In celebration of Women’s History Month, we recognize the women across our organization whose perseverance and leadership strengthen our workforce and community. This year, we spotlight Amanda Sullivan, a Park Section Supervisor with the San Francisco Water Division (SFWD), whose 25-year City career reflects resilience, grit, and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship.

Growing Through the Hard Seasons

Amanda’s journey into the trades was not easy. While studying horticulture at City College of San Francisco, she experienced homelessness and was unable to complete her degree. After her first marriage ended, she was raising three children on her own and searching for a more fulfilling career, when a friend handed her a job announcement for a City gardener position.

Nearly 500 people took the civil service exam that cycle. Amanda, with her knowledge of plants and landscaping, not only passed with flying colors — she ranked high. The life of stability that she sought was now within reach, as she started earning higher wages and employee benefits in her new position as a gardener.

“It felt like I won the lottery," said Amanda. “I went from being on welfare to working for the City. It felt fantastic to know I could support my family without having to count on someone else.”

Rooted in Resilience

Giving up was never option, Amanda recalls. She credits her strength to her mother, a union cafeteria worker who raised her alone after her father passed away. From her, Amanda learned perseverance and self-reliance. “You don’t need a man — you might want one — but you don’t need one,” she says.

That mindset carried her through the tough times of being a single parent and making her way in her new career. She started first at the Department of Public Works before moving to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). Today, Amanda maintains landscapes and reservoir sites, primarily around Twin Peaks. Her work includes irrigation, installation, mowing, and protecting critical infrastructure while educating the public about its purpose. “I love my job because of nature,” she says. “There are so many people in San Francisco who care about maintaining the environment.”

Leading the Way for Women in the Trades

Amanda hopes to see more women be part of the next generation of gardeners and horticulturalists. “I am one of eight gardeners in the landscape department, and currently the last woman on my crew. It’s physically demanding work, but it offers stability, strong benefits, and a good living," she says.

As a mother of four daughters, she is passionate about women supporting women and modeling strength and independence. “It’s all inside of us,” she says. “We can succeed. We can lead. We can support each other.”

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate Amanda’s journey — from hardship to leadership — and her commitment to stewardship, mentorship, and empowering the next generation.