November 2019 … Healthy NewsWorks is pleased to welcome Sharon Manker, the supplier diversity coordinator for American Water, as a new member of its board.
Sharon manages American Water’s national supplier diversity program strategy for regulated state operations and recently co-chaired a inaugural Supplier Diversity Summit for the company featuring women-, veteran-, and minority-owned suppliers. Earlier in her career, she worked in various roles for Independence Mission Schools, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and the University of Pennsylvania Health Systems.
Sharon earned a Master of Education with specialization in organizational leadership from Northcentral University and a Bachelor of Science in communications and applied technology from Drexel University. She is a Philadelphia native and attended Philadelphia parochial schools.
Sharon said she became interested in Healthy NewsWorks and was motivated to connect American Water with it because the program gives children the opportunity to meet and interview people who are making a difference in their communities’ health and safety.
“I grew up in West Philadelphia and I had my own challenges in a rough neighborhood,” she said. “Showing kids that they are worth investing time into is important to me. Showing children that there are other role models besides athletes and music icons is important to me.”
As part of her role on the board, Sharon plans to set up opportunities for Healthy NewsWorks student reporters to meet American Water employees and visit the company’s headquarters in Camden.
“Working at American Water has been an eye-opening experience on understanding the value of water as a resource to sustain life,” she said. “I work with brilliant people who really care about the environment and whom I believe are some great role models to pique the interest of kids in STEM-related careers.”
Marian Uhlman, executive director of Healthy NewsWorks, said, “We are very excited to have Sharon join our board. She has tremendous energy and enthusiasm and many creative ideas for helping Healthy NewsWorks engage with more children and the community.”
To learn more about the Healthy NewsWorks board visit our Who we are page.
