawled through manholes, cut weeds, and built structures to provide access to manholes.
Becoming the Rebel
The title “Rebel” wasn’t one Ms. Bradshaw chose—it was one she earned. Her strength came from her upbringing with five brothers. And when the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated workplace became overwhelming, Ms. Bradshaw leaned on her biggest cheerleader: ALCOSAN’s Executive Director, Arletta Scott Williams. “We boosted each other,” she said. “She helped me stay strong, and I gave her boost talks, too.” Ms. Bradshaw’s work ethic, determination, and refusal to back down had ripple effects on generations of women. She mentored younger women who entered the plant, offered them real advice, and reminded them of their value.
No Job Too Tough, No Dream Too Big
Over her three-decade career, Ms. Bradshaw did it all. She laid concrete, loaded chlorine, cleaned filters, worked holidays and weekends, operated overhead cranes, painted the ALCOSAN boat (her favorite!), and took on shift work to support her family. Every time she was told she couldn’t do something, she proved she could. Even when she faced medical issues later in her career, Ms. Bradshaw’s seniority and dedication helped her return to a role she loved—Storekeeper in the storeroom, where she says, “That’s when everybody started treating me friendly—because I had something they needed.”
A Legacy that Lives On
Ms. Bradshaw retired from ALCOSAN on November 1, 2011, after 33 years of service. She continues to inspire through her story and takes great pride in seeing new generations—including the students involved in ALCOSAN’s Scholastic Outreach & Education programs—learn about the importance of clean water and public service. “I didn’t know where the water went back then,” she said. “But these young kids now—they get to see where it goes. That’s a good thing. Without ALCOSAN, we’d be in some serious trouble as far as water is concerned. I still worry about it even though I’m gone,” she reflected. Ms. Bradshaw is more than a former employee—she’s a cornerstone of ALCOSAN’s history. Her grit, courage, and unshakable belief in herself helped transform the Authority into a more inclusive, stronger, and more forward-thinking place. If you ask Ms. Bradshaw if she’d do it all again, her answer is simple: “Yes, I would—because I wouldn’t be where I’m at without it.”
Shelly on Life After Retirement
Today, Ms. Bradshaw is enjoying retirement with her husband and their four grandchildren, staying active and involved in their lives; and soaking in every moment.
Who is Jan?
Jan Oliver grew up in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, and attended West Mifflin North High School, graduating in 1977. Kennywood Amusement Park was within walking distance of her childhood home, and she fondly remembers swimming in their pool on hot summer days.
Ms. Oliver pursued further education at Point Park College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology. “It was a small school, and I received help whenever I requested it,” she recalled. This bold endeavor reflects her determination and passion for watching things come to life, ultimately leading her to work for ALCOSAN, where she found fulfillment in her love for construction. She also reminisced about having her daughter, Danielle, who was ten when Ms. Oliver started college at 27.
Jan on Work Experience at ALCOSAN
Ms. Oliver was hired by the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority on March 11, 1991, as a civil engineer in the engineering and construction division. In 1996, she was promoted to Manager of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs). In this role, she played a key part in developing a conceptual plan to address the problems associated with combined sewer overflows in the region. “We gathered a lot of hydraulic and hydrologic information, created a model of the interceptor system, and utilized years of rainfall data. We determined a level of control,” she stated.
In March 1999, Ms. Oliver became the manager of wet weather programs and was promoted again to Director of Regional Conveyance. She was the first woman to lead this division, which had been formed from the engineering and construction division. These positions were created to consolidate ALCOSAN's resources in response to evolving federal weather regulations.
Ms. Oliver appreciated her experience in wastewater treatment and valued the importance of ALCOSAN's ongoing work. “Wastewater management means cleaner water. It is such a worthy cause, making it easy to be dedicated,” she said.
Jan on Workplace Culture for Women
Ms. Oliver reflected on the positive changes in workplace culture at ALCOSAN. "More women were entering the engineering field, and ALCOSAN has been fortunate to hire many of them, whether directly or through consulting engineering firms," she stated. Ms. Oliver recalls attending business meetings where she had been the only woman at the table. “I might have felt intimidated for a moment, but you suck it up and do the job,” she said. She treasures the memories of women uniting to achieve remarkable things for ALCOSAN and has been a guiding light for others, sharing her knowledge and insights throughout the years.
Ms. Oliver reminisced about the then-Director of Operations and Maintenance recognizing her as the "obvious choice" for the Director position of Regional Conveyance and offering support in any way he could. To this day, she honors Mr. Hannum and her father, whom she admires for their calm demeanor when facing unique challenges. Ms. Oliver’s journey emphasizes the power of perseverance, unity, and mentorship in creating greatness for other women.
Jan on Highlights of her Career and Life After Retirement
Ms. Oliver achieved numerous successes during her time at ALCOSAN. She reflected, “My work at ALCOSAN is some of the finest memories of my life. I was very pleased to be in a position of influence. Although I wasn't born into engineering, I was well-equipped for the lobbying, negotiating, and management that the role required."
Some highlights of her career included improving access to structures to meet the inspection frequency, overseeing flow monitoring, establishing GIS mapping of the interceptor system, and rehabilitating pump stations, diversion structures, and sewer lines. All these duties were critical to meet the expectations of the ALCOSAN Federal Consent Decree.
On July 1, 2021, Ms. Oliver retired from ALCOSAN. She shared how much she enjoys retirement, reveling in activities such as traveling, reading, cooking, golfing, and other pursuits that excite her.
Who is Yvonne?
Yvonne Coston is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and grew up in the Manchester neighborhood on the city's North Side. She graduated from Allegheny High School and worked as a store clerk at Joseph Hornes.
After a period of employment with the department store, Yvonne recalled when her friend took her to the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) for the first time, and she still vividly remembers the distinctive smell in the air. There, Yvonne took aptitude and typing tests in May 1975, which paved the way for her career at ALCOSAN.
Yvonne’s Career at ALCOSAN
In July 1975, Ms. Coston was hired by ALCOSAN as a cashier in the Billing and Collecting department. She recalls her significant pay increase compared to her previous job at Joseph Hornes. "I was making $1.65 an hour at Joseph Hornes and $4.75 an hour working for ALCOSAN," she shared. With her office skills and knowledge of typing, Ms. Coston continued working in the Billing and Collecting department for four years. In 1979, she transitioned to a custodial maintenance position, which came with a pay increase of more than $14 per hour. Ms. Coston worked in Operations and Maintenance for 13 years before moving to the Storeroom for nearly three years. She then returned to Operations for the remainder of her career.
Yvonne Reflects on Workplace Milestones and Experiences
One significant cultural change Ms. Coston recalled was the impact of maternity leave laws for women. She noted, “Laws were changing between 1975 and 1977, and some pregnant women lost their jobs. Strikes were occurring, and eventually, the union implemented maternity leave. This change happened right before I had my girls.”
Ms. Coston also shared her memories of workplace milestones at ALCOSAN. She reminisced about when Arletta Scott Williams, now the executive director, began her career at ALCOSAN as a shift engineer and was Ms. Coston's direct supervisor. “I was working in the incinerator building, and Arletta was one of the few women shift engineers. Most of the other engineers were retiring due to old age. We are still good friends today, and she was one of the best supervisors I’ve ever had,” Ms. Coston stated.
She explained how passionate Ms. Williams was about starting the Scholastic Outreach and Education department. “That was her dream. She wanted children to learn about wastewater treatment. I remember when she initiated summer programs and camps for kids.” The ALCOSAN Scholastic Outreach and Education division has grown to nearly 20 employees, nine of whom are educators who go into classrooms to teach children of various grade levels about ALCOSAN’s wastewater treatment process.
Ms. Coston recalled that Ms. Williams also created the first version of the mascot Frankie the Fish and organized the first Open House event. “During the first Open House, I may have been on swing shift, but the event always amazed me. It was always a positive experience, and we gave away so much food.
When discussing the expansion of the plant, which is a pillar of the ALCOSAN Clean Water Plan aimed at reducing combined sewer overflows, Ms. Coston reflected on how smaller the plant was when she first started. "There were only six clarifiers when I began, and it really [was] a fantastic place to work," she shared. Today, ALCOSAN operates 16 clarifiers, with two additional clarifiers currently being added as part of the Clean Water Plan’s North End Expansion project.
Yvonne’s Life Advice to Young Women and Girls in Wastewater
We asked Ms. Coston what advice she would give to a young woman in the wastewater field, she said, “ALCOSAN will give you the training you need to succeed. If I can do it, you can do it. Learn more. It allows you to challenge yourself to learn something different.” She also says, “Keep your property up. Keep your car up. As you get older, it’s not easy. Keep it up since it's an investment.”
Yvonne on Life After Retirement
On June 1, 2014, after 39 remarkable years of service at the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, Yvonne Coston retired as a shift worker in the Operations and Maintenance division. “Every time I drive across the McKees Rocks Bridge, I say, ‘Thanks, ALCOSAN!’” conveying her heartfelt gratitude for the organization. She cherishes the lasting friendships forged during her career, keeping the bonds strong. As of October 2024, Ms. Coston now calls Sumter, South Carolina, home, occasionally returning to Pittsburgh to reconnect with family and friends.
Who is Dona?
Dona Martin McDonald grew up on Herron Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood. Ms. McDonald graduated from Carrick High School and began to work for Kaufmann’s in the South Hills area.
She then transferred to Kaufmann’s store in Downtown Pittsburgh in the shoe department, which she loved. When asked how she got a job at ALCOSAN, she recalled, “I had a friend who worked at the Post Office and asked me if I wanted a job at ALCOSAN. I said, ‘What in the world is ALCOSAN?’” She then found out later that the agency responsible for treating the region’s wastewater and stormwater would be her lifelong career for 39 years.
Dona’s Career at ALCOSAN
On January 5th, 1967, at 19 years old, Ms. McDonald was hired as a cashier in the Billing and Collection department. In 1968, she got married and started her family and was rehired on March 1st, 1971, in the Key Punch department again as a cashier for 11 years. Ms. McDonald then left the department to go into the plant as an operator in secondary treatment. She reminisced, “When I got to secondary, I loved that. I was working with the males. You had to learn their personalities. Once we became friends, I could do no wrong. When we had the outages, that’s when you really shined.” Ms. McDonald held other positions during her tenure at ALCOSAN. She was a lab clerk for a few months before working as a laborer for two years, then worked for 22 years as a shift worker again for secondary treatment. She received her stationary engineering certification in 1971 from the City of Pittsburgh. This licensure requires any person who controls or operates pipes, boilers, and stationaries under water pressure.
Dona Reflects on Historical Moments at ALCOSAN
Ms. McDonald shared her insights into a significant moment in workplace culture at ALCOSAN. She shared, “More women were coming out of the office and bidding for plant jobs. I was [one of] the first and only female [operators] in the history of ALCOSAN.” With pride, she reflected, “I loved the job and the people I worked with.” Ms. McDonald expressed her admiration for women who were challenging themselves, realizing they didn’t have to conform to desk jobs and could acquire the same knowledge and skills to succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Dona’s Life Advice to Young Women and Girls in Wastewater
Ms. McDonald emphasized the importance of leaving a legacy for women, stating, “Be willing to pass the baton.” She discussed the significance of encouraging and uplifting others while providing guidance. She fondly recalled Arletta Scott Williams as a profound mentor in her career: “She was always all business. She assisted with various tasks, and I remember she even put together a booklet about the different pumps for me. She was always right there when you needed her.”
Ms. McDonald expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work at ALCOSAN and her strong commitment to wastewater treatment and clean water. She values her mentors, particularly Bill Lang, who she describes as “very helpful and very patient,” and Fred Fields, her supervisor in the Industrial Waste department.
Dona on Life After Retirement
Dona Martin McDonald retired from ALCOSAN on February 16th, 2007, after 39 years of service. She and her husband reside in the Knoxville neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Today, Ms. McDonald enjoys sleeping in, helping her husband with his business, attending various plays, and playing bingo.
